The video discusses seven common mistakes people make when using LED strips in their projects. These mistakes include:
1. **Exposed LED strips**: Leaving LED strips exposed, which can look ugly and harsh. Solution: Mount strips out of sight or use a diffuser.
2. **Inconsistent distance and angle**: Failing to maintain a uniform distance and angle when projecting LED light, causing hot spots. Solution: Use corner connectors or wire leads to maintain consistency.
3. **Choosing the wrong LED type**: Not considering the type of LED strip needed for a project, such as RGB or RGBW. Solution: Choose the right LED type based on the project's requirements.
4. **Voltage and length issues**: Not considering the voltage and length of LED strips, which can affect brightness and color accuracy. Solution: Choose the right voltage and length for the project.
5. **LED density**: Not considering the LED density, which can affect color accuracy and brightness. Solution: Choose the right LED density based on the project's requirements.
6. **Waterproofing**: Not considering waterproofing needs, which can affect the lifespan of the LED strip. Solution: Choose the right waterproofing level based on the project's requirements.
7. **Control methods**: Using inconvenient control methods, such as infrared remotes or Bluetooth controllers that require an app. Solution: Use a switched outlet, smart switch, or a more convenient control method.
By avoiding these common mistakes, individuals can create more professional-looking and effective LED installations.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Exposed LED strips can be ugly and give off harsh light.
2. Mounting LED strips out of sight and projecting them onto another surface can improve their appearance.
3. Channels with diffusers can be used to hide LED strips and make them easier to mount.
4. Aluminum channels are lightweight, don't rust, and can be easily cut with a hacksaw.
5. Channels come in different shapes, including 45-degree angle mounts and standard flat profiles.
6. Offsetting the seams of channels and covers can make an installation look more professional.
7. Solderless LED corner connectors can be used to connect LED strips at corners.
8. Mounting clips can be used to hold LED strips in place and prevent them from drooping.
9. RGB strips may not produce pure white light due to the combination of red, green, and blue LEDs.
10. RGBW strips have a dedicated white channel and can produce better white light.
11. The length of an LED strip and the desired brightness can affect the choice of voltage.
12. Higher voltage LED strips can provide more accurate colors and consistent brightness.
13. The power supply for an LED strip should match the voltage and wattage of the strip.
14. LED density can affect the appearance and performance of an LED strip.
15. Higher LED density can provide better color accuracy, diffusion, and brightness.
16. LED strips come in different waterproofing types, including IP20, IP65, and IP67.
17. Individually addressable LED strips have a tiny microchip that can take instructions for each LED.
18. Individually addressable LED strips can be more expensive and vulnerable to damage.
19. Traditional LED strips can be cheaper and perform better than individually addressable LED strips.
20. The control method for an LED strip can affect its usability and performance.
21. Connecting an LED strip to a switched outlet or smart switch can provide better control options.