Looking to buy an addressable LED strip but don’t know where to start? This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about these fascinating devices, from their types and capabilities to the best ways to use them. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently choose the perfect addressable LED strip for your needs!

What Are Addressable LED Strips?

Addressable LED strips are a type of LED strip that is controlled by an addressable controller. These controllers allow the user to individually control each LED in the strip, allowing for more complex animations and patterns. Addressable LED strips are often used in decorations or lighting projects where a high degree of control is desired. They typically consist of three parts: the LEDs, the control circuit, and the power supply. The LEDs are arranged in a serial fashion, and each led has its own address. The control circuit contains the microcontroller that controls the LEDs, and the power supply provides power to the LEDs. Addressable LED strips are available in a variety of colors, and they can be used with a variety of controllers.

How Do Addressable LED Strips Work?

Addressable LED strips are a type of LED lighting that allows for individually controlled LEDs. That is, each LED on the strip can be independently controlled, rather than being controlled as a group. This gives you much more flexibility in terms of lighting design and allows you to create more complex and dynamic lighting displays. There are two main types of addressable LEDs: those with 3-pin connectors and those with 4-pin connectors. The 3-pin strips use a common anode design, while the 4-pin strips use a common cathode design. Addressable LED strips typically use one of two control protocols: WS2811/WS2812 (also known as a neuron) or DMX512. DMX512 is the industry-standard protocol for stage lighting and is used in a wide range of professional applications. WS2811/WS2812 is a newer protocol that is becoming increasingly popular for hobbyist and home applications. Both protocols allow for very precise control of the LEDs, but WS2811/WS2812 is typically easier to use for amateur users. Addressable LED strips are powered by a low-voltage DC power supply and use very little power compared to other types of lighting. They are also very easy to install and can be cut to size, making them a versatile lighting solution for a variety of applications.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Addressable LED Strips

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing addressable LED strips for your project.

First, you need to determine the number of LEDs per meter. More LEDs will result in a brighter light, but they will also use more power.

Second, you need to decide on the color depth. This refers to the number of colors that the LEDs can display. A higher color depth will allow for more vibrant colors, but it will also use more power.

Finally, you need to choose a control method. The most common methods are DMX and SPI, but there are other options available as well. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to research each option before making a decision. By considering these factors, you can choose the best addressable LED strip for your project.

1. Consider the size of the area you want to light

2. Decide on the colors you want

3. Choose a style that fits your décor

4. Make sure the strip is dimmable, in case you want to change the mood or ambiance

5. Check the wattage to make sure it’s compatible with your electrical system

6. Compare prices and reviews before making a purchase

Voltage

Voltage is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing addressable LED strips. The voltage of an LED strip will determine how much power it uses and how bright it will be. Most LED strips use either 5 volts or 12-volt power, but there are also strips that use 24 or even 48-volt power. When choosing an LED strip, it is important to make sure that the strip is compatible with the voltage of your power source. If you are not sure what voltage your power source is, it is best to consult with an electrician before making a purchase. In addition to voltage, you will also need to consider the current rating of the LED strip. The current rating determines how much amperage the strip can handle without being damaged. If you plan on using multiple strips in parallel, you will need to make sure that the sum of the currents does not exceed the rating of your power supply. Once you have considered these factors, you will be able to choose the right addressable LED strip for your project.

The Type of LED IC

One important factor you’ll want to consider when choosing addressable LED strips is the type of LED IC that is used. The most common type is the WS2812B, which features 5050 SMD LEDs that are addressable. This means that each individual LED can be controlled, making it easy to create sophisticated lighting effects. Another popular option is the SK6812, which is similar to the WS2812B but uses an alternate chip from a different manufacturer. The main difference between these two types of chips is the way in which they control the current. The WS2812B uses direct internal feedback, while the SK6812 uses external resistors. As a result, the SK6812 is slightly less efficient than the WS2812B. However, it’s still a great option for those who want to create eye-catching lighting displays. Whichever type of chip you choose, you’ll be able to create stunning light shows with addressable LED strips.

LED Density

LED density is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing LED strips. LED density is simply the number of LED chips per unit of area. The higher the LED density, the brighter the LED strip will be. However, high LED density also means that the LED strip will be more expensive. For most applications, a LED density of around 30-60 LED chips per square inch is sufficient. Another factor to consider is the color temperature of the LED chips. LED chips are available in a wide range of color temperatures, from cool white to warm white. The color temperature you choose will depend on the application you are using the LED strip for. Finally, make sure to choose an LED strip that is compatible with the power supply you are using. Most LED strips require a 12V power supply, but some higher-end models may require a 24V power supply. Check the specifications carefully before making your purchase.

The Nature of the Installation

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing addressable LED strips is the nature of the installation. For example, if the strips will be installed in a wet or damp environment, it is important to choose a strip that is water-resistant. Additionally, if the installation will be exposed to direct sunlight, it is important to choose a strip that is rated for outdoor use. Another factor to consider is the length of the strip. For example, if a long strip is required, it is important to make sure that the chosen product is capable of handling that length. Finally, it is also important to consider the power requirements of the installation. For example, if a large number of LEDs will be used, it is important to make sure that the power supply can handle the additional load. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can ensure that you choose the best addressable LED strip for your specific application.

Types of Individually Addressable LED Strips

Individually addressable LED strips are a type of LED strip that allows each individual LED to be controlled. This means that you can create any kind of light show or animation that you want, limited only by your imagination. There are a few different types of individually addressable LED strips.

• WS2811
• WS2812
• WS2813

WS2811 Vs WS2812 Vs WS2813

WS2812B, WS2811, and WS2813 are all individually addressable LED strips. WS2812B is the most common type of individually addressable LED strip. WS2813 is very similar to WS2812B, but it has a built-in development board. WS2811 is a much older type of individually addressable LED strip. It is not as common as WS2812B, but it is still used in some projects. All three types of individually addressable LED strips are controlled by a microcontroller. The microcontroller sends signals to the individual LEDs to turn them on or off. The LEDs can be controlled individually, or they can be controlled in groups. Individual control gives you the ability to create complex patterns and animations. Group control is often used to create simple lighting effects, such as fading or blinking. WS2812B, WS2811, and WS2813 are all compatible with the Arduino platform. You can use Arduino to control your individually addressable LED strips.

WS2811

The WS2811 is an external chip that you can find in 12V and occasionally, 5V varieties. The 12V is preferable as it is less likely to be damaged by static electricity. The WS2811 is a very popular chip, used in a wide range of applications including LEDs, motors, and displays. It is a highly versatile chip that can be programmed to do a variety of tasks. In terms of LED control, the WS2811 is often used to create dynamic and complex lighting effects. It can also be used to control motors, making it ideal for use in robotics applications. Overall, the WS2811 is a very versatile and popular chip that offers a wide range of potential uses.

The WS2811 is an integrated circuit chip that allows you to control a channel of 3 LEDs with each command. Therefore, it is not your ideal choice if you need to control each and every LED on its own. However, the WS2811 is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, you could use it to create unique lighting effects or to add some extra personality to your project. In addition, the WS2811 is also relatively affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget. So, if you’re looking for an integrated circuit chip that offers big features at a reasonable price, then the WS2811 is definitely worth considering.

WS2812B Vs WS2813

• Voltage-WS2812B and WS2813 are two popular choices for addressable LED strips. Both WS2812B and WS2813 ICs are often 5V models, while WS2813 can do a 12V model too

• Controller Type-WS2812B and WS2813 strips can be controlled with the same type of controller. Different colors can be produced by mixing different colors of LEDs together in each WS2812B or WS2813 pixel. For example, an RGB LED strip can have red, green, and blue LEDs in each WS2812B or WS2813 pixel. When all the colors are lit at equal brightness, white light is produced. Mixing different colors together at different brightness levels can create millions of different colors.

• Refresh Rate- WS2813 is brighter than WS2812B and has a higher refresh rate.

• Price- WS2813 is also more expensive than WS2812B. WS2812B is more common than WS2813 because it is cheaper and easier to find.

• Digital signal –WS2813 and WS2812B are two very similar LED products. Both have 2 channels in order to receive prompts, data in, and backup in. In the event that the data-in circuit WS2813 breaks, signals can still be passed onto the backup-in channel safely as long as no more than one LED chip has failed. WS2812B on the other hand does not have this safety measure, meaning that if one WS2812B LED fails then it will cause the rest of WS2812B LEDs down the line to also fail. WS2813 is therefore a much more reliable product when it comes to maintaining consistent light patterns even when individual WS2813 LEDs fail.

Where to Buy Addressable LED Strips

Addressable LED strips are one of the most popular ways to add dynamic lighting to any space. They are easy to install, easy to use, and offer a wide range of customization options. However, with so many different brands and models on the market, it can be difficult to know where to buy addressable LED strips. In general, there are three things to consider when choosing a supplier: pricing, quality, and customer service. 

• Pricing is often the most important factor for buyers on a budget. However, it is important to remember that cheap strips may come with lower quality control standards or reduced customization options. as a result, it is important to strike a balance between price and quality when choosing a supplier. 

• Quality is also an important consideration when choosing a supplier. In particular, look for suppliers who offer high-quality products with robust warranties. This will ensure that you are getting a product that will last for years to come. 

 

• Customer service- finally, consider the level of customer service offered by the supplier. A good customer service team will be able to help you with everything from installation to customization. This is especially important if you are new to using addressable LED strips. 

• Customize Service-There are a lot of lighting companies out there that sell addressable LED strips. But if you have special installation or addressable lighting requirements, your ideal brand is one that can rise to the challenge and customize your addressable LED strips to your needs. 

 

That’s why we’re proud to offer customization services on all of our addressable LED strips. Whether you need a special length, width, or color, our team of experts can create a custom solution that’s perfect for your project. 

 

In addition, we also offer a wide range of accessories and options that can be added to your customized addressable LED strip, such as mounting brackets, diffusers, and controllers. 

 

So if you’re looking for a company that can provide you with the perfect addressable LED strip for your project, look no further than us. We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.

In conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your project by browsing the wide selection of addressable LED strips at MSH Lighting today. With our help, you’re sure to find the perfect strip for your needs. If you have any questions about our products or how to use them, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always happy to help!