Christmas lights removing the control box

[baggielad]

I have a set of standard 240 LED lights set with an 8 function controller. However, it has no memory so every time the lights are turned on they have to be set to static. Therefore, can I remove the controller box and connect the lights direct to the transformer? If this is possible can someone please advise about the wiring as there are two wires into the controller and then three on the lights' side, so what would I connect to which? I assume the two from the transformer are positive and negative and then the three on the lights' side are possibly two positive and a negative, so would it be simply the case of connecting the two positives together to the transformer single positive and the negative to the transformer negative. Alternatively, perhaps as I don't want the multi function ability, I would only need to connect two of the three wires on the lights' side. Grateful for any advice.

 

[Sparky3]

The control board will convert the ac from the transformer into dc for your led's and limit the amount of current they can draw.

Your proposal will put ac directly to the led's with no current limit and you will be looking for a new set of lights at least.

 

[Why Not Indeed]

Open it up and post some pictures. If you're lucky, it may be straightforward to bypass the circuitry that does the flashing.

 

[baggielad]

Thanks for the replies. I had assumed that the transformer output was DC but now I've actually checked it is AC. The controller is factory sealed so wary about trying to break it open, but I might have to just for curiosity sake! If I do and can't work out the wiring I'll post a photo. Thanks again.

 

[ericmark]

I have some strip lights colour changing and smart control and the control box is independent to the voltage dropper, but I have 5 outputs plus return, and the rating of the power supply is less than the combined red, green, blue, low colour temp and high colour temp connections to the strip. So without the controller I would have to select just one colour/colour temperature. Or it would overload the power supply.

 

[bernardgreen]

but now I've actually checked it is AC.

It is a complex sequence of voltages across the 3 outputs created by programmed components in the controlled

An output can be positive, negative, or open circuit creating 27 possible combinations on the 3 outputs

To have all LEDs appearing to be permamently lit requires the controller to sequence rapidly at least 4 of the 27 combinations, The actual number depends on how the LEDs are connected to the 3 outputs.

 

[Rodders53]

Buy a different set of lights.

The one set we have that comes on with a random mode has been left unused for a few years now, with a big label on the box 'do not use'.

Mostly buy 'static' light sets nowadays, but if any I bought 'forgot' the setting they'd go back to the retailer, sharpish.

 

[RandomGrinch]

...or fit a switch on the output of the controller and keep the controller powered on, to retain it's setting.

 

[baggielad]

I have some strip lights colour changing and smart control and the control box is independent to the voltage dropper, but I have 5 outputs plus return, and the rating of the power supply is less than the combined red, green, blue, low colour temp and high colour temp connections to the strip. So without the controller I would have to select just one colour/colour temperature. Or it would overload the power supply.

My lights are the ones where each light is only a single colour so I assume this wouldn't be an issue?

 

[baggielad]

...or fit a switch on the output of the controller and keep the controller powered on, to retain it's setting.

That sounds like a great idea! I assume that I would just have to put a switch on anyone of the three output cables from the controller?

It does sound like a bit of a faff and someone suggested I should just buy a new set of lights but where is the fun in that!

 

[bernardgreen]

have to put a switch on anyone of the three output cables

any two of the three

 

[morqthana]

Or just commit to memory the number of times you have to press the button to go from initial state to the one you want, and each time you turn the lights on just go click-click-click the right number of times, which will take but a few seconds.

It's 24 days until 12th Night - even if you have them on for two sessions a day, it'll take 2 or 3 minutes out of your life.

How long will it take to fix an very trivial problem which only affects you for a few weeks a year, instead of just taking a deep breath, telling yourself it really doesn't matter, and getting on with things which do?

 

[Why Not Indeed]

getting on with things which do?

Perhaps taking something with a design defect and using one's own gumption to correct it, is something that does matter to the OP? It's exactly what I'd be attempting if I was in his shoes.

 

[morqthana]

It's not a defect.

 

[SUNRAY]

The control board will convert the ac from the transformer into dc for your led's and limit the amount of current they can draw.

Your proposal will put ac directly to the led's with no current limit and you will be looking for a new set of lights at least.

very good chance the leds are running on AC when in static mode. but more like 400-1000Hz