My solution to awning lights

[LKicklight]

One last checkout before hitting the road tomorrow, wouldn't you know it..lights have worked just about perfect until thirty minutes ago..The Reds will not come on at all...blue and green work fine....when the red light is selected, nothing..will try the reset mode tomorrow..

[Adony]

On my IR controller, there is a jack built into the box where the 12vdc plug from the power source connects. If you didn't get the 115vac to 12 vdc transformer, this plug is available from places like Radio Shack..

[PHS79]

The lights that I ordered didnt show a 12V plug as being included, but it came with one.

[Tonk Mom]

Mine arrived today!

[pwrboatfan]

Originally Posted by Adony

On my IR controller, there is a jack built into the box where the 12vdc plug from the power source connects. If you didn't get the 115vac to 12 vdc transformer, this plug is available from places like Radio Shack..

I want to connect it directly to 12volts so I would not need a 120volt AC to 12Volt DC.

[RodeoGeorge]

I have ordered several different IR and RF LED Light Controllers. A few came with the Power Plug Pigtail, but most did not.

Take the controller to Radio Shack and match it up with a plug, then solder a pigtail on that plug. Pay attention to the polarity. The tip (center) of the plug should be +12 volts. Ground on the barrel.

RodeoGeorge

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by PHS79

The lights that I ordered didnt show a 12V plug as being included, but it came with one.

Same with my set but I did not know that before they arrived, so I bought this plug adapter
It worked out well.

[jriddering]

I mounted my lights on camper under awning and wanted to have controls in basement so I am going to run wires down awning mounting track and try to run inside where awning power wires go into camper so I bought a couple of these extension cables for the lights. Hope it works.

1pcs 1M RGB Extension Cable Wire Connector 4pin for SMD 5050 RGB LED Strip Light | eBay

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by jriddering

I mounted my lights on camper under awning and wanted to have controls in basement so I am going to run wires down awning mounting track and try to run inside where awning power wires go into camper so I bought a couple of these extension cables for the lights. Hope it works.

1pcs 1M RGB Extension Cable Wire Connector 4pin for SMD 5050 RGB LED Strip Light | eBay

Just make sure your connections are well taped with electrical or "splicing" tape. The male pins are "double male" connectors that are just pushed into the female end of the wire.

The wind from driving disconnected the connector on mine and I lost the double male piece. I had to make a connection out of some solid wire I had in the camper and carve the pieces of wire down to fit with a pocket knife.

[jriddering]

I may try some shrink tubing with di-electric grease around fitting for a secure waterproof fitting.

[Av8orLou]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Just make sure your connections are well taped with electrical or "splicing" tape. The male pins are "double male" connectors that are just pushed into the female end of the wire.

The wind from driving disconnected the connector on mine and I lost the double male piece. I had to make a connection out of some solid wire I had in the camper and carve the pieces of wire down to fit with a pocket knife.

I dont know if you know this or not but you can order those double male connectors on amazon. When my lights came in they forgot to include that piece so I had to order some.

[Barney1]

Which of the two methods would you use to create a waterproof connection between your LED strip and the control box?
Or would you use another?

I know this videos are for 'two wire white' LED strips not the '4 wire RGB' LED strips we are using, but the concepts should apply.

How to connect LED strip to connector - Waterproof LED strips - YouTube

How to Solder Waterproof LED Strip Light - YouTube

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by jriddering

I mounted my lights on camper under awning and wanted to have controls in basement so I am going to run wires down awning mounting track and try to run inside where awning power wires go into camper so I bought a couple of these extension cables for the lights. Hope it works.

1pcs 1M RGB Extension Cable Wire Connector 4pin for SMD 5050 RGB LED Strip Light | eBay

I bought the same extension cable but I needed the 2.5 meter cable to reach through the awning track from the top of the awning rail.
Make sure to shrink tube everything to make it water tight. Some have had the pins rust off.
Make sure to post install pics.
crunchman

[jriddering]

Originally Posted by crunchman12001

I bought the same extension cable but I needed the 2.5 meter cable to reach through the awning track from the top of the awning rail.
Make sure to shrink tube everything to make it water tight. Some have had the pins rust off.
Make sure to post install pics.
crunchman

That's why I bought 4 cables. I will shrink tube everything together and post pics when I get it done.

[RodeoGeorge]

I bought one of these extension cables and cut it in half. It was enough to do both the installations on my 8289WS (two awnings).

16 4ft 5M Extension Cable Connect 4PINS Plug LED Strip Lights RGB5050 3528 Link | eBay

RodeoGeorge

[PHS79]

I got mine all installed today! It works and looks great!! I mounted my lights on the awning mounting rail, unlike almost everyone else I ended up running my wires down the rear awning arm and into the storage compartment under the lower bunk bed, since the front arm is mounted no where near an access point. I had to drill 2 holes into the camper to run my wiring, since my storage compartment didn't come from the factory with any lighting the closest and easiest spot to pull power from was actually the rear electric stabilizer jack. So the first hole was through the floor in the storage compartment and out the bottom of the camper, then the second hole was through the side into the compartment.

Wiring was easy and straight forward. I planned on soldering all the connections that I had to make, and since my dad happen to stop in I put him to work doing all the soldering. Since I had to pull power into the storage compartment I added a light also. I used 100% silicone to close up the holes that I drilled.

Dad was very impressed with the lights, his new 5er came from the factory with LED's in the awning tube. But they are just white, so now I got 1 up on the old man, haha...

I have to call the dealership on monday to see if can get the plastic pieces that snap onto the awning arms and cover the power wire for the awning, since I ran the wires down the rear arm I need something to cover the wires.

I just have to mount the control box sensor to the bottom of the awning arm. But I was just wondering what is the best position to mount the sensor in, which side has to be facing outward? Also, since I cut about 20" off the LED strip do I need to do anything to protect the fresh cut on the end of the strip?

[RodeoGeorge]

PHS79

The part number for the wire covers you need is 3312492.006U. The "U" indicates BLACK. If you need WHITE, substitute a "B" for the "U".

Here's a link to the Dometic Parts Breakdown

eDometic Service Parts Detail

RodeoGeorge

[PHS79]

Thanks George!

I know you were doing alot of research and testing on different controllers, do you know on the standard unit that comes with the lights if it makes a difference on what side of the sensor faces outward?

[jsKuchinka]

Originally Posted by RodeoGeorge

PHS79

The part number for the wire covers you need is 3312492.006U. The "U" indicates BLACK. If you need WHITE, substitute a "B" for the "U".

Here's a link to the Dometic Parts Breakdown

eDometic Service Parts Detail

RodeoGeorge

Thanks for this, I am working on doing the same. Although I am getting power from the main fuse box area. I have 3 open slots not being used. From under the refrigerator I can run writing through cabinet, under bunk, and drill hole through camper into the rear arm. Then run wires up to lights. These covers will be perfect. Anyone else doing this should look art the front arm and see how the factory ran the wires to see which pin to go over or under so the wires don't get pinched.

One other question I had for everybody doing this mod; has anyone had issues with it not staying stuck with the 3m tape that came with the lights. I am. Just wondering what'm others are doing to not lose them going down the road.

[RodeoGeorge]

There have been mixed reviews on the OEM 3M adhesive. Some have prepped the area with alcohol and had success. Others have had to use an additional double stick tape.

I'm using the OEM adhesive, but haven't really put them to the torture (highway speed) test.

RodeoGeorge