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A feature rich controller is key to unlocking the full potential of your RGB Colour Changing LED Strip Lights.

We currently offer 4 controller options for you to choose from – infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), multi-touch and digital multiplex (DMX).

We’re going to be looking at each type in detail and discuss their individual pros and cons.

Infrared (IR) Controller

This is a 2-part controller with a receiver and remote, like the one pictured above. The receiver is a small white unit with a red eye sensor that installs between the LED Strip Light and the power supply.

The remote communicates with it via an infrared signal – so in order for the controller to work, there must be a direct line of sight between the remote and receiver at a distance of no further than 10m.

This type of controller is ok for most setups, however if the receiver needs to be concealed (for example, in a ceiling space, wall or inside a cupboard), it isn’t really appropriate.

The remote itself is really user friendly though. It features 16 different colour buttons, and separate controls for managing the 4 colour changing modes, such as fade and strobe, as well as the brightness of the strip.

Check out our IR Controller with Remote here.

Radio Frequency (RF) Controller

Similarly to the IR controller, this also comes in 2 parts – the receiver and the remote. This will work much better for installations where the controller needs to be hidden out of sight.

The trade off is that the remote is far more basic, featuring an on/off button and 4 additional buttons – 2 for controlling brightness, and 2 for scrolling through the functions.

Despite this, the RF controller is still desirable due to the 20m range and the fact that a direct line of sight is not needed. Radio frequency can pass through solid objects, like walls and doors.

This grants you additional freedoms with where you place the receiver, as it can be situated inside a ceiling, wall or cupboard without affecting functionality.

Our RF Controller With 20Key Remote Control is a prime example.

Multi Touch Controller

The latest addition to our range of controllers, and perhaps one of the most popular now is the multi-touch.

As well as letting the user change the brightness and set the mode, the touch-sensitive controller features a colour wheel, which can be used to select specific colours, or to make smooth transitions from one colour to the next.

This controller also operates on radio frequency, with a range of up to 20m, so it can be hidden away if necessary.

Sound appealing? Our RGB Colour Touch Controller is a great option.

Digital Multiplex (DMX) Controller

DMX controllers are by far the most intelligent option. It uses a special data signal known as digital multiplex, and is commonly used in the entertainment industry to control stage lighting equipment.

The DMX controllers we sell are a simplified version of this technology.

A DMX setup in its entirety consists of a 3-in-1 DMX wall plate, with 3 dials for controlling the function, colour and brightness of the strip lights.

This is then connected to a DMX decoder via a CAT5 or CAT5e cable, which decodes the data signal so that it can be understood by the strip light.

Perhaps the best thing about DMX controllers however, is that there is no limit to the length of strip light that can be run from a single controller. This makes it perfect for large, commercial installations.

You can find our 3-in1 RGB 3 Channel DMX Wall Plate Controller here.

For more information about anything to do with our LED strip lights or controllers, give our team of experts a call on 0116 321 4120, or send us an email to cs@wled.co.uk.

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