ASMTLED TC420 TC421

Contents

ASMTLED Programmable LED Time Dimmer Controller User Manual

Models: TC420, TC421

1. Introduction

The ASMTLED Programmable LED Time Dimmer Controller (Models TC420 and TC421) allows users to precisely control the output of LED lighting over time. This controller supports customization of lighting schedules via a PC software or mobile application. Schedules can be downloaded to the controller via USB or Wi-Fi. The device also features a synchronous clock function for accurate timekeeping. It is designed to control up to five channels of LED lighting effects and is suitable for various applications including plant lights, light box advertising, stage lighting, and home decoration.

This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your TC420/TC421 controller.

2. Product Features

  • Programmable Scheduling: Customize lighting modes and effects using PC software or a mobile app.
  • Multi-Mode Editing: Edit multiple modes and delete redundant ones.
  • Real-time Preview: Directly preview programmed modes before applying.
  • Synchronous Clock Function: Ensures accurate timekeeping for scheduled operations.
  • Multi-Channel Output: Controls up to 5 channels of LED lighting.
  • Versatile Applications: Ideal for plant lights, advertising light boxes, stage lighting, and home decor.

3. Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Model Number TC420, TC421
Brand Name ASMTLED
Item Type RGB controller
Features Time programmable
Working Temperature -20 to 60 °C
Supply Voltage DC 12V-24V
Static Power Consumption < 1W
Total Output Current 20A (Max)
Output Channels 5 Channels (CMOS drain-open output)
Connection Mode Common anode
Controller Output Frequency 600 Hz
Applicable Lights LED strip lights (e.g., SMD5050, 3528, 2835, 5630)
Controlled Method Program and autorun
Material Aluminum
Net Weight 220g
Gross Weight 360g
External Dimension 150mm × 78.5mm × 26mm
Packing Dimension 185mm × 180mm × 54.8mm
Certification CCC
Origin Mainland China

4. Package Contents

Upon opening the package, you should find the following items:

  • ASMTLED Programmable LED Time Dimmer Controller (TC420 or TC421 model)
  • USB Cable
  • User Manual (physical copy)
  • Software CD (containing PC software and Android APK)
Contents of the TC420/TC421 package, showing the controller, USB cable, user manual, and software CD.
Figure 4.1: Package contents for the ASMTLED Programmable LED Time Dimmer Controller.
TC420 controller without retail box, showing the device, USB cable, user manual, and software CD.
Figure 4.2: TC420 controller and accessories (without retail box).

5. Safety Information

  • Ensure the power supply voltage is within the specified range of DC 12V-24V. Using higher voltages is unacceptable and can damage the device.
  • Do not connect the power cord in a way that could cause a short circuit.
  • Avoid exposing the controller to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight.
  • Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the controller. This will void the warranty and could lead to malfunction or electric shock.
  • Keep the device away from children.
  • If the controller is dead or unresponsive, use the RESET button for a chip reset. This does not reset the device to factory settings.

6. External Dimensions

The physical dimensions of the controller are provided below for planning installation space.

Diagram showing the external dimensions of the controller: 150mm length, 78.5mm width, and 26mm height.
Figure 6.1: External dimensions of the controller (150mm x 78.5mm x 26mm).

The controller measures 150mm in length, 78.5mm in width, and 26mm in height.

7. Interface and Connections

7.1 Input Interface

Diagram of the controller's input interface, showing the RESET button, USB port, and POWER DC plug.
Figure 7.1: Controller Input Interface.
  • RESET: Used to reset the chip if the controller becomes unresponsive. This does not reset settings.
  • USB: USB signal joint entrance for downloading schedules from PC software to the controller.
  • POWER: DC plug for power input. Can be used for smaller loads. For larger loads, use the V+/V- terminals.

7.2 Output Interface

Diagram of the controller's output interface, showing terminals for V+, CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, CH5, and V-.
Figure 7.2: Controller Output Interface.
  • CH1-CH5: Negative poles for the five load output channels.
  • V+: Positive pole for load output.
  • V+/V-: Power supply input positive and negative poles. Use these terminals for power input when the load power is too large, instead of the DC plug.

7.3 Typical Application Wiring

Below is a typical wiring diagram for connecting the controller to an LED strip and power supply.

Wiring diagram showing the connection of the TC420/TC421 controller to a DC 12-24V power supply and two LED strip lights. The power supply connects to the controller's input (DC12-24V). The controller's output channels (CH1-CH5 and V+) connect to the LED strips.
Figure 7.3: Typical wiring application for the LED Time Dimmer Controller.

Wiring Steps:

  1. Connect your DC 12V-24V power supply to the controller's INPUT terminals (V+ and V-).
  2. Connect the positive lead of your LED strip(s) to the controller's V+ OUTPUT terminal.
  3. Connect the negative leads of your LED strip(s) to the desired CH1-CH5 OUTPUT terminals, corresponding to the channels you wish to control.
  4. Ensure all connections are secure before applying power.

8. Operation

The controller features two main modes: Energy Saving Mode and Setup Mode, controlled via four buttons: Menu, Enter, Up, and Down.

8.1 Wifi Settings (TC421 Model Only)

The TC421 model supports two Wi-Fi modes:

  • AP Mode: The mobile phone connects directly to the controller's Wi-Fi network (named "SmartTime xxxx") to control it. Long press the "Menu" key to switch to AP mode. The screen will show "Set:softAP..." during setup.
  • STA Mode: The mobile phone connects to a router, and then controls the time controller through the router. This requires configuring the controller via the mobile app to add it to your network.

Mobile Phone Software Instruction (Android/iOS):

  1. Download the APK from the provided CD for Android, or search "Smart download time control" in the App Store for iOS. Alternatively, scan the QR code on the CD.
  2. After connecting to the TC421 network, the software should automatically refresh and display the TC421 device. You can also use the device search button.
  3. In the device editing interface:
    • Click "1" to synchronize time.
    • Click "2" to clear all patterns.
    • To join a router (STA mode): Enter the router's name in "3", password in "4", and click "5". If successful, the phone should no longer find the TC421's direct Wi-Fi signal. Select the TC421 editor to set the router.
  4. After connecting to the device and searching for it, click the "1" mode edit button to edit the mode.
Screenshot of the mobile app interface for TC421 Wi-Fi settings, showing options for time synchronization, clearing modes, entering router SSID and password, and joining the network.
Figure 8.1: Mobile App Wi-Fi Settings Interface.

8.2 Power Saving Mode

If no button is pressed for 30 seconds in Setup Mode, the screen backlight will turn off. If no button is pressed for another 30 seconds, the controller will enter Energy Saving Mode. In this mode, the screen displays the current date and mode on the first line, and the current time on the second line.

0 - 07 - 22   Mode 1
00 : 00 : 00

Figure 8.2: Energy Saving Mode Display.

8.3 Setup Mode

From the main menu, press "Menu" to enter the time display interface. This interface alternates between showing the current time/date/mode and "[ Menu ]". Press "Enter" to access the main menu.

03 - 07 - 22   Mode 1
[ Menu ]

Figure 8.3: Time Display Interface.

8.3.1 Main Menu Navigation

The main menu displays options like "1. Mode", "2. Setup" or "3. Run". Use the "+" and "-" keys to navigate and "Enter" to select an option. "Menu" returns to the time display interface.

[ Menu ]
1. Mode

Figure 8.4: Main Menu Display.

8.3.2 Mode Selection

From the main menu, select "1. Mode" and press "Enter". Use "+" and "-" to choose a mode (e.g., "Mode 11"). Press "Menu" to return to the main menu.

[ Mode ]
Mode 11

Figure 8.5: Mode Selection Display.

8.3.3 Setting Menu

From the main menu, select "2. Setup" and press "Enter". Options include "1. Time", "2. Date", or "3. Sound". Use "+" and "-" to select, and "Enter" to access. "Menu" returns to the main menu.

[ Setup ]
1. Time

Figure 8.6: Setting Menu Display.

8.3.3.1 Time Setting

Select "1. Time" from the Setting menu. The display shows "[ Time ]" and the current time (e.g., "11:16:56"). Press "Enter" to select hours, minutes, or seconds (flashing). Use "+" and "-" to adjust values. "Menu" saves and returns.

[ Time ]
11 : 16 : 56

Figure 8.7: Time Setting Display.

8.3.3.2 Date Setting

Select "2. Date" from the Setting menu. The display shows "[ Date ]" and the current date (e.g., "13-01-01"). Press "Enter" to select year, month, or day (flashing). Use "+" and "-" to adjust values. "Menu" saves and returns.

[ Date ]
13 - 01 - 01

Figure 8.8: Date Setting Display.

8.3.3.3 Sound Setting

Select "3. Sound" from the Setting menu. The display shows "[ Sound ]" and either "OPEN" or "CLOSE". Use "+" and "-" to toggle the sound. "Menu" returns to the setting menu.

[ Sound ]
OPEN

Figure 8.9: Sound Setting Display.

8.3.4 Run Menu

From the main menu, select "3. Run" and press "Enter". The display shows "[ Run ]" and either "Start" or "Stop". Use "+" and "-" to start or stop the controller. Press "Enter" to execute the option, and "Menu" to return to the main menu.

[ Run ]
Start

Figure 8.10: Run Menu Display.

9. Troubleshooting and Warnings

  • Incorrect Voltage: Only use a DC 12V-24V power supply. Higher voltages will damage the product.
  • Controller Unresponsive: If the controller is dead or unresponsive, press the RESET button. This performs a chip reset but does not clear settings.
  • Downloading Issues: When downloading schedules via USB, ensure the controller is powered on first, then connect the USB cable to both the controller and the computer.
  • Short Circuits: Ensure the power cord and output wires are correctly connected and do not short circuit.
  • Wi-Fi Connection Problems (TC421): If the mobile app cannot find the TC421 device in STA mode, ensure the controller is correctly configured to join your router and that your phone is on the same network.
  • Blank Mode Name: If you delete a mode from the upper host software, its display space on the controller may appear blank.

10. User Tips

  • For optimal performance and stability, always ensure your power supply matches the voltage requirements of your LED strips and the controller (DC 12V-24V).
  • When programming complex schedules, utilize the preview function in the PC software or mobile app to verify the desired effects before uploading to the controller.
  • If experiencing issues with Wi-Fi connectivity on the TC421, try switching between AP mode (direct connection) and STA mode (via router) to determine the source of the problem.
  • Regularly check wiring connections to prevent loose contacts, which can lead to intermittent operation or damage.

11. Warranty and Support

This product comes with a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For technical support or warranty inquiries, please contact ASMTLED Official Store directly through the platform where you purchased the product.

A detailed user manual in PDF format is available for download. You can access it via the following link: User Manual (PDF)

© 2024 ASMTLED. All rights reserved.

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