Hate when manufacturers that use this layout

108CAM

108CAM

Proud to have the largest display on my street!
Joined
Nov 22, 2022
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A long lead in cable rendered useless as a result of a poorly placed controller that's less than a metre from the first light. This means I have to position the light right next to the weatherproof cable box so I can protect both the control box and transformer from getting wet.
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Some of those control boxes are weatherproof already. So there may be no issue with it being outside.
 
Well it seems like what I thought was an obsolete design is coming back.
Just opened up some new items and was shocked to see that this ancient design has made a comeback.
I really don't want to be cutting the wires of brand new lights so now I'll have to sacrifice more containers to protect the controllers.
 
Skymaster said:
Some of those control boxes are weatherproof already. So there may be no issue with it being outside.
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I stand by this comment again.
All the ones I have ever had say that only the transformer needs to be inside (because of the mains) - and the controller is perfectly fine in the weather, no box required. Check the specific lights at hand.
Realistically there are thousands, if not more, of these lights sets being put out every year, and they will be designed for the (mostly) lowest common denominator of thinking.
 
I always cut both the control box out, double heat shrink it onto the original lead and then tin the ends for screwing down into the distro strips, which then have multi-core industrial power (each conductor labeled every 5cm) go back to the L298's

the next time I blow them up I might even fuse them ;|
 
I have seen, plenty of times, those plugin transformers used outside in the weather. I wouldnt personally recommend it.. but the ones I've seen seem to be ok.

You can get "wetherproof" boxes used for traditional xmas lights, that you can put a powerboard and plugs in to keep them out of the weather.. also wouldnt think it would be too hard to put the little controller in a box and silicon the wire entry slots to keep out the rains.

Could it be designed better.. probably.. but they make this stuff for a price.

Kimbo
 
Kimbo3000 said:
I have seen, plenty of times, those plugin transformers used outside in the weather. I wouldnt personally recommend it.. but the ones I've seen seem to be ok.

You can get "wetherproof" boxes used for traditional xmas lights, that you can put a powerboard and plugs in to keep them out of the weather.. also wouldnt think it would be too hard to put the little controller in a box and silicon the wire entry slots to keep out the rains.

Could it be designed better.. probably.. but they make this stuff for a price.

Kimbo
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Kmart storage tubs work great at 1/4 the cost.
 
Notenoughlights said:
Kmart storage tubs work great at 1/4 the cost.
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All storage tubs I've purchased from kmart/bunnings have not been very UV resistant.. but then again I wasnt necessarily buying them for use outside. So that could have something to do with it.
 
Kimbo3000 said:
All storage tubs I've purchased from kmart/bunnings have not been very UV resistant.. but then again I wasnt necessarily buying them for use outside. So that could have something to do with it.
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They're not, but will last a few seasons. I've had those waterproof boxes last just as long. If you cover the boxes with something like weed mat. It helps hide them at night and protect them during the day
 
Kimbo3000 said:
I have seen, plenty of times, those plugin transformers used outside in the weather. I wouldnt personally recommend it.. but the ones I've seen seem to be ok.

You can get "wetherproof" boxes used for traditional xmas lights, that you can put a powerboard and plugs in to keep them out of the weather.. also wouldnt think it would be too hard to put the little controller in a box and silicon the wire entry slots to keep out the rains.

Could it be designed better.. probably.. but they make this stuff for a price.

Kimbo
Click to expand...
I have plenty of weatherproof boxes and they do a great job. So far, I've only lost a single controller
 
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