Issue with Ultra Flexible LED Strip at 9v

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launceleyn
 
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Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:13 pm

Issue with Ultra Flexible LED Strip at 9v

Post by launceleyn »

Hi, I am trying to light https://www.adafruit.com/product/4612 using 9V as the description says it should be able to, but it does not light. I am using a 9v battery to provide power. It lights at 12v, for which I am using a wall plug. For comparison I am able to light https://www.adafruit.com/product/3867 at both 9v and 12v.
9V setup:
20210609_130917.jpg
20210609_130917.jpg (350.63 KiB) Viewed 166 times
12V setup:
20210609_130944.jpg
20210609_130944.jpg (183.95 KiB) Viewed 166 times

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dastels
 
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Re: Issue with Ultra Flexible LED Strip at 9v

Post by dastels »

A couple things

1. A big difference is that 4612 has 480 LEDs and 3867 has 120. So 4612 potentially takes more current, depending on how they're wired internally.

2. 9v batteries are pretty lousy power sources. I'm not surprised it's causing problems. So your problem isn't 9v vs 12v, it's 9v battery vs 12v wall supply.
From https://learn.adafruit.com/all-about-batteries:
9V batteries are a strange case: they're actually made of 6 very small 1.5V batteries, pretty much the size of coin cells. As a result they have very low capacity and capability and are very expensive. If you are drawing more than 20mA then they are probably not a good idea to use.
Dave

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launceleyn
 
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Re: Issue with Ultra Flexible LED Strip at 9v

Post by launceleyn »

Ok good to know. Do you have any suggestions on how to deliver 9v in a portable way? This is for a wearable project.

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