External USB RGB Controller?

[pball]

I'm looking to do some bias lighting behind my dual monitors. I do not want the light to match what is on screen. So far I've only seen led light strips that have a limited number of presets available on an inline or remote control. I'd like to get more customization out of my rgb. Anyone know if there is an external usb rgb controller that can be setup with software? Something like the controller linked below but designed for outside the pc case and supporting a standard type of led strip.

http://www.coolermaster.com/cooling/cooling-rgb-accessories/rgb-led-controller/

 

 

Still writing the post update. I got distracted writing this post and found a pretty good option for a stand alone rgb strip kit. It has a remote control with individual color control with 16 steps for each color which should give 4096 color options if I'm correct. So if there is not a usb controller out there, this will be my next go to option. This company also has a controller that is wifi enabled that can be controlled from smart phones and gives full 16 million color control with other options. I actually found this brand from another post in the forum.

SUPERNIGHT 5-Meter Waterproof Flexible Color Changing RGB SMD5050 300 LEDs Light Strip Kit with 44 Key Remote and 12V 5A Power Supply

[jakemaster1390]

I would go with this option but in this case for more bang for your buck get the kit without waterproofing. This will make it much more easier for customization and you also get to save some money in the process.

 

I am pretty sure that most RGB's could be setup using most standard software as most of those remotes are using a chip on board that just recieves the signals sent from the remote control and converts it to information telling the lights how to light up. though just be careful about making sure that the controller you use is compatable with the string as not all lighting strips have the same layout.

 

here is some food for thought. I know that you do not want to build it yourself but this is not about the LED itself but the controller that is driving the strip

He built the phone software and the controller completely from scratch so you can mod these strip lights to more than what you can get with a simple remote controller

[unknownmiscreant]

Check out the link in my signature. I don't think such a thing exists off the shelf.

[pball]

@jakemaster1390

 

Thanks for posting that video. It showed me a rabbit hole that looks so inviting, especially since I mostly understand all of that. I'll probably just get that kit I linked and possibly try making a controller later. It would be possible to program in any modes one wants like strobing, breathing, etc. We'll just see if it's something I can do. As for the kit without waterproofing, that kit has separate red, green, and blue leds so it's not as good as the kit I linked which has true rgb led units.

[jakemaster1390]

15 hours ago, pball said:

@jakemaster1390

 

Thanks for posting that video. It showed me a rabbit hole that looks so inviting, especially since I mostly understand all of that. I'll probably just get that kit I linked and possibly try making a controller later. It would be possible to program in any modes one wants like strobing, breathing, etc. We'll just see if it's something I can do. As for the kit without waterproofing, that kit has separate red, green, and blue leds so it's not as good as the kit I linked which has true rgb led units.

 

No problem. I honestly have an affinity for LED lights and have a whole bunch waiting in the wings once I get a proper electronics bench up and running because I am sick and tired of working off of a freezer lid in the basement with only one available plug that always makes my soldering iron go cold when either one or both freezers decide to turn on. and if you want further inspiration regarding these sorts of projects research Bigclive, Julian ilett and great scott as they all do some cool RGB and other LED projects that you can build yourself.