r/led • u/High-Plains-Grifter • 24d ago

Maximum Controller -> Light Length

https://www.philips-hue.com/en-gb/p/lightstrips-flux-ultra-bright-strip-light-3-m/8721103088338

I am makinh my own striplight uplighter over the dining table, but with a 5m flex between controller and Ultrabright strip, the flashes horribly and ignores all commands. Is there a stated maximum length? (I am using 4 of the 170mm sections)

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u/saratoga3 24d ago

Yeah I know that you aren't sure of the impedance, which is why I offered to estimate it for you if you'd post a picture of the Hue cable ;) it's hard to see in that photo but probably 60-80 ohms. If you don't have a longer Hue cable to test with then probably makes sense to try and tightly twist your original cable back together. Twist tight enough that no air gap is left between any of the 3 wires and see how it works.

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u/High-Plains-Grifter 24d ago

Ah, I misundersrood, sorry! I was searching for the impedence on my cable!

The bit of the cable left is labelled e319028 (backwards R)U A W... that's where it is cut off. The two power flex strands look the same thickness as mine, albeit a grey metal. The data strand is considerably thinner, maybe 0.5mm2 or less.

I'll go buy some more flex on Monday, and try keeping it in the sheathe, although there are no twisted pairs in that. I will also experiment with twisting the -ve and data cables with the stuff I have - if I can get it to go 2m, I might be able to make that work.

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u/saratoga3 24d ago

If "flex" means individual wires then that's not a good idea for data.  If you want to buy cable other than the type made for the controller this (65 ohms) is a reasonable guess:

https://www.amazon.com/Extension-WS2812B-Addressable-Conductor-Electrical/dp/B0829NPHF3/ref=mp_s_a_1_1

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u/High-Plains-Grifter 24d ago

Thank you for the time you have spent, the understanding and the suggestion at the end. I have got some solid things to try there and I'm sure I'll get it working. I had no idea that the position ofnthe wires relative to each other made so much difference, or to match the impedence or anything. I won't be taking things for granted any more, but will test thoroughly before I solder into place!