LED Niche Lighting

[deirwin]

I would like to install led strips or lighting that is compatible and dimmable with my Insteon/ISY system.  Has anyone had luck with this or suggestions?  Thanks!

Dean

[builderb]

Phillips Hue bulbs are awesome, if somewhat pricey, as accent lights. They are very easy to control from the ISY if you can follow the directions in the forums here.

 

(Edit: Assuming you have the network module for your ISY!)

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Edited March 3, 2015 by builderb

[Banichi]

I have had luck with dimmable strip lighting with just a switchlinc dimmer as the load control. You have to find appropriate drivers/transformers for the LED strips though. I used one of these though I don't think I bought at that site. I liked them because they complied with code while sitting, hidden on top of the bar cabinets. I didn't have to bury it in a wall. It's a self contained metal box very easy to install. I can't recall what exactly the performance is in terms of dimming but I think it does a pretty good job. It's not installed in my home so I can't just compare the dimmed percentage on the switchlinc and what I feel the actual light output is. But it worked to the satisfaction of my customer so that was the important part. Thought that I had a picture but apparently not. Next time I'm over at that house I'll try and grab a photo.

[rahnee]

I'm looking for the exact same thank however I also want RGB and DIM control.  There are plenty of devices out there that allow iOS/Android control over wifi.  The issue I am having is finding a company that has an exposed HTTP interface or similar so I can control it with the ISY Network Module.  From what I've seen the controller has all the logic and the app is just passing RGB colors, Dim level etc.   LTech (ltechonline) is the leader in LED control...I have reached out to them however I am sure the language barrier will make this difficult.  

[deirwin]

Thanks builderb, Banichi and rahnee.  We have received the items and tested perfectly and now installing.  We ran the wires from Insteon Dimmer (2477D) to the transformer, then to LED strips.  We are using same transformer as Banichi mentions above (Hitlights brand version from Amazon).  RGB control would be cool, especially since there is such a variety in whites in LED lighting, but we didn't go that route.  Will follow-up with finished image(s) when project is ever completed.  Now if I could only find a clean solution for my radiant floor heating to work with my ISY/ELK - it would be so nice to have a touchpad thermostat on wall that was also tied in through system... 

[Banichi]

Deirwin, I know it's been awhile but I hope you got your lights installed and working well.

 

I've been recently thinking about rgb control as well for my next project, rahnee have gotten anywhere on that front?

 

Radiant floor heat is tricky for sure. We decided to forego Insteon integration on this last house but I've been looking in to making this work by using the wireless thermostats with the remote sensor installed in the jibcrete or concrete to get an accurate temperature reading. Haven't done it yet though. I wish the regular thermostats had the remote sensor capability as well but unfortunately they do not.

 

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[deirwin]

Yes, the lights work perfectly with Insteon dimmers simply by using the correct transformer as mentioned above.  It was very easy.  I recommend to anyone that wants to add something special to a room - they provide nice mood lighting and subtle night lighting - it really takes things to a new level!  And by hiding them, they are completely unoffensive light, since they provide a glow.  I only went with white, but it seems color would have been just as easy to tie in, but more programming to control color (at least from what i have read).  There are a variety of whites though.  They are so cheap that we bought a variety of whites and brightnesses to test out.  Here is a link to a couple pix of both bathrooms (LED's behind mirrors, in niches and under a vanity).  https://goo.gl/photos/aAuRF3w26SCu69of7

 

And yes, I was able to tie-in the radiant floor with the ISY994.  I used Trane Zwave Thermostats by connecting an Aube Electric heating relay (RC840T-120) to each unit, hidden in the wall.  Again, very easy and works perfectly.  I really only use the thermostat to turn on for an hour or two at a time for the most part because these are bathrooms.  The floor warms up very quickly and is very comfortable.  It makes me wish we had radiant heating throughout the house.  Next one for sure! Overall, I'm very pleased with being able to include the led strips and floor heating thermostats.

Edited December 20, 2015 by deirwin

[Banichi]

That looks great!! Nicely done sir.

 

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[Xathros]

I'm looking for the exact same thank however I also want RGB and DIM control.  There are plenty of devices out there that allow iOS/Android control over wifi.  The issue I am having is finding a company that has an exposed HTTP interface or similar so I can control it with the ISY Network Module.  From what I've seen the controller has all the logic and the app is just passing RGB colors, Dim level etc.   LTech (ltechonline) is the leader in LED control...I have reached out to them however I am sure the language barrier will make this difficult.  

I realize this is a reply to an old post but for the benefit of others finding this:

 

Have a look at MiLight strips/bulbs for ISY controllable RGBW/RGBWW.  

 

Strip Controllers: http://www.ebay.com/itm/WiFi-Wireless-IOS-Android-Phone-MiLight-Controller-for-5050-RGBW-led-strip-light-/351384115618?var=&hash=item51d02019a2:m:mZYVEjmVrjn7rsBs5oS7WMw

 

Strip LED's: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPERNIGHT-5050-SMD-300Leds-RGBW-RGBWW-LED-Strip-Lights-RGB-Cool-Warm-White-/321899907765?var=&hash=item4af2bacab5:m:mqKzAnMYXhgjY2k5MxlQ9-A

 

LED Bulb Kit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Milight-2-4G-Wireless-RGBW-W-WW-E27-9W-LED-Light-Dimmable-Bulb-Lamp-wifi-Remote-/231430824884?

var=&hash=item35e25a23b4:m:mEwAwd7gFjbsVJzvFjVLhnQ

 

Open API for controlling the above: http://www.limitlessled.com/dev/

 

Hope this proves helpful to somebody.  Credit for this find goes to @larryllix

 

-Xathros

[Scottmichaelj]

I realize this is a reply to an old post but for the benefit of others finding this:

 

Have a look at MiLight strips/bulbs for ISY controllable RGBW/RGBWW.

 

Strip Controllers: http://www.ebay.com/itm/WiFi-Wireless-IOS-Android-Phone-MiLight-Controller-for-5050-RGBW-led-strip-light-/351384115618?var=&hash=item51d02019a2:m:mZYVEjmVrjn7rsBs5oS7WMw

 

Strip LED's: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPERNIGHT-5050-SMD-300Leds-RGBW-RGBWW-LED-Strip-Lights-RGB-Cool-Warm-White-/321899907765?var=&hash=item4af2bacab5:m:mqKzAnMYXhgjY2k5MxlQ9-A

 

LED Bulb Kit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Milight-2-4G-Wireless-RGBW-W-WW-E27-9W-LED-Light-Dimmable-Bulb-Lamp-wifi-Remote-/231430824884?

var=&hash=item35e25a23b4:m:mEwAwd7gFjbsVJzvFjVLhnQ

 

Open API for controlling the above: http://www.limitlessled.com/dev/

 

Hope this proves helpful to somebody. Credit for this find goes to @larryllix

 

-Xathros

With this setup can I put them on a switchlinc and turn them on/off/dim or do I have to use the app? Also if you turn them off say at red do they turn back on the same color?

[Xathros]

With this setup can I put them on a switchlinc and turn them on/off/dim or do I have to use the app? Also if you turn them off say at red do they turn back on the same color?

You would use the App or ISY network resource to Turn On/Off/Brighten/Dim/Change color etc.  I cannot speak for the bulbs as I don't have any of those yet (Larry might) but the LED strips remember their last color and brightness when turned On or if power is lost then restored.  Also, if off when power is lost, they stay off when power is restored unlike the damn Hue bulbs.

 

The API is a bit clunky but very workable from the ISY and I've been quite happy with the reliability so far.

 

-Xathros

[MWareman]

You would use the App or ISY network resource to Turn On/Off/Brighten/Dim/Change color etc. I cannot speak for the bulbs as I don't have any of those yet (Larry might) but the LED strips remember their last color and brightness when turned On or if power is lost then restored. Also, if off when power is lost, they stay off when power is restored unlike the damn Hue bulbs.

 

The API is a bit clunky but very workable from the ISY and I've been quite happy with the reliability so far.

 

-Xathros

I've also been using the milight stuff - also fairly reliable, but having the controller being separate from the WiFi bridge is just kind of annoying me.

 

I'm eagerly awaiting zwave multi-channel and I'm switching over to a Fibaro controller. Still the same LED strios, just a zwave interface to ISY.

Edited January 14, 2016 by MWareman

[Scottmichaelj]

I've also been using the milight stuff - also fairly reliable, but having the controller being separate from the WiFi bridge is just kind of annoying me.

 

I'm eagerly awaiting zwave multi-channel and I'm switching over to a Fibaro controller. Still the same LED strios, just a zwave interface to ISY.

I really wanted to find a 120v direct plug in to an outlet to strip lights. Something like:

 

http://www.birddogdistributing.com/Brilliant-120v-SMD-5050-LED-Strip-Light-65ft-Spool.html

 

I ordered two tests but the color is not right for my applications need. The cool white is too blue and the warm white doesnt work. They dont turn off when used with a switchlinc but can be fixed with a small charger.

 

So frustrating that I cant find something to work. All my strips are going to be via a switched outlet. I also cant hide the transformer box so smaller the better.

[Scottmichaelj]

I saw these too which could work for some just not sure the power brick will fit for my needs, looks too big.

 

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/262226150854

 

Supernight RGBW RGBWW LED Strip Lighting Kit 5M 5050 300leds Non-waterproof

[MWareman]

I saw these too which could work for some just not sure the power brick will fit for my needs, looks too big.

 

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/262226150854

 

Supernight RGBW RGBWW LED Strip Lighting Kit 5M 5050 300leds Non-waterproof

The 5050 RGBWW is what I have, and I find I need to 'cool' the warm white a little with a dim blue color mix. The warm white is just too yellow otherwise.

 

In my case though I have pulled wires down to my basement and the power brick is down there - keeps the kitchen clean. Did it the same time I tiled the back splash in my kitchen.

 

Edited January 15, 2016 by MWareman

[GDavis01]

Deirwin... 

 

 

 

And yes, I was able to tie-in the radiant floor with the ISY994.  I used Trane Zwave Thermostats by connecting an Aube Electric heating relay (RC840T-120) to each unit, hidden in the wall.  Again, very easy and works perfectly

 

I am interested in this because I have a house which has radiant heated floors throughout the basement. However when I looked up the specs on the Trane-Zwave thermostat I see that they have this statement in the specs "Not for use with radiant floor heating systems"!

 

Any idea as to why they have this restriction?

[stusviews]

I am interested in this because I have a house which has radiant heated floors throughout the basement. However when I looked up the specs on the Trane-Zwave thermostat I see that they have this statement in the specs "Not for use with radiant floor heating systems"!

 

Any idea as to why they have this restriction?

 

The Trane Z-Wave thermostat is for use with a standard 24VAC HVAC system, but radiant floor heating systems run on line voltage, usually 220/240VAC. The Aube Relay allows using a standard thermostat with a line voltage heating system.

[larryllix]

I saw these too which could work for some just not sure the power brick will fit for my needs, looks too big.

 

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/262226150854

 

Supernight RGBW RGBWW LED Strip Lighting Kit 5M 5050 300leds Non-waterproof

Get the Waterproof units for $2 more. You can't even wipe the accumulated grease and dust off the non-waterproof units. They are an exposed PCB.

 

 

This guy has almost everything. The last IP67 strips are encased ina silicone tube. The double sided tape on the back of some does NOT work. First time they get warm they all fall off. Get the two screw silicone clamps, about $4 per 100.

 

http://stores.ebay.com/joydeal/_i.html?_dmd=2&_nkw=5050

 

WARNING: Do not buy the solderless slip in 5 pin flat connectors! They are the wrong spacing for these RGBWW strips. The guys knows it and just repeats the complaint. However he did give me a credit for a RGBWW strip that had a bad section. I told him I wanted 2m replaced and he just shoved me a prorated sum.

Edited January 19, 2016 by larryllix

[Scottmichaelj]

Get the Waterproof units for $2 more. You can't even wipe the accumulated grease and dust off the non-waterproof units. They are an exposed PCB.

 

 

This guy has almost everything. The last IP67 strips are encased ina silicone tube. The double sided tape on the back of some does NOT work. First time they get warm they all fall off. Get the two screw silicone clamps, about $4 per 100.

 

http://stores.ebay.com/joydeal/_i.html?_dmd=2&_nkw=5050

 

WARNING: Do not buy the solderless slip in 5 pin flat connectors! They are the wrong spacing for these RGBWW strips. The guys knows it and just repeats the complaint. However he did give me a credit for a RGBWW strip that had a bad section. I told him I wanted 2m replaced and he just shoved me a prorated sum.

Well I bought these back when I posted. You make good points so when I add to them Ill do as you suggested. Tired of sitting on my hands so needed to start trying some out.

 

Kit 5M SMD 3528 5050 5630 2835 LED Flexible Strip Light + IR6 Remote+12V Adapter

 

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/172016742025

[Scottmichaelj]

Kit 5M SMD 3528 5050 5630 2835 LED Flexible Strip Light + IR6 Remote+12V Adapter

 

http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/172016742025

So quick Pro/Cons on these.

 

Pros:

 

-Nice pure white color (ordered cool white)

-Dimmable but only about 6 steps

-Power off then back on retains the previous settings

-Small and thin

-Nice and bright

-Cuttable in very small sections, every three lights at 2" inches

-Only two connections needed (power +/-) on the strip when cut to solder back together to extend.

 

Cons:

 

-The AC power supply hums when its plugged in, not sure why or if thats normal

-Dimmable in only about 6 steps would be nice for unlimited full range dimming

-Does not work at all with Insteon dimmers except on/off

-Lowest dim setting could be a tad lower but this is personal preference

 

Overall I like them and they "could work" in my application. Not 100% what I want but I could live with it.

 

Off to order the strips @larry recommended to play with.

[stusviews]

Cons:

-Does not work at all with Insteon dimmers except on/off

 

If the power supply is not meant the be dimmed, then do not use a dimmer at all. The reason is that TRIACs clip the waveform even at full on. The result is that at worst, you will destroy the dimmer, the transformer or both and at best, you will shorten the life of one or both.

[Scottmichaelj]

If the power supply is not meant the be dimmed, then do not use a dimmer at all. The reason is that TRIACs clip the waveform even at full on. The result is that at worst, you will destroy the dimmer, the transformer or both and at best, you will shorten the life of one or both.

I really need 120v dimmable cool white bright strips that I can plug in and control via the switchlincs. Why is that so much to ask for? Lol I dont need wifi, remote control, colors or anything crazy!

 

Like I said in my previous posts I found some but the color was way off. Which brings me to the fact "in general the quality is all over the place with these regardless where you get them".

[Scottmichaelj]

Not sure if this is available yet or open api for ISY control. Have to look into this more, but here is the Fibaro. What strips go with it? I would be willing to try it out.

 

http://www.fibaro.com/us/the-fibaro-system/rgbw-controller

[MWareman]

Not sure if this is available yet or open api for ISY control. Have to look into this more, but here is the Fibaro. What strips go with it? I would be willing to try it out.

 

http://www.fibaro.com/us/the-fibaro-system/rgbw-controller

This is a multi channel device - it doesn't work yet with ISY. I know, because I have one awaiting installation.

[Tungsten]

Larry, do you have an example (maybe a link) of the silicone clamps? I can't seem to find them.

 

TIA