Hello, I was thinking on making an RGB Led dimmer to use with the REG Led Strips
I'm not sure how to search for a ready made project of this type, so I want to ask you if you can guide me, which is the best way to make one of this.
What I made to test, and worked, is a simple 5K potentiometer and a 5,6 KOhms resistor connected this way.
It works yes, but I'm sure it can be made 100 times better and more efficient.
And what I noticed with my setup is that when going to the high part when I get close to the max in the potentiometer, the leds make a jump to fully on.
Well, I'm open to hear ideas on how is the right way to do this.
Well no, I'm open to everything, adding more resistors, or transistors if needed, and so on.
I'll try your setup, but removing the 5.6Kohm resistor, it's not needed in line with the led strip, as every 3 leds, the strip has it's own resistor already.
(I added that in my design bc I noticed that with that resistor there, I got the whole range for the potentiometer from 0% to 100% with other values, the led strip remained lighted on, even with the pot on low, or started lighting after 50% of the pot was turned.
Runaway Pancake: I will upload a photo and the data I have on the afternoon.
fungus: Thanks, I think I saw something about the PWM, but I wasn't sure that was what I was needing. I'll take a look at those. PS: It has nothing to do with PWM from the Arduino right?
American2020:
PS: It has nothing to do with PWM from the Arduino right?
You're not using an Arduino do do this?
No, at this point the idea is to make a dimmer, but not depending of an Arduino (Later yes I will probably do that using the arduino and PWM to make the led strip change color with a code) but for now the idea is just a Led Strip dimmer so I can mix "by hand" the amount of each color.
The led strip I'm using for testing is one just white of the 35x28 ones (Photo attached to illustrate) I think it's 400mA x 1 meter.
Later I will use the 50x60 ones and those are about 1.2 Amp x 1 meter.
So yes, the idea will be to build something "solid" that can handle 5 to 10 Amps
And later for the RGB I think that current gets divide in 3 channel but yes, been able to handle 5Amps per channel will be good.
American2020:
But now my doubt is. I have to go with PWM even if no using an Arduino right now?
No, but this is an Arduino forum so I'm not allowed to tell you how to do it.
LOL XD
Ok, I thought this section "General Electronics" was exactly for this, General Electronics, even if they were not related with Arduino
Well, anyway, how to make it for Arduino will be helpful also, as this is the next step on my project Having the strip changing colors controlled by the arduino.
American2020:
But now my doubt is. I have to go with PWM even if no using an Arduino right now?
No, but this is an Arduino forum so I'm not allowed to tell you how to do it.
LOL XD
Ok, I thought this section "General Electronics" was exactly for this, General Electronics, even if they were not related with Arduino
Well, anyway, how to make it for Arduino will be helpful also, as this is the next step on my project Having the strip changing colors controlled by the arduino.
Thanks fungus.
fungus (He) is just kidding.
PWM Dimming Controller For LED Lights or Ribbon, 12 Volt 8 Amp, 3301
PWM Dimming Controller For LED Lights or Ribbon, 12 Volt 8 Amp, 3301
Price: $6.75 & FREE two-day Shipping Amazon
I would love to live in USA and that would make things 100 times easier and cheaper. I know I probably can get one of those in Argentina, but for sure I'll pay 3 times that.
Plus, making it myself is a way to learn, and reduce costs
That is around... u$s 20.00
and that one is around... u$s 10.00
Well, I probably should go and buy one of each, but my idea was to learn to make them
Actually, now that I see, the 2nd one doesn't look like a bad option, and I could take the schematic from one of those to make the 3 channels one later... Right?
American2020:
I would love to live in USA and that would make things 100 times easier and cheaper.
No, You need to move to Shenzhen, China. My classmate who run R/D company at Shenzhen. He order and get delivery parts faster than I order Chinese food from next block restaurant!
