DIY LED Wiring

[Entacmaea]

Hey everyone, yes, I too am building a DIY LED fixture : ) I have it all planned out and will start a thread soon, but the question I have is- how do I wire it so I can use manually dimming now (using 3 potentiometers- one for each string, 1 for white, 1 for blue, and 1 for a high noon string) and a controller in the future. I don't have a controller yet, but want to build in the capacity if possible. The fixture will have 3 dimmable strings (13 led's each) right now each with its one potentiometer. I've never used a controller, so I'm not sure how their dimmer function would work- would each string's outlet (AC power) plug go into an outlet which is then controlled/dimmed by the controller? (in which case I'll just keep each string on its own AC plug), or does each string's DC power somehow get hardwired to the controller?

Any help would be appreciated to help me understand the world of that awesome controller I'm going to buy in the future!

Thanks all.

Best, Peter

 

[Anonymous]

I hate to refer people to other sites, but evilc66 is an expert on all aspects of LED lighting at Nano-Reef.com. Start with this article he posted there: http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=186982

There are a couple of other sticky threads there too. Give them all a read. I'm sure you find the answer you are looking for.

Louey

 

[Entacmaea]

Thanks Louey- yes, I've already posted there as well : ) I've read that guide, but can't seem to find the answer...