LED lighting strips, which to choose?

[The X]

So I'm scoping out some thin flat LED strips to put under my front passenger doors. Having a look at EBay there is just so much out there and pricing varies.

So for the flat one I think I've narrowed it down to type types, but not sure what the brightness will be like and how well they throw the light.

LED type: 0603 SMD
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/120cm-un ... ccessories

LED type: 3528 SMD
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Blue-Bla ... ccessories

The different I can see between the two is one has the larger LED chips and the other one has the smaller LED (size of a rice grain or so)

So who's had experience with buying any of these and what are the pro cons of either type?

[Blakey]

the overall thickness of both strips will be about the same, brightness will be different and cost will be different, the cheaper being the 603 LED at least it should be.

if your after actual light or just affect, if your after actual light id suggest going for neither and getting 5050LED strips. but they are the most expensive.

if its just for affect then the cheapest of them the 603LED will be fine.
the brighter of your 2 selections should be the 3528, L:ED as they are allot larger, compared to the 603,

so if you after a happy medium of light and cost, id go the 3528, LED

if you are going to be doing allot id suggest, buying a full 5M roll of your preferred LED strip, it will end up cheaper, and you can sell your extra, only problem is you will have to cut into and solder your own cables onto the strips, partially taking away there waterproofing.

if you need any more help with them, then just give more info on what you are wanting out of them.

[The X]

Thanks for that Blake most useful stuff! Now that you mention it. I did see some 5050s as well (but I think they had the white background and you could see the circuit lines on it).

My aim is part effect but also general lighting, when you step into gutters or stop passengers from grinding the door into the nature strip (grass or concrete).

Price really is not an issue, but from what I can see on EBay the price variance from the different type is quite a bit.So what do you think a fair non-rip off price for a 5050 would for a 90 or 120cm length?

I tihnk 2 x 120 or 2 x 90cm strips will suffice and yes the waterproofing is a must so whilst a 5m roll might be good value, I dont plan to be driving a christmas tree! LOL

[Mitch]

hey pete so are you going for the leds like kimmy has in her car because i am looking at the same but in blue becuase i am looking at the same idea

[Blakey]

for 5050 led's your probably looking around $12-$14 for 120cm. id say.

and you can get the black background waterproof 5050 strips. just got to look for them.

[The X]

for 5050 led's your probably looking around $12-$14 for 120cm. id say.

and you can get the black background waterproof 5050 strips. just got to look for them.

Yeah that about the price range I've seen some go for.

Will have a look on EBay tonight during nightshift. It's a bit quiet at work. LOL.

[Blakey]

alright mate if you need any more help just ask

[Blakey]

also this is 603 LED, but in green, green and white have around the same brightness and lumen's but obviously one is green but this is what green ones look like and the light they give off.

[The X]

Had a look on-line so the numbers 5050, 3528, etc seem to be the size of the diode itself! However some websites state that that 5050 translates to 50mm x 50mm, I assume that's a typo and they mean 5mm x 5mm, coz if they 5cm square, then that's one nugget of a diode and my car will look like a freaking flying saucer. (I've since clarified that it's indeed 5m x 5m for 5050)

Reading this tho (http://www.ledlightsworld.com/page.html?id=32) seems the output of Blue seems to drop significantly compared to other colours, so I think a 5050 might be a safe bet.

[The X]

I bought some 3528s as a test (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0530430750), will see what the output brightness will be like - if I dont like them I can always upgrade to the more expensive 5050s.
Thanks for your help Blake.

[AutoMoGLOW]

We have the waterproof/flexible ribbon strips that would be perfect for this they are very sleek. Also if you but the roll remember you would need to solder your own leads on when you cut the strip. You you haven't bought them yet send me a PM we have what you need and ours have quick connects on each side to connect together as well.