PSU For LED strips???

[crakkers]

Hi,

Nothing to do with PICAXE but can anyone advise this newbie to electronics in a suitable 240v 3 pin plug type PSU to power LED strips?

I know I want an output of 12V DC, but when I look in say the Rapid catalogue they sell PSUs that are rated at various wattage and also amps. The common ones appear to be either 400mA or 1A. Does this mean the deliver 1A or is that the max they can give? I dont want to blow the strip.

Any help explaining and advising would be helpful

Thanks

C

 

[nick12ab]

'1A' means that it's the max they'll give and you won't blow any LEDs even if using a single 20mA LED as long as you don't exceed the forward voltage.

Have you seen Rapid's range of dedicated LED drivers?

ADDED: You could make a PICAXE-based one by using a potential divider on an analogue input and a power MOSFET on a PWM output and adjust the duty cycle of the PWM according to the input voltage in order to maintain a constant voltage on the output - effectively a PICAXE-based voltage regulator.

 

[westaust55]

It would be helpfully if you provided:
1. A link to the LED strips you intend to use, and/or
2. The typical and max current draw of the LED strips

How many strips do you intend the power from one supply?

Without such information, folks are guessing at the requirements.
How long is a piece of string?