Strip LED question

MEATLOAFr · Post by **MEATLOAFr** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 2:49 am

what is the difference between a 5050 SMD strip and a 3528 SMD strip

I just bought some strips for a few projects and was wondering

Paulbo · Post by **Paulbo** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 9:00 am

5050s are square LEDs while 3528s are small rectangles.

MEATLOAFr · Post by **MEATLOAFr** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 2:12 pm

is that all?

can I hook straight to a battery or do I need some resistors?

I bought a 5m spool and want to make sure they all work

Paulbo · Post by **Paulbo** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 2:25 pm

That's it. The 5050s are a shade brighter because they have 3 LED "filaments" in them instead of a single one.

If the strips are like this then you can hook them straight to a battery. (Notice the resistor between the two right-hand LEDs in this picture.)

Depending on the resistor used in the strip you purchased, you may be able to get dim light at 6V, but they're generally made to be used at 12V. (9V will often provide a good amount of light.)

MEATLOAFr · Post by **MEATLOAFr** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 12:35 am

yes they're 12v, and they have that resistor on the strip

they're like the ones you posted about

thank's for the help and the information

not sure what I'm going to do with 10m (2 spools of 5m) of the strips though

as long as they all work... I shouldn't have to buy any for a while