0
\$\begingroup\$

Making a lamp using a DPDT SPDT ON-OFF-ON toggle. ON1 is the lamp. No issues there. ON2 is going to be an LED strip in the base to function as a nightlight. The single-color LED strip is what's leftover from another project, for which I used the power adapter that came with the lights.

I have an APV-8-5 to drive the LEDs. This goes to a DC 6-35V 5A Motor Speed Regulator which I'm using as a dimmer. Beautiful. Everything works perfectly. I can turn 'em off and have a perfect range of brightnesses, no flicker.

The "dimmer" is hidden. I want to be able to set it, but then use the toggle on the front to turn on either the lamp or nightlight. But when I switch to ON2, nada. I have to turn the pot off and then back on to get the nightlight to turn on, and then after that everything works perfectly. I tried wiring it without the regulator, but the LEDs don't come on at all now.

So, feel free to talk to me like I'm an idiot, because clearly I am. I've built basic lamps, but know very little about these strip LEDs. My goal here is to be able to flip the toggle and have the LEDs come on.

Why must I have a switch in the DC portion of the circuit for this to work? Is there anything I can do to change that?

Attempt at a diagram below:

\$\endgroup\$
5
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ "So, feel free to talk to me like I'm an idiot, because clearly I am." 1) Don't talk down to yourself like that. Negativity never helps with troubleshooting. 2) Do you have any schematic you can include? That would help a lot. \$\endgroup\$
    – Jay
    Commented Mar 12 at 4:38
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks, Jay. I'm a hobbyist. I know enough make sure the wide blade goes to the ribbed wire goes to the silver terminal. (OK, maybe a bit more than that, but not enough to a diagram.) \$\endgroup\$
    – Dascalargo
    Commented Mar 12 at 14:39
  • \$\begingroup\$ OK, first, it is a SPDT switch that I'm using. Sorry. And, not that I think it matters, it is an ON-OFF-ON. I wasn't sure how to indicate the OFF state. I just added a diagram to the original message. Thanks! \$\endgroup\$
    – Dascalargo
    Commented Mar 12 at 15:50
  • \$\begingroup\$ Most important would be the model and preferably the documentation for the motor speed regulator. The LED strip isn't the problem. \$\endgroup\$
    – pipe
    Commented Mar 12 at 16:49
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks @pipe. I don't have a model number and there isn't anything on the part itself. It's this: amazon.com/gp/product/B091SHPR6L . I just noticed the 3-15v label and the note that "3-9v input needs short circuit." I'm guessing that's the issue, that I need to short that... but I'm not certain enough to take the whole thing apart again, yet. \$\endgroup\$
    – Dascalargo
    Commented Mar 12 at 18:01

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
\$\begingroup\$

As is so often the case, I can try to figure something out for hours, but as soon as I make a post asking for help, I figure it out on my own.

It was as I said in my last comment. I had to short the 3-15v terminals.

\$\endgroup\$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.