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Author: den_olli
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Portable addressable led strip tester

den_olli

in the office building I work we have DIY addressable led strips surrounding every floor of the building to make it glow at night. It's a part of my job to maintain this setup and unfortunately the setup breaks down a lot.

 

We we got a defect then I have to open up the sealing and get the 3m long led bar out and take it to the warehouse to test the led strip. I have already bought a wireless soldering iron so I can do small repairs without taking the led strip out of the sealing, but I still need to get it out if I want to connect it to the test unit.

 

It would really be great if I would have sort of a portable addressable led strip tester, that can run the following tests

- put all led's to red

- put all led's to green

- put all led's to blue

- put all led's to white

- slow nightrider mode 1 led at a time

- put all led's to black (off)

 

this would save me a lot of time and I guess it would be a great tool for everyone that uses addressable led strips in there projects

I'm trying to figure out a way to make such tester, but the main problem I have is how to deliver enough power for the 3 meter long led strip?

Anonymous
  • in reply to den_olli

    Hi oliver , can you post your fix instalation schematic and one for what you imagine for testing ?

    (are you frensh?)

  • in reply to den_olli

    but then I need to be able to proof first that it isn't safe

    In that vein then, are you able to take detailed photos of the connections (ie not the actual controller details).

     

    We can offer some advice, and points for futher testing that would allow you to put together a report to your management.

     

    I have no actual issue with the LED's but I do think the way they manage the DC load could be improved to make it safer, reliable and much easier to manage.

     

     

     

    Mark

  • in reply to mcb1

    I don't know a lot about the custom controller, but I know that the power of the strips is via 1,5mm wires instead of the default wires an that it's connected to a few places on the strip.

    And to be honest, I'm also not convinced that there design is save. I want to make it better and safer, but then I need to be able to proof first that it isn't safe

  • in reply to shabaz

    It appears the power supply is here.

    RS-150-MEAN WELL Switching Power Supply Manufacturer

     

    It has a hiccup type overload system, but that doesn't help the wiring issues.

    I also struggle with the connectors that are shown in the photo.

    26A is a lot to expect form the style used, unless they feed the DC from both ends.

     

    As we know breaking the sections up into smaller size is a better option, esecially when the LED concentration is so high.

     

     

    Mark

  • in reply to mcb1

    mcb1 wrote:

     

    It sounds very much that the system was not designed to be easily serviced (sadly a common problem)

     

    It is probably a fire hazard too. From the photo, I can't believe those wires are anything other than low-temperature flammable hobby grade stuff, with a 26A-capable supply connected. Probably unfused too, so prossibility of flames when (I won't even say 'if') a short occurs. It is extreme incompetence to fit such a huge amount of aliexpress sourced lighting into a building.