Linear Tape--Troubleshooting Missing Colors, Reversed Colors and Blended Colors on Linear (Tape) Light
Troubleshooting
Please review this troubleshooting guide for determining issues related to problems with light output on linear tape.
- FLLA Type 1 Failure. Missing Single Color through all diodes within just a single section (3.96") of linear tape.
This is a problem that is occasionally created when an LED strip (which contain fragile surface-mounted components) is physically bent, crushed or stepped on during installation. What happens here is that one of the surface-mounted resistors (of which there is one for each color on each 3.96" segment) has lifted off the PCB (or come unsoldered, or one or more of the solder leads of the LED itself within that same section has lifted. The best solution here is to simply cut out the impacted segment(s) and replace that segment(s) with spare segments that you may have kept during the installation as scrap.
- FLLA Type 2 Failure. Missing More than one Color from all diodes within just a single section (3.96") of linear tape.
This is a problem that is occasionally created when an LED strip (which contain fragile surface-mounted components) is physically bent, crushed or stepped on during installation. What happens here is that at least two surface-mounted resistors (of which there is one for each color on each 3.96" segment) has lifted off the PCB (or come unsoldered, or one or more of the solder leads of the LED itself within that same section has lifted. The best solution here is to simply cut out the impacted segment(s) and replace that segment(s) with spare segments that you may have kept during the installation as scrap.
- FLLA Type 3 Failure. Missing the same color throughout the entire run of the connected linear strip. If the strip was not originally cut, then all 16.4 feet of the linear tape might be without Red, or Green, or Blue, or White (or other type) throughout the entire run.
This typically results from one of two causes. The first cause (and most common) is that one of the leader wires (for that color) was not screwed down tightly into the detachable output connector that is plugged into the ILC-xx0 controller. The second cause results typically when LED strips are cut and subsequently re-soldered and one of the incoming leader wires was not soldered properly to the exposed pad for that color on the LED strip. Review and correct if necessary.
- FLLA Type 4 Failure. The entire strip of LED lights is dim or tends to rapidly turn on and then off and back on again.
This results from linear runs of tape light that exceeds the wattage capability of the installed Power Supply Unit, or if the extra leader wires on the end of each of our FLLA strips were not cut (if not needed) and they are just shorted. Review and correct if necessary.
- FLLA Type 5 Failure. Intermittent failure on the strip that can be remedied by simply pressing down the failed LED with you finger.
This condition results from conditions described in Type 1 and Type 2 failures where the Surface-Mounted Component has come unsoldered but its separate from the PCB is so microscopic that simply pressing down on the components "fixes" the issue. If you experienced with soldering and you have the IP20 version of the product, you might try your hand at a little soldering. If that does not work, simply cut out the impacted segment, and replace.
- FLLA Type 6 Failure. Combination (not pure RED, GREEN, BLUE or WHITE) colors are observed when turning on only a single color. An example of this might be Magenta is seen when either a RED or BLUE (pure code ) is selected using a User Interface within the e-Node web page.
This one is easy. There is a solder short between two adjacent color typically where a new solder connection was made. Use a magnifying glass and find the whisker of solder that should be removed.
- FLLA Type 7 Failure. Smoke or a strange/loud noise comes out of the ILC-xx0 at power up when connected to an LED strip.
This is a serious condition where a major short was seen by our controller on the output LED circuit. In most cases, a soldered on FUSE has blown which can in some cases be fixed as an out-of-warranty items by Converging Systems. You must find the short and eliminate it before replacing the ILC-xx0 controllers. Call Converging Systems for an RMA number.