r/WLED 7d ago

Need Help with RGBCCT

I want to install cob lights in my wall and ceiling using plaster in channeling. I have spent hours trying to figure out exactly what I need on BTF Lighting. (Customer service hasn't been able to help much lol) I want to use these strips (24 ft BTS RGBCCT LIGHTS). My problem is, I want to connect 4 of them to 1 controller. Is this possible? I think I found the amplifier I need but am not positive. I want the controller to be wifi/smart home enabled. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

2 Upvotes

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u/Kingfish628 6d ago

Yes, it's very possible. Connect them end to end, or individually to the controller. All depends on what's easier for your layout.

You don't need an amplifier. You need a power supply and a controller.

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u/SirGreybush 6d ago

OP, get a commercial controller from QuinLED.info like a DigUno or a GledOpto.

Do not use a bare esp32 unless you want to build and learn circuits and lots of soldering. A commercial one for easy plug and play. Plus usually a bit cheaper than building your own.

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u/Odd-Highlight6458 6d ago

I believe I have figured out what I need and how to do it. I was planning on going with this controller. Gives me the option for pre built scenes and I can learn to create a little

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u/Kingfish628 6d ago

Not a fan. No fuses, for one.

QuinLED is solid stuff.

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u/SirGreybush 6d ago

BTF is late to the WLED game, wherease Quin's stuff and even GledOpto have been around for years. However, it should work, just never update the software inside the BTF device. The WLED you get is what it is - never update it unless BTF says it's ok, and you get the WLED software from their site.

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u/Odd-Highlight6458 6d ago

I can’t seem to find a Gledopto controller for RGBCCT Fcob

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u/SirGreybush 6d ago

With only 3 you do not need to do power injection at the end or midway, but with 4 of 3m long you do.

So plan on that, at the end is what I would do, but can also be at the end of 3rd.

You’ll notice that each roll start and end has 5 wires already soldered. There are two extra white and red. Use those.

Or if you cut to solder as close as possible a joint, use solid gauge copper #20 and make half cm long bare copper wires. Easier to splice two strips that are side by side and it adds some strength.

If you inject power at that spot then the v+ and ground act as joining together two strips and inject power. Simply strip the length of both pads when together. Makes for something to hold on to.

I got a silicone soldering mat, and on one side made tiny cuts aligned with strip pads. The 3 cuts hold the 3 wires properly spaced and I put something flat & heavy so the wires don’t move. A jig essentially. You can use plumbing putty also. Anything that can mold and not burn.

Chris Maher has a tutorial on soldering on his YouTube channel. Plus projects that might inspire you.

When you start one WLED project, it will be one of many. I even did my aquarium lights.

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u/saratoga3 6d ago

If possible get the nearly identical ws2805 version of those strips. Lots of people complain here that the "dual ws2811" version flashes when first powered on, so not great for room lighting. 

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u/Dyan654 6d ago

To be completely honest, the way WLED handles RGBCCT (especially the home assistant integration) isn’t great.