# RGB and RGBW LED strip lights **URL:** \ **Category:** Devices & Integrations\ **Created:** [December 4, 2014, 6:27pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723 "2014-12-04T18:27:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![beckwith](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/beckwith/32/15130_2.png) [@beckwith](https://community.smartthings.com/u/beckwith)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2014, 6:27pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/1 "2014-12-04T18:27:22Z")
If you find the Hue LED strips too expensive or lacking in features, there are alternatives just around the corner. Take the typical LED RGBW light strips as the following: [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MN9AALA](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MN9AALA) ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/original/3X/e/c/ecb1d453c9fad39d474dc5fe4a928400a59fa30d.jpeg) To integrate it with SmartThings, you need a Z-Wave or ZigBee controller between the power supply and the LED strips. The kit above comes with an IR controller but not accessible by SmartThings. There are two devices that have promise: [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1N68FW](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P1N68FW) ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/original/3X/f/e/fe77372005261d1897c763eebff6c9e87cc7de91.jpeg) The Fibaro RGBW controller is a powerful controller in a small package (smaller than AEON Z-Wave Micro Smart Energy Switch). It also can handle other inputs that I plan on using with simple open/close sensors for kitchen cabinet switches among other features. Right now, however, there isn’t a real good device type written to take advantage of these features. It pairs as a Z-Wave dimmer which would be fine if you only wanted to control a single color LED strip. A device type for Zipato works for RGB but is awkward to use: > [@Zipato RGBW bulb](http://community.smartthings.com/t/zipato-rgbw-bulb/2191/17): > > I edited my post to point to a txt file instead… [https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9398450/zipatoRGBW.txt](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9398450/zipatoRGBW.txt) There may some weird formatting issues if you cut/paste into the forum here. Yes, that’s my full code at the moment. Just add as new device at: [https://graph.api.smartthings.com/ide/devices](https://graph.api.smartthings.com/ide/devices) A more recent solution is a device from dresden elektronik wireless: [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NMSQ4QQ/](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NMSQ4QQ/) ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/original/3X/2/6/26ac8ead6042006e448f002ef48a28de03bc57bb.jpeg) This device paired quickly as a Hue bulb and uses the color circle to control color. Since Hue doesn’t support RGBW, it does not yet control white correctly. It probably would work just fine with RGB. In theory, ZigBee should be more responsive than Z-Wave but I haven’t compared the two yet. So it seems the devices are out there but better SmartThings device types need to be developed. ---
**Author:** ![darrylb](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/darrylb/32/273_2.png) [@darrylb](https://community.smartthings.com/u/darrylb)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2014, 8:24pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/2 "2014-12-04T20:24:39Z")
Thank you for this. I was looking at getting the LEDWarehouse LED lights (basically same as you listed). Seems the Zibgee controller has most promise for near-use. I wonder if someone could modify the zigbee device type that acts as a Huge bulb, and extend it to have a “white” slider". Know of any efforts to this? Seems they don’t have any available on amazon currently… ---
**Author:** ![beckwith](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/beckwith/32/15130_2.png) [@beckwith](https://community.smartthings.com/u/beckwith)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2014, 8:53pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/3 "2014-12-04T20:53:34Z")
> [@darrylb](#): > > I wonder if someone could modify the zigbee device type that acts as a Huge bulb, and extend it to have a “white” slider". It may be real easy to add an additional white slider to the Hue device type. I just hooked it up yesterday but have tons on my plate so to speak. I believe they are working on Amazon fulfillment to reduce shipping and should be available again soon. ---
**Author:** ![beckwith](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/beckwith/32/15130_2.png) [@beckwith](https://community.smartthings.com/u/beckwith)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2014, 2:20am UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/4 "2014-12-05T02:20:13Z")
If you use the laptop style transformer like the example kit, you also need one of these: [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HR8GBO2](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HR8GBO2) [http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2Bp1ajkuNL](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2Bp1ajkuNL)._SL1100_.jpg ---
**Author:** ![darrylb](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/darrylb/32/273_2.png) [@darrylb](https://community.smartthings.com/u/darrylb)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2014, 1:12pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/5 "2014-12-05T13:12:42Z")
@bechwith : I Like those lights you show, but I found LEDWarehouse. They offer a longer run, for a reasonable price: [65FT RGB Strip][1] [1]: [http://shop.ledwholesalers.com/index.php?route=product/product&product\_id=284](http://shop.ledwholesalers.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=284) Just an FYI. This is where it gets really interesting for me. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![beckwith](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/beckwith/32/15130_2.png) [@beckwith](https://community.smartthings.com/u/beckwith)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2014, 1:49pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/6 "2014-12-05T13:49:28Z")
Make sure you compare density. The 65 foot strip you cite and the kit I show both have 600 50/50 LEDs. The denser the brighter the output. This is pretty much the limit for 24v solutions. Also, the kit includes a transformer. Be forewarned, the transformer in the kit is just barely powerful enough to drive the LED set at full power. Adding lead wire or one of the controllers may require a 6 amp transformer. However, this is not a forgone conclusion because you may not use the entire LED run. Also, most large transformers delay start time. However, this is moot if you have the controller handle on/off. There a many comparable products out there. Competition is good. ---
**Author:** ![darrylb](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/darrylb/32/273_2.png) [@darrylb](https://community.smartthings.com/u/darrylb)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2014, 2:01am UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/7 "2014-12-07T02:01:56Z")
Hey @beckwith: I actually reached out to LEDwarehouse, and they built me a custom solution ensuring proper power, etc. Sadly, came in about 200, as I need about 60-80 ft for the first project, and that doesn’t even get it integrated into SmartThings. Your right about density… I’d be curious to get a brightness comparison from them… ---
**Author:** ![ivioo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/ivioo/32/16166_2.png) [@ivioo](https://community.smartthings.com/u/ivioo)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2015, 1:22pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/8 "2015-01-18T13:22:18Z")
I want to do something similar, just control white 12VDC LEDs under my cabinets on/off/dim. Do you know if they make a single channel version of this for just a single color led strip? I need either that or a device where I can plug it into a dimmer lamp or switch module and convert the 0-120VAC to 0-12VDC or 12VDC PWM (I have a few Z-wave lamp dimmers laying around so this method could be cheap for me ) Currently I have a 12VDC power switching power supply pluged into a on/off appliance module. It works great but at night time I want the LEDs to be at a lower level like 50% and 100% during the day. If this works out decently and cost effectively I want to do the same thing in other areas of the house. ---
**Author:** ![darrylb](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/darrylb/32/273_2.png) [@darrylb](https://community.smartthings.com/u/darrylb)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 12:11am UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/9 "2015-01-19T00:11:07Z")
They only make the one RGBW controller, no single channel version. Note, that the app lets you control the brightness, so you ultimately could build a simplified app with your brightness levels… ---
**Author:** ![ChuckV](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/chuckv/32/13088_2.png) [@ChuckV](https://community.smartthings.com/u/ChuckV)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2015, 6:09pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/10 "2015-02-20T18:09:02Z")
I have a white LED strip light in my pantry. I power it with a “dumb” wall-wort transformer plugged into a GE lamp module. Dimming the module reduces output from the transformer and so dims the LED strip. Save different dimmer setting as scenes, which you can call as needed. Very simple, very easy. Got the wall-work in the bargain bin at local electronics store. Works great. if all you need is white light, it is the way to go. ---
**Author:** ![fraserjr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@fraserjr](https://community.smartthings.com/u/fraserjr)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2015, 7:31pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/11 "2015-03-20T19:31:48Z")
Does anyone know if this would work with the Smartthings controller? I am looking to control my outdoor pool lights with this without a remote. > **[Synchronizable Radio Frequency Controller Only for RGB Color-Changing LED Strips...](http://www.ebay.com/itm/Synchronizable-Radio-Frequency-Controller-Only-for-RGB-Color-Changing-LED-Strips-/230979636105?_trksid=p2054897.l4275)** > > Synchronizable Radio Frequency Controller Only for RGB Color-Changing LED Strips | Home & Garden, Home Décor, Other Home Décor | eBay! ---
**Author:** ![beckwith](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/beckwith/32/15130_2.png) [@beckwith](https://community.smartthings.com/u/beckwith)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2015, 10:11pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/12 "2015-03-20T22:11:49Z")
No it won’t work with SmartThings. You need one that supports Z-Wave or Zigbee. ---
**Author:** ![Stempoid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/22d042/32.png) [@Stempoid](https://community.smartthings.com/u/Stempoid)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2015, 11:23pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/13 "2015-06-13T23:23:53Z")
Heya, Would this device work for just controlling White Led Strips using Smart Things? They also make an RGB version? [![](https://www.kiwilighting.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/1000x800/7d155b9d2687db43f9dde4e5cacbb00b/k/w/kw-wf323.jpg) ](https://www.kiwilighting.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/1000x800/7d155b9d2687db43f9dde4e5cacbb00b/k/w/kw-wf323.jpg) > **[KW-WF321.pdf](https://www.kiwilighting.com/user-guide/KW-WF320-ZigBee/KW-WF321.pdf)** > > 795.06 KB > **[KW-WF323.pdf](https://www.kiwilighting.com/user-guide/KW-WF320-ZigBee/KW-WF323.pdf)** > > 274.36 KB ---
**Author:** ![shocku992](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@shocku992](https://community.smartthings.com/u/shocku992)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2015, 1:13pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/14 "2015-09-25T13:13:02Z")
Also Wondering if that ZigBee-RGB controller would work? Anyone Tried one yet? ---
**Author:** ![Hylander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/7cd45c/32.png) [@Hylander](https://community.smartthings.com/u/Hylander)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2015, 12:43am UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/15 "2015-09-28T00:43:05Z")
Hi guys I was wondering how you where getting on with the operating of rgbw led strips and hue ? Ideally I would like to be able to use and dim just the white mostly only using rgb occasionally using the hue app or one of the 3rd party apps. Was hoping this was doable before purchasing but might just have to take a leap of faith 😄 ---
**Author:** ![braclark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@braclark](https://community.smartthings.com/u/braclark)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2015, 6:02pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/16 "2015-10-09T18:02:44Z")
I just got the zigbee-RGB yesterday, and I’m not having any luck pairing it. The directions aren’t the best. I’ve held down both arrow buttons to where the orange light is lit, but smartthings doesn’t show any new devices. Are there any tricks I need to know for stubborn devices? ---
**Author:** ![beckwith](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/beckwith/32/15130_2.png) [@beckwith](https://community.smartthings.com/u/beckwith)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2015, 6:07pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/17 "2015-10-09T18:07:48Z")
Turn on the logs through the IDE to see any clues. ---
**Author:** ![braclark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@braclark](https://community.smartthings.com/u/braclark)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2015, 6:11pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/18 "2015-10-09T18:11:11Z")
Ok, thank you. I’ll try that tonight. ---
**Author:** ![braclark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee59a6/32.png) [@braclark](https://community.smartthings.com/u/braclark)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2015, 3:55pm UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/19 "2015-10-10T15:55:20Z")
Here is what the live logs showed when I attempted to pair the ZigBee-RGB and this is what the logs showed: ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/original/3X/4/b/4b47f95442005108ff2a5f394692fe10f4e6e72e.png) Does this show anything usefull? ---
**Author:** ![beckwith](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/smartthings/user_avatar/community.smartthings.com/beckwith/32/15130_2.png) [@beckwith](https://community.smartthings.com/u/beckwith)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2015, 12:02am UTC](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723/20 "2015-10-11T00:02:50Z")
Haven’t done this in a while but the logs don’t seem to indicate anything. Have you tried a reboot? Is it close to the hub? Also, ZigBee uses 2.4 ghz which can interfere with WiFi, Sonos, Chromcast, Harmony, etc. Make sure it isn’t too close to other wireless devices. [Next page](https://community.smartthings.com/t/rgb-and-rgbw-led-strip-lights/7723.md?page=2)