LED Tape is the simple and effective way of creating fantastic colour changing ambiance at the touch of a button. In addition to your strip light and transformer, you will require a controller, which is the device that governs the colour of the RGB LEDs.
The controller typically consists of two units; the control box and remote. To get started the control box needs to be wired up between the transformer and LED Tape. Working together they allow you to manipulate the colour changing properties of your strip lights, offering various static and dynamic modes, with variable speeds and brightness's.
The two main types of controller available are IR and RF. The type you choose depends on the context and application of your strip lights.
IR stands for infrared and refers to the means of communication between the remote and control box. The remote features an infra red LED, which communicates with a corresponding red eye sensor on the control box. In order to work a direct line of sight between the remote and control box needs to be maintained.
You will usually find that the red eye sensor is attached to length of wire, allowing you to position it for maximum effectiveness. If you are using more than one set of LED Tape each will have to be controlled independently and you won't be able to synchronise them.
RF stands for radio frequency. Instead of infrared radiation, the controller relies on radio wave frequencies. One of the main advantages offered by the IR Controller is that it does not require direct line of sight in order to work. Instead, you can operate the Tape so long as you are within proximity of the control box. This means the control box can be concealed in ceiling spaces or behind walls, making the entire setup a little more discrete.
Moreover, if you are using more than one set of LED tape you will be able to communicate with them all simultaneously off a single controller. This allows you to synchronise more than one set of strips in order to create maximum effect.
Due to their added functionality, RF controllers for LED Tape are generally more expensive, though not by much. If you feel you are going to be restricted in terms of your controller placement or want a more inconspicuous setup, then an RF controller, despite its extra cost, will serve your purposes better.
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