Powering RGB Strip w/o controller

garyjac1

Apprentice elf
Joined
Dec 26, 2012
Messages
51
Location
Dalby
G'Day All,

I cut a small number (5) of RGB pixels from a string for testing -- didn't want to blow a 100 at once :))

Checked the power connections (12VDC, btw) and noted blue wire was GND and Black wire was 12VDC+ with Green as DAT and Red as CLK.

OK, if I connect just the power across Black(+) and Blue (-) appropriately then I see a flash of colour and all the lights go off. Reconnecting, same thing again. It looks like the string needs data to switch everything?

I had a funny idea (I don't know where from) that an RGB string would come on all white if just connected to power.

In any case, I intend to run separate power to strings and strips, then run data and clock from the controller on another line.

Is this string behaving normally, or have I damaged it? It still flashes light when I connect it and goes straight off again.

Regards,
Gary
 

kane

Dedicated elf
Joined
Dec 23, 2010
Messages
1,033
Location
Trigg (Northern suburbs of Perth)
garyjac1 said:
G'Day All,

I cut a small number (5) of RGB pixels from a string for testing -- didn't want to blow a 100 at once

Checked the power connections (12VDC, btw) and noted blue wire was GND and Black wire was 12VDC+ with Green as DAT and Red as CLK.

OK, if I connect just the power across Black(+) and Blue (-) appropriately then I see a flash of colour and all the lights go off. Reconnecting, same thing again. It looks like the string needs data to switch everything?

I had a funny idea (I don't know where from) that an RGB string would come on all white if just connected to power.

In any case, I intend to run separate power to strings and strips, then run data and clock from the controller on another line.

Is this string behaving normally, or have I damaged it? It still flashes light when I connect it and goes straight off again.
That is normal behaviour. Some lights will do a quick flash when first powered on, but then they will turn off.. It's not until the appropriate data comes down the Data/Clk lines that you'll get anything turning on.
 

garyjac1

Apprentice elf
Joined
Dec 26, 2012
Messages
51
Location
Dalby
G'Day,

Thanks. Always comforting to know that the first blink wasn't the last :)) Good to have it confirmed from someone's experience too.

Regards,
Gary
 

garyjac1

Apprentice elf
Joined
Dec 26, 2012
Messages
51
Location
Dalby
I should mention also, that it now works well with a P12 R running sequences.
 
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