What Is an RGB Controller? Types and Selection Criteria for LED Strip
An RGB controller is a receiver and remote set that drives the red, green and blue channels of RGB LED strip separately to set colour, brightness and effects remotely.
An RGB controller is a set made up of a receiver (control unit) and a hand-held remote that drives the red (R), green (G) and blue (B) channels of RGB LED strip separately to set colour, brightness and transition effects. The receiver is connected between the LED power supply and the strip. It is used in cove, shelf, display and decorative lighting.
Types of RGB controller
| Type | How it is used | In the catalogue |
|---|---|---|
| Key remote | A separate key for each colour, brightness level and effect | İnoled 24-key and 28-key models |
| Touch remote | Colour and brightness are chosen on a touch surface instead of keys | İnoled touch model |
| App control module | Settings are made from a phone app | İnoled RGB Bluetooth module in the LED Control Modules group |
An RGB controller has three channels. RGBW strip (separate white channel), RGB+CCT strip and addressable (pixel) strip need different controllers.
Selection criteria
- Voltage: The controller, power supply and strip must have the same voltage. The names of the İnoled models in the catalogue state 12 V DC; for 24 V strip, the controller datasheet must state 24 V. 220 V RGB neon strips do not work with these controllers but with their own control modules.
- Current limit: The strip current is the total power (power per metre x metres) divided by the voltage. A 5 m strip at 10 W per metre draws 50 W; at 12 V that is about 4.2 A. The 18 A and 24 A in the İnoled model names correspond to 216 W and 288 W of load at 12 V. On some controllers the value in the name is the total of the three channels; the per-channel limit is in the datasheet.
- Power supply rating: The controller only switches the current going to the strip; the power comes from the power supply. The power supply is chosen separately for the strip's total power.
- Range and receiver position: The names of the İnoled models state 20 m sensing range. Placing the receiver inside a metal profile or a closed cabinet can shorten the range; with an infrared (IR) remote, the receiver's sensor must stay visible.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the leads: RGB strip has a common positive lead (V+ or +12V) and R, G and B leads. If the markings on the controller output do not match those on the strip, the colours swap or the strip does not light.
- Connecting the controller to the mains: The input of a 12 V DC controller goes to the power supply output, not to 220 V.
- Loading it above its limit: As strip is added, the total current can exceed the controller limit; the receiver overheats and fails.
- Feeding a long strip from one end: Because of voltage drop, the far end gets dimmer and the colour shifts; keep to the maximum feed length in the strip datasheet.
RGB controllers in the catalogue
The RGB Remote Controls category has 6 active products; all are sold by the piece.
| Brand | Model | Information in the product name |
|---|---|---|
| Cata | CT-9116, CT-9147, CT-9150 | RGB controller |
| İnoled | 3012 | 12 V DC, 18 A, 24 keys, 20 m sensing range |
| İnoled | 3016 | 12 V DC, 24 A, 28 keys, 20 m sensing range |
| İnoled | 3014 | 12 V DC, 24 A, touch, 20 m sensing range |
Check the voltage and current ratings of the Cata models on the product page. RGB strips (ACK, Cata, İnoled) are in the Indoor LED Strip category.
Frequently asked questions
How many metres of LED strip can an RGB controller drive?
It depends on the controller's current limit and the strip's power per metre. An 18 A controller carries 216 W at 12 V; with strip at 14.4 W per metre, that is 15 m. The length that can be fed from one end is set by the limit in the strip datasheet.
Can an RGB controller be used on 24 V strip?
Only if its datasheet states 24 V. A controller whose name states only 12 V DC must not be connected to a 24 V circuit.
Does an RGB controller work with RGBW strip?
A three-channel RGB controller does not drive the white channel; RGBW strip needs a four-channel controller.
Where is the controller receiver connected?
Between the power supply output and the start of the strip, where the remote signal reaches it.