Led Diode String

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Diver300

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Oct 25, 2021

• #2

Strings like that are often wired with alternate LEDs in reverse. If the polarity is one way, the odd-numbered LEDs light up, reverse it and the even numbered ones light.

If the polarity is alternating, all the lights will appear to light.

Depending on the frequency of the alternating current, there may be visible flicker.

 

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ruko

New Member

• Oct 25, 2021

• #3

Thanks. Makes sense. The string is hooked to a solar cell/battery combo with a control box that controls what the diodes do. The box must generate the alternating current since it is not connected to AC house power.

 

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Diver300

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Oct 26, 2021

• #4

ruko said:

Thanks. Makes sense. The string is hooked to a solar cell/battery combo with a control box that controls what the diodes do. The box must generate the alternating current since it is not connected to AC house power.

Click to expand...

It is the box that generates the AC. It can't be simple mains frequency as it wouldn't be controllable.

It needs 4 transistors to control what is effectively 2 strings of LEDs. If there were more wires, it could be done with fewer transistors but that would cost more in wires.

 

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Pommie

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Oct 27, 2021

• #5

Or they could be addressable LEDs such as WS2812s but unlikely unless an expensive set of lights that can do far more than blink.

Mike.

 

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Ru Ko

New Member

• Oct 27, 2021

• #6

Thanks all.

 

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ChrisP58

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Oct 29, 2021

• #7

Is Ru Ko the same member as ruko?

 

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