Strip/Tape LED's - Fixtures Required

[shergenr]

Am planning my kitchen remodel and would like to install some LED strip lights below my cabinets.   I have approximately 9 feet of under cabinet space that I need to light. I would like them to be dimmable and controlled by my ISY994iz.  I've looked at the various posts and documentation and have managed to confuse myself.   So here are my questions:

1)  Do I need to buy a 12v dimmable driver or non-dimmable driver?  Such as the Magnitude E40L12DC-KO?  

2) Do I need the 0-10v Dimmable Ballast to control the dimming of the driver?

3) Assuming I need both 1 and 2, which side is the Dimmable Ballast wired to: a) between the switch and the driver, (b) between the driver and the led fixture ... or ?

4)  Switch - Can  the Dimmable ToggleLink switch handle the dimming?

5)  Could a KPL replace the Toggle Links' function to switch the Leds on/off, and dim?  Would it be a better solution than using the ToggleLink?  The paddle switches aren't allowed according to the "better taste" committee.  I might be able to get away with the KPL by adding scenes and/or controlling the driveway gate opener.....

As always, I appreciate the forum's help.  If you have any product recommendations would surely appreciate those too.

 

 

 

 

 

[lilyoyo1]

12 minutes ago, shergenr said:

Am planning my kitchen remodel and would like to install some LED strip lights below my cabinets.   I have approximately 9 feet of under cabinet space that I need to light. I would like them to be dimmable and controlled by my ISY994iz.  I've looked at the various posts and documentation and have managed to confuse myself.   So here are my questions:

1)  Do I need to buy a 12v dimmable driver or non-dimmable driver?  Such as the Magnitude E40L12DC-KO?  If you want to dim the lights you need a dimmable driver. If dimming isn't needed then any that fits what you're using would be fine. Magnitude dimmable drivers historically works really well with insteon. 

2) Do I need the 0-10v Dimmable Ballast to control the dimming of the driver? Not necessarily. Depends on your setup. For the most part, your dimmable driver would simply be plugged into a dimmable outlet or plug-in module.

3) Assuming I need both 1 and 2, which side is the Dimmable Ballast wired to: a) between the switch and the driver, (b) between the driver and the led fixture ... or ?

4)  Switch - Can  the Dimmable ToggleLink switch handle the dimming? It can but with it being power line only, the potential for interference is greater than the 2477d switchlinc. I wouldn't want to take a chance with it. If no dimming is needed, the 2477s would suffice.

5)  Could a KPL replace the Toggle Links' function to switch the Leds on/off, and dim?  Would it be a better solution than using the ToggleLink?  The paddle switches aren't allowed according to the "better taste" committee.  I might be able to get away with the KPL by adding scenes and/or controlling the driveway gate opener..... Yes. Since you would be using it to control another insteon device such as an outlet or plug-in module. 

As always, I appreciate the forum's help.  If you have any product recommendations would surely appreciate those too. For areas that I don't need color changing, I use driverless strip lights. Dims well with insteon and it's direct plugin. Do need to worry about transformers and extra stuff to hide. I also use a diffuser for under cabinet lights for a cleaner look. No seeing the individual lights reflection on the countertop

 

 

 

 

 

 

[shergenr]

Lilyoyo1 

Thanks for your reply.  I'm going to clarify by cutting  down the variables based on your feedback.

1) I want to be able to dim the strip lights but I don't want any color control.  

2) I will need a dimmable driver as alluded to above 40W/Magnitude

3) My wife is going to insist on counter top control from a "switch"

4) Can I use a KPL by itself to act as a switch or do I need a KPL coupled with a dimmable ballast?

5)  Alternatively, I have a dimming Toggle Link on that circuit and have no problems now (it controls an LED spot and does well).  In fact I am likely going to add 2 more toggle links to other non-led switches on that circuit to control incandescents above the island and breakfast table - does that change your equation about "interference" any?  Scene control is less important than local control and abilty to dim the lights.  

[larryllix]

36 minutes ago, shergenr said:

Lilyoyo1 

Thanks for your reply.  I'm going to clarify by cutting  down the variables based on your feedback.

1) I want to be able to dim the strip lights but I don't want any color control.  

2) I will need a dimmable driver as alluded to above 40W/Magnitude

3) My wife is going to insist on counter top control from a "switch"

4) Can I use a KPL by itself to act as a switch or do I need a KPL coupled with a dimmable ballast?

5)  Alternatively, I have a dimming Toggle Link on that circuit and have no problems now (it controls an LED spot and does well).  In fact I am likely going to add 2 more toggle links to other non-led switches on that circuit to control incandescents above the island and breakfast table - does that change your equation about "interference" any?  Scene control is less important than local control and abilty to dim the lights.  

Have a look here. If you install colour you will learn to like it. Just don;t install RGB equipment. Install RGBWW strips and 4 channel controllers.

Likely cost you less than $50 for all equipment for up to 15.4 feet long. There are many compatible controllers but look for NS here that support MagicHome and other popular brands.

 

Edited July 13, 2020 by larryllix

[lilyoyo1]

7 hours ago, shergenr said:

Lilyoyo1 

Thanks for your reply.  I'm going to clarify by cutting  down the variables based on your feedback.

1) I want to be able to dim the strip lights but I don't want any color control.  

2) I will need a dimmable driver as alluded to above 40W/Magnitude

3) My wife is going to insist on counter top control from a "switch"

4) Can I use a KPL by itself to act as a switch or do I need a KPL coupled with a dimmable ballast?

5)  Alternatively, I have a dimming Toggle Link on that circuit and have no problems now (it controls an LED spot and does well).  In fact I am likely going to add 2 more toggle links to other non-led switches on that circuit to control incandescents above the island and breakfast table - does that change your equation about "interference" any?  Scene control is less important than local control and abilty to dim the lights.  

1) Having color isn't a bad thing. It allows you to "tune" the lights to your environment as well as better ambiance when things are dark. Setups such as the one larryllix linked to can also be cheaper and easier to install than your typical setups. 

4) If your driver is wired directly to the load of a kpl it could work directly with your lights. Otherwise you will need your driver plugged into a dimmable insteon device such as a dimmable plug-in module or dimmable outlet. Most likely, you will not need the dimmable ballast. Just a dimmable plug-in module. However it comes down to what items you end up choosing. Back when I used to use magnitude, I never once needed the dimmable ballast. It was always plugged into a dimmable outlet since the transformer itself required line voltage. 

5) it does not change my equation. LEDs are not 1 size fits all. Just because 1 brand works does not mean anything will work.... especially when you talk about transformers. In addition to how well they dim, you can run into noise issues, as well as a high pitched whine. 

[larryllix]

10 hours ago, shergenr said:

<snipped>

3) My wife is going to insist on counter top control from a "switch"

<snipped>

My undercounter LED strips are not coloured, nor dimmable. I found a plug-in motion sensor and tucked it beside the fridge so it only shoots right down the counter. We have never touched a switch there in 12 years. You walk up and the counter lights up day or night. It's a dark corner far away from windows. Those LEDs probably cost me an extra 1 or 2 cents per year.
Something like this..the original HA.
https://www.amazon.ca/Télécommande-allumage-mouvement-intérieur-MLC4BC/dp/B009KSEE4G/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=plug+in+motion+sensor&qid=1594645067&sr=8-6

or better yet this
https://www.amazon.ca/Westek-MLC12BC-4-Indoor-Activated-Control/dp/B009KSECO8/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=plug+in+motion+sensor&qid=1594645193&sr=8-5

 

Get the LED strips inside a silicone tube/sealed. You'll appreciate that when you try to wipe them down with a wet cloth.

Edited July 13, 2020 by larryllix

[asbril]

This discussion brings me to a project that I was keeping for some time in the future.... Are there any color led strips that can be controlled  via a nodeserver ?

[lilyoyo1]

31 minutes ago, larryllix said:

My undercounter LED strips are not coloured, nor dimmable. I found a plug-in motion sensor and tucked it beside the fridge so it only shoots right down the counter. We have never touched a switch there in 12 years. You walk up and the counter lights up day or night. It's a dark corner far away from windows. Those LEDs probably cost me an extra 1 or 2 cents per year.
Something like this..the original HA.
https://www.amazon.ca/Télécommande-allumage-mouvement-intérieur-MLC4BC/dp/B009KSEE4G/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=plug+in+motion+sensor&qid=1594645067&sr=8-6

or better yet this
https://www.amazon.ca/Westek-MLC12BC-4-Indoor-Activated-Control/dp/B009KSECO8/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=plug+in+motion+sensor&qid=1594645193&sr=8-5

 

Get the LED strips inside a silicone tube/sealed. You'll appreciate that when you try to wipe them down with a wet cloth.

I like having multiple approaches to control. We use ours for ambiance in the evening with a basic timer, actual light when cooking via our cooking scene and motion control late at night should someone pass through.

I use a diffuser as well. Besides the cleanup, it simply looks better and keeps you from seeing the LEDs reflection on the countertop

Edited July 13, 2020 by lilyoyo1

[lilyoyo1]

1 minute ago, asbril said:

This discussion brings me to a project that I was keeping for some time in the future.... Are there any color led strips that can be controlled  via a nodeserver ?

Any of them can be used with the magic home nodeserver. You'll just need the controller connected to your choice of led strip lights.  There is also a hue and lifx nodeserver. For places I wanted color, I use hue

[asbril]

3 minutes ago, lilyoyo1 said:

I use hue

I see multiple choices on Amazon. Do you have a specific preference / recommendation ?

[lilyoyo1]

30 minutes ago, asbril said:

I see multiple choices on Amazon. Do you have a specific preference / recommendation ?

I wish I could help you with that one. I haven't used them. I don't think it matters as long as it's magic home. The software should be the same.

Any strip light can be used however. Just make sure they are rgbww. That way you have full color and white

Edited July 13, 2020 by lilyoyo1

[mapeter]

I am using FIBARO RGBW controllers for my LED strips.  Configures as a native z-wave device to the ISY, so a node server is not needed.

I have a button programmed on my KeypadLinc to turn it on and off.

[larryllix]

I use LEDenet RGBWW/CW controllers for my strips above cabinets. I don't use the CW output as the WW leds give off such a beautiful white colour, I like them everywhere.
AFAIK these are completely compatible with MagicHome controllers except cheaper and 5 channel units. They take a 12vdc power supply to run the strips.

For bulbs I use a Chinese knockoff that is 99 percent compatible with MagicHome. I wrote my own software to get around the differences and eliminate the popcorn effect of using 25 but  I only paid about $8 per bulb fir them but the colours are not as strong as MiLight and some more expensive brands

Sent using Tapatalk
 

Edited July 13, 2020 by larryllix