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Posted: 1/1/2019 12:52:43 PM EST
I've recently discovered the many uses LED light strips can have. It looks like all I need is a soldering iron, some wire, light strips, power unit, and adapter between strip wires and power unit.
Does anyone have any examples of cool or unique ways of using LED strips or other types of LEDs for car, home, boat, yard, or other type of lighting projects? LEDs being very efficient and cheap would make for a good lighting option for cutting down on bills but maintaining a nicely lit house. It would be cool to keep this thread as the catch all for LED ideas, projects, completed projects, etc. I'm planning on using light strips in bookshelf configuration, shop lighting, and barn/garage, and perhaps crawl space lighting. If you have a project you're working on, post some pics, or a video. Maybe you have a gun or hobby where you use LEDs? Also, basic information would be good to post too. Things like this: Landscaping Ideas LED Projects List 18 LED Projects Strip Projects  Make 10 foot LED Strip lights for $12 for garage house shop 12 volt PARTS BELOW YouTube Lighting Projects  Weekend Projects - Android-Arduino LED Strip Lights  This RGB light strip controller surprised me | Drew's Reviews  Custom Workshop Lighting Solutions with LED Strips |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 12:58:11 PM EST
[#1]
I ran LED multi-color light strips across the top of my kitchen cabinets. It provides a nice ambiance for the kitchen. I can change the colors for different occasions. Green/Yellow when my wife watches UO Ducks football, Orange/Blue when I watch Auburn football. Normally the lights are cool colors, like the teal or light blue. At Christmas they do dual green/red. At Halloween, purple/orange, etc.
They’re fun as well as useful. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 1:01:35 PM EST
[#2]
They make great safe lighting run it around the inside of the door frame.
Under cabinet lightning. Behind a tv for accent lighting. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 1:04:49 PM EST
[#3]
Programmable colors = year-round lights. Christmas mode and regular security lighting mode.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 1:09:12 PM EST
[#4]
I have put up a lot of them.
Hunting Jeep had a crappy interior dome light. Now it needs a dimmer 
 Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 1:13:43 PM EST
[#5]
Check out Klus aluminum channels for LED tape light. They have channels that can be recessed, cut in to drywall and reflect from the side, edge lit for glass, cut in to concrete etc etc. The possibilities are endless.
I use them for under/in/routed in to cabinets. 
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Posted: 1/1/2019 1:19:30 PM EST
[#6]
I recently tried out the Philips Hue LED light strips which were on sale but still expensive $$$. While the colors they could produce were impressive the lights weren't as bright as I hoped, and the power supplies made the most annoying buzzing noise that drove me insane. I ultimately returned them and have been looking for a most inexpensive option.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 1:24:54 PM EST
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I recently tried out the Philips Hue LED light strips which were on sale but still expensive $$$. While the colors they could produce were impressive the lights weren't as bright as I hoped, and the power supplies made the most annoying buzzing noise that drove me insane. I ultimately returned them and have been looking for a most inexpensive option. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 2:30:25 PM EST
[#8]
Also used for camp lighting, I put the strips in 3/4” clear tubing, have 12v plug in ends and extension cords , powered by a deep cycle battery, charged via 100w solar.
 Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 2:42:57 PM EST
[#9]
The "one up from dimmest" yellow makes a good "Bar Light" re-creation if you want that ambience.
Putting in the translucent/reflective channels is awesome. The actual parts are relatively cheap, installation is a total headache for a whole room and not just a feature of the room. Then you'll get the strip that had poor QC and need to be smacked when it flickers to wrong colors or off and on. One step up are the Pixel LED Strips.  
You can now do this to your bedroom: [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_SEP-Q4lvE[/youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_SEP-Q4lvE |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 2:54:36 PM EST
[#10]
Tagged for ideas.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 2:57:50 PM EST
[#11]
Make an infinity cube.
 Comment fabriquer ce magnifique cube infini. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 2:59:44 PM EST
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I ran LED multi-color light strips across the top of my kitchen cabinets. It provides a nice ambiance for the kitchen. I can change the colors for different occasions. Green/Yellow when my wife watches UO Ducks football, Orange/Blue when I watch Auburn football. Normally the lights are cool colors, like the teal or light blue. At Christmas they do dual green/red. At Halloween, purple/orange, etc. They’re fun as well as useful. One of my "one of these days" projects is to replace them with RGB LED strip lights. I gotta get off my ass and do it. Something I am having a tough time finding is a kit that will reliably work in unison. Most of the ones on Amazon come with an IR remote, I would love something that is bluetooth, wifi or similar so I can have them do the same thing at the same time. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:01:53 PM EST
[#13]
I thought those were only for decorating liquor stores and gas stations. That's the only places I've ever seen those LED strips in use.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:03:53 PM EST
[#14]
Garage lighting. 16' strips; super bright
Make sure to get the 5630 600 LED strips. https://www.ebay.com/itm/5M-LED-Flexible-Strip-Light-3528-2835-3014-5050-5630-7020-Non-Waterproof-12v/281944797040?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=581308488841&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 Aluminum LED channels. Throw the diffusers away and mount the channels upside down (flat side out). This will give you more lighting angle from the lights. They also work as a heat-sink and give a smooth mounting for the 3m tape. https://www.amazon.com/Muzata-Aluminum-Mounting-Installations-Diffuser/dp/B01M09PBYX/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1546371876&sr=8-18&keywords=led+mounting Connectors or just wire direct. https://www.amazon.com/Ksmile%C2%AE-Female-2-1x5-5mm-Adapter-Connector/dp/B01ER6QWAY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1546372048&sr=8-7&keywords=led+connectors+male+female Cheap 12 volt power supply? The ones off of Amazon start dropping voltage pretty quick. I use a computer power supply. Steady 12v output, thermal and overload protection. An old 500 watt p.s. will usually run 3 light strips, much more and you will need to find something better. The strips draw about 10 amp. There are video's out there how to mod a p.s. I didn't get that fancy, just cut the wires put ends on them and run to the strips. YELLOW = 12 Volts RED = 5 Volts ORANGE = 3.3 Volts BLACK = Common Ground Tie the green wire to a black to start the p.s. or leave them connected and plug the p.s. into a switched outlet. With 10' ceilings, phone app says 700+lux at work bench height. I'll post up some pics here in a few. The two dim strips are Amazon ones, 300 led's per strip, for comparison.  Attached File |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:08:27 PM EST
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I thought those were only for decorating liquor stores and gas stations. That's the only places I've ever seen those LED strips in use. 
 And a shower light using a reflective recessed aluminum track with LED tape light. I've also used this for stair way lighting vertically up the wall, which I need to get a picture of. It's awesome for that! 
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:10:50 PM EST
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Garage lighting. 16' strips; super bright Make sure to get the 5630 600 LED strips. https://www.ebay.com/itm/5M-LED-Flexible-Strip-Light-3528-2835-3014-5050-5630-7020-Non-Waterproof-12v/281944797040?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=581308488841&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 Aluminum LED channels. Throw the diffusers away and mount the channels upside down (flat side out). This will give you more lighting angle from the lights. They also work as a heat-sink and give a smooth mounting for the 3m tape. https://www.amazon.com/Muzata-Aluminum-Mounting-Installations-Diffuser/dp/B01M09PBYX/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1546371876&sr=8-18&keywords=led+mounting Connectors or just wire direct. https://www.amazon.com/Ksmile%C2%AE-Female-2-1x5-5mm-Adapter-Connector/dp/B01ER6QWAY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1546372048&sr=8-7&keywords=led+connectors+male+female Cheap 12 volt power supply? The ones off of Amazon start dropping voltage pretty quick. I use a computer power supply. Steady 12v output, thermal and overload protection. An old 500 watt p.s. will usually run 3 light strips, much more and you will need to find something better. The strips draw about 10 amp. There are video's out there how to mod a p.s. I didn't get that fancy, just cut the wires put ends on them and run to the strips. YELLOW = 12 Volts RED = 5 Volts ORANGE = 3.3 Volts BLACK = Common Ground Tie the green wire to a black to start the p.s. or leave them connected and plug the p.s. into a switched outlet. With 10' ceilings, phone app says 700+lux at work bench height. I'll post up some pics here in a few.https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/296057/IMG_20190101_130548971_BURST000_COVER_jpg-792830.JPG |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:15:52 PM EST
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Diffusers/lenses are there for a reason. My eyes hurt looking at that picture. 
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:19:20 PM EST
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It a garage where work gets done. Very rarely have to grab a flash light. You can set whatever mood lighting you like for your snuggle buddy. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: Diffusers/lenses are there for a reason. My eyes hurt looking at that picture. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:23:07 PM EST
[#19]
I used some LED strips for auxillary lighting in a solar powered shed I built. The main overhead lights are 12v LED flood lights or 120v shop lights. I can run everything either with solar or my $88 harbor freight generator.
I ran strips down the length of the shed and recessed them behind some wood strips the led lights themselves aren't visible. 
I also used strips to light up the shelving on the back wall 
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:24:13 PM EST
[#20]
In the gun safe, in the back of the FJ, in the ice shack, on the power box for the kayak fish finder, on the boat and on the FJ’s roof rack for the Christmas lights.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:24:45 PM EST
[#21]
Dupe
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:30:21 PM EST
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I also work in my garage as I own a Ford, so I need the light too. Plus, being an actual electrician, I know that it's retarded to have that amount of glare at that low of a height with no negative effect. Like I said, diffusers/lenses are there for a reason. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters, and it IS a grab application (what you've done), but it would be much better if glare control was used.  Crappy potato picture and real life lighting are vastly different.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:35:30 PM EST
[#23]
The use that gets the most comment from visitors at my house is in the stairs. I mounted strips on the baseboards going up all my stairs; a motion detector triggers them to light the stairs up nicely, and much better than the single bulb at the top of the staircase. And nobody can sneak up the stairs without turning them on.
and as noted, they'll light up a safe really well. For both of these projects I used the inexpensive eight bucks a roll strips. 
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:41:13 PM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I thought those were only for decorating liquor stores and gas stations. That's the only places I've ever seen those LED strips in use. Something about causing retina damage looking at the store is really big with that culture. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:43:50 PM EST
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
We have two under cabinet fluorescent fixtures that we never use. One of my "one of these days" projects is to replace them with RGB LED strip lights. I gotta get off my ass and do it. Something I am having a tough time finding is a kit that will reliably work in unison. Most of the ones on Amazon come with an IR remote, I would love something that is bluetooth, wifi or similar so I can have them do the same thing at the same time. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I ran LED multi-color light strips across the top of my kitchen cabinets. It provides a nice ambiance for the kitchen. I can change the colors for different occasions. Green/Yellow when my wife watches UO Ducks football, Orange/Blue when I watch Auburn football. Normally the lights are cool colors, like the teal or light blue. At Christmas they do dual green/red. At Halloween, purple/orange, etc. They’re fun as well as useful. One of my "one of these days" projects is to replace them with RGB LED strip lights. I gotta get off my ass and do it. Something I am having a tough time finding is a kit that will reliably work in unison. Most of the ones on Amazon come with an IR remote, I would love something that is bluetooth, wifi or similar so I can have them do the same thing at the same time. 
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:48:12 PM EST
[#26]
The garage lighting is great, but probably a lot easier to do with the LED rope lighting since the rope light kits typically come with mounting hardware.
Low to no shadows is a big benefit along with uniform lighting. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 3:56:27 PM EST
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
We have two under cabinet fluorescent fixtures that we never use. One of my "one of these days" projects is to replace them with RGB LED strip lights. I gotta get off my ass and do it. Something I am having a tough time finding is a kit that will reliably work in unison. Most of the ones on Amazon come with an IR remote, I would love something that is bluetooth, wifi or similar so I can have them do the same thing at the same time. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I ran LED multi-color light strips across the top of my kitchen cabinets. It provides a nice ambiance for the kitchen. I can change the colors for different occasions. Green/Yellow when my wife watches UO Ducks football, Orange/Blue when I watch Auburn football. Normally the lights are cool colors, like the teal or light blue. At Christmas they do dual green/red. At Halloween, purple/orange, etc. They’re fun as well as useful. One of my "one of these days" projects is to replace them with RGB LED strip lights. I gotta get off my ass and do it. Something I am having a tough time finding is a kit that will reliably work in unison. Most of the ones on Amazon come with an IR remote, I would love something that is bluetooth, wifi or similar so I can have them do the same thing at the same time. The bonus on why they rock is setting them to a dim glow of any color you like for most of the time, but also have Very clear, bright white light to illuminate things when needing the workspace. It brightens up the mood, shows attention to details, pride in the dwelling, etc. Lots of people will be impressed and not notice specifically why they're impressed, only removing some harsh shadows with barely fill light is all it takes. If you think of a closet as a dark, cold place from the single bulb in the sort of center, or a spot under your cabinets, where cruft accumulates, adding even a bit of light will magically make you and others actually use that space for more than storage. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:00:47 PM EST
[#28]
New project for the year
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:09:58 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The garage lighting is great, but probably a lot easier to do with the LED rope lighting since the rope light kits typically come with mounting hardware. Low to no shadows is a big benefit along with uniform lighting. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:16:07 PM EST
[#30]
I’ve thought about trying to install some under the bed rails and dash in my truck. Just haven’t gone past the thinking stage.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:21:02 PM EST
[#31]
As soon as I get done 3D printing a couple post Christmas gifts. I am going to start this project a Nanoleaf clone.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:22:46 PM EST
[#32]
I made some Indirect lighting floor trim in my game room. RGB with a RF remote. Lights the whole room with about 16 color choices in 6 or 7 brightness levels and 3 modes. My only complaint is that it shows every single dog hair on the laminate floor. It looks like a poodle exploded some nights if I don't run the roomba in there every other day or so. I had to run 3 separate small power supplies due to where they were to be located and to keep the sound down.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:28:34 PM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I’ve thought about trying to install some under the bed rails and dash in my truck. Just haven’t gone past the thinking stage. Parts are inbound, going to try my hand at DIY lighted whips for the RZR.  Controllable RGB Strip synced to music 2.0 |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:29:15 PM EST
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: We have two under cabinet fluorescent fixtures that we never use. One of my "one of these days" projects is to replace them with RGB LED strip lights. I gotta get off my ass and do it. Something I am having a tough time finding is a kit that will reliably work in unison. Most of the ones on Amazon come with an IR remote, I would love something that is bluetooth, wifi or similar so I can have them do the same thing at the same time. RF RGB Controller |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:39:45 PM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I thought those were only for decorating liquor stores and gas stations. That's the only places I've ever seen those LED strips in use. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:51:46 PM EST
[#36]
Tagging this for info.
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:52:20 PM EST
[#37]
Not a tag
How do you power these? |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:57:12 PM EST
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not a tag
How do you power these? |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 4:59:11 PM EST
[#39]
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Posted: 1/1/2019 5:07:03 PM EST
[#40]
Quote History |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 6:49:05 PM EST
[#41]
Tag for ideas
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Posted: 1/1/2019 7:48:20 PM EST
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Get the IP rated ones. Also, if you wanna be the "Cock on the Block" get the RGB's with the RF controller. Solid colors or dancing mix. Parts are inbound, going to try my hand at DIY lighted whips for the RZR.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1lWJVuKW3QQuote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I’ve thought about trying to install some under the bed rails and dash in my truck. Just haven’t gone past the thinking stage. Parts are inbound, going to try my hand at DIY lighted whips for the RZR. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1lWJVuKW3Q
I just want more light. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 7:55:19 PM EST
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yeah I’ve only seen these used in shitty looking hack jobs. But it looks like using them with the channels and diffusers can result in a nice looking finished project. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I thought those were only for decorating liquor stores and gas stations. That's the only places I've ever seen those LED strips in use. A hack job is a hack job no matter what. |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 8:08:43 PM EST
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Assuming you use the correct led strips with high cri, high output, and smooth dimming (not the cheap amazon crap), it is by far the top tier under cab lighting when used with track. My track is all miter cut and all connections are soldered. Seagull ambiance and Juno track 12 used to be the best with xenon lamps, but led tap with a diffuser has proven to be vastly superior in every possible way. A hack job is a hack job no matter what. What do you recommend for LED strips, Power Supplies and controllers/switches? |
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Posted: 1/1/2019 8:18:58 PM EST
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Since most of us homeowner hacks only use the amazon crap, care to point us to the "good stuff" the pro's use? What do you recommend for LED strips, Power Supplies and controllers/switches? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: Assuming you use the correct led strips with high cri, high output, and smooth dimming (not the cheap amazon crap), it is by far the top tier under cab lighting when used with track. My track is all miter cut and all connections are soldered. Seagull ambiance and Juno track 12 used to be the best with xenon lamps, but led tap with a diffuser has proven to be vastly superior in every possible way. A hack job is a hack job no matter what. What do you recommend for LED strips, Power Supplies and controllers/switches? Super bright or flexfire LED ‘s, the exact model depends on the job, but for kitchen, high cri and in the 350+ lumen per foot range Magnitude magnetic led drivers Any of the Lutron LED compatible dimmers work well with the magnitude driver and super bright/flex fire led tape. You also have to keep in mind that you’re limited to certain led strips do to size compatibility with the aluminum track. |
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Posted: 1/2/2019 2:50:05 AM EST
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Klus aluminum track and diffuser Super bright or flexfire LED ‘s, the exact model depends on the job, but for kitchen, high cri and in the 350+ lumen per foot range Magnitude magnetic led drivers Any of the Lutron LED compatible dimmers work well with the magnitude driver and super bright/flex fire led tape. You also have to keep in mind that you’re limited to certain led strips do to size compatibility with the aluminum track. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted: Assuming you use the correct led strips with high cri, high output, and smooth dimming (not the cheap amazon crap), it is by far the top tier under cab lighting when used with track. My track is all miter cut and all connections are soldered. Seagull ambiance and Juno track 12 used to be the best with xenon lamps, but led tap with a diffuser has proven to be vastly superior in every possible way. A hack job is a hack job no matter what. What do you recommend for LED strips, Power Supplies and controllers/switches? Super bright or flexfire LED ‘s, the exact model depends on the job, but for kitchen, high cri and in the 350+ lumen per foot range Magnitude magnetic led drivers Any of the Lutron LED compatible dimmers work well with the magnitude driver and super bright/flex fire led tape. You also have to keep in mind that you’re limited to certain led strips do to size compatibility with the aluminum track. The cheap Amazon kit strips are good for deciding location, so when that power supply dies in 6 months, you can upgrade, the LEDs usually don't burn out, but they may not be equal brightness and sometimes not exactly equal color. Think of the Amazon kit as learning and prototype kit to know what you want when you look at higher end strips/power supply. |
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Posted: 1/2/2019 3:25:15 AM EST
[#47]
Quote History |
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Posted: 1/2/2019 3:50:40 AM EST
[#48]
There are a bunch of tutorials on enhancing your reloading equipment.
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Posted: 1/2/2019 6:17:45 AM EST
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
There are a bunch of tutorials on enhancing your reloading equipment. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/407062/1586plt-793532.jpg |
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Posted: 1/2/2019 6:56:20 AM EST
[#50]
They make good lightsaber blades.
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