Controlling 20m led rgb strip with a Pi.

[nik012003]

Hi everyone!
I want to control a 20m rgb led strip that consumes 12V 10A .
I've already got a power supply that can reach that voltage and that amps, now I need a way to control this strip with my Pi B+ .
Some people use the TIP120 transistor but I don't think it's good enough for 20m .
What can I use?
Can I make the circuit using a breadboard or I need to solder it?
Thanks in advice

[joan]

The answer will likely depend on the model of LED strip, in particular the underlying LED RGB update protocol.

[nik012003]

I have this one:
https://m.it.aliexpress.com/s/item/3266 ... l#autostay

[BMS Doug]

If you already have the controller board then I would suggest considering using an IR LED to control it. Just learn the codes from the existing remote and send them from the Pi.

The adafruit product page suggests that the TIP120 is capable of sustaining a 5A current indefinitely.
The LED string you have linked says it consumes 2.88W/M. multiply by 20 meters and divide by 12V
2.88*20/12=4.8A
the maximum current consumed by 20M is less than 5A (and that is made up from 3 channels, red, green and blue, so your individual transistor loads will be even lower).

Yes the TIP120 will be suitable, you will need three, one for each colour channel.

[nik012003]

Can I wire it up like this ( http://mitchtech.net/wp-content/uploads ... 00x194.png ) on a breadboard?

[BMS Doug]

Can I wire it up like this ( http://mitchtech.net/wp-content/uploads ... 00x194.png ) on a breadboard?

I think you need current limiting resistors in series with the GPIO pin before you reach the transistor, otherwise you could risk burning out the GPIO pin.