A look at the construction of a generally available LED strip-light from ebay. Actually worth it just for the hackability of the housing alone.
Here's the data sheet for the chip:- (Slow Chinese link.)
http://www.winsemi.com/en/upload/20140521094036_2906.pdf
It's a buck regulator with little smoothing on the input to allow a much better power factor.

17 thoughts on “Inside a 9w generic ebay t8 led strip-light.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roland Lawrence says:

    just bought a few of these to try for $3.50 each. interestingly many of the wiring options are 3 pin to 2 pin leads (im in asia) and they actually insist you dont connect the earth wire! will check with a meter if the middle pin actually connects to the tube casing… need a new meter. alas never thought would need one on my travels!! thanks for the teardown.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Suharinos says:

    Where can I buy copper plated aluminium wire ?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cheese 1337 says:

    i have a similar 9w tube , and the power supply broke. so i took out the power supply and the led strip that came with it, then i put in a 12v led strip 😀

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars C MJ says:

    That is a Non isolated buck LED driver with active PFC.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alejandro Andrade Lopez says:

    Are those puppies dimmable with comercial dedicated dimmers at the home improvement store?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ComicKish says:

    i need ur help should i go t5 or t8 i am leaning t5

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Arrow's Theorem says:

    The led light flickers. I wonder is it due to pwm? If the switching frequency is high enough , will the flickering still be captured by the camera?

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mike x says:

    would be good if they made led strip with built in opal diffuser coating on the strip like the opal diffuser coating on led strip track profiles but without having to use a track profile. NOt seen any availible with opal diffuser coatings yet

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars PinBallReviewer says:

    Sweet I want to get this strip now. xD

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kopsu says:

    when one of these T8 led tubes burn out, is it usually the leds that fail or some other component within the tube?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jebicore says:

    Why 77 volts and around 48 leds??

    R/. 77V/48=1,6V which means that it is the voltage drop of each LED.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joshua Kuo says:

    Hi bigclivedotcom, I'm thinking of buying these for my under cabinet kitchen lights, would you recommend these? I found a website that has something very similar to these for about 7 US dollars each. Thanks in advanced!

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Myles Nicholas says:

    I have used 1/2 inch multistrand aluminium power cable in telephone exchanges for 50 Volt feeds.
    It came with a conductive grease too.
    I also have a 1 metre 128 smd Led work lamp with Li ion battery.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Abc-co Leaks-info says:

    It looks like you started with a 10,000-k then went to a 7,500-k to an actinic T-5. You could make money in the marine aquarium/reefing community! Great light mod!

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Abc-co Leaks-info says:

    It looks like you started with a 10,000-k then went to a 7,500-k to an actinic T-5. You could make money in the marine aquarium/reefing community! Great light mod!

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Max Mouse says:

    Aluminium isn't an alloy, it's an elemental metal… are these wires alloyed with something else?

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars CHARrrrrrrrr says:

    "Get into the groove" so many cheesy ass comments. Nice

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