BTF-LIGHTING DR04W SPI RGBW LED Controller User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your BTF-LIGHTING DR04W SPI RGBW LED Controller. This controller is designed for addressable RGB+W LED strips, offering versatile control options via Tuya/Smart Life APP, RF remote, and voice assistants like Google Home and Alexa.

The DR04W controller supports a wide range of one-wire LED driver ICs, including FCOB RGBW WS2814 IC, SK6812RGBW, SM16704 RGBW, UCS2904 RGBW, and TM1824 RGBW. It operates on a 2.4G Wi-Fi network and supports DC 5V/12V/24V power supplies, depending on your LED strip requirements.

Product Overview

The BTF-LIGHTING DR04W is a versatile SPI RGBW LED controller. It features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for smart app control, compatibility with various addressable LED strip ICs, and support for RF remote control (sold separately). Key features include color calibration, rich dynamic effects, music synchronization, and smart home integration.

Image: Overview of the DR04W controller highlighting features like SPI RGBW LED Strip support, brightness adjustment, 16 million colors, voice control, app control, color correction, music lighting effects, timer, and scenes.

Controller Components

Image: Detailed diagram of the DR04W controller showing its various ports and buttons, including Power+, Power-, DC Socket Input, LED Indicator, Match/Set Button, Micro-Speaker, V+, DATA1, DATA2, GND1, and GND2.

• Power Input: DC 5V-24V (Voltage must match LED strip).
• Output: SPI Signal x 2.
• Max Pixels: 700.
• Connectivity: 2.4GHz WiFi, Bluetooth.
• Buttons: SET button for pairing.
• Indicator: LED light for status.
• Micro-Speaker: For music synchronization.

Setup and Installation

1. Wiring Connection

Ensure all power is disconnected before making any wiring connections. The power supply voltage must match the voltage requirements of your LED strip (e.g., use a 5V power supply for a 5V LED strip).

Image: Illustration showing the DR04W controller connected to a DC 5V 10A power supply and a DC 5V SK6812 RGBW LED strip. The power supply connects to the DC input, and the LED strip connects to the V+, DATA, and GND terminals.

Connect the power supply to the controller's DC input. Connect the LED strip to the controller's output terminals: V+ to the strip's positive, DATA to the strip's data line, and GND to the strip's negative. Pay attention to the data direction indicated by arrows on the LED strip.

Image: Wiring diagram demonstrating how to connect the DR04W controller to an SPI RGBW LED strip (e.g., WS2814, SK6812, FCOB). It shows the DC5V-24V power supply connected to the controller, and the controller's V+, DATA, and GND outputs connected to the corresponding inputs on the LED strip, observing data direction.

Important: The power supply voltage must match your LED strip's working voltage. For 5V LED strips, always use a 5V DC power source.

2. App Connection (Tuya/Smart Life)

Download the Tuya Smart or Smart Life app from your app store. The controller only works with 2.4G Wi-Fi networks; 5.0 GHz networks are not supported. You can download the app from smartapp.tuya.com/smartlife.

1. Power on the DR04W controller.
2. Long press the "SET" button on the controller for over 3 seconds until the indicator light blinks, indicating it has entered link mode.
3. Open the Tuya Smart or Smart Life app, tap "Add Device" or the "+" icon.
4. The app should automatically discover the "Dream Color RGBW" device. If not, select it manually from the lighting category.
5. Connect to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
6. Once successfully added, you can control the LED strip via the app.

Image: Illustrates controlling the DR04W controller via a smartphone app, showcasing color selection, brightness adjustment, and various dynamic lighting modes for both home and office settings.

Operating Instructions

1. App Functions

The Tuya/Smart Life app offers extensive control over your LED strip:

• Light Strip Length Setting: Adjust the actual controlled length of the SPI addressable RGB LED Strip (default for 20 ICs). The adjustable range is 20-700 ICs.

Image: App interface demonstrating how to set the length of the LED strip by adjusting the pixel count (IC quantity) from 20 to 700. This ensures accurate control over the entire strip.
• IC Chip Model Selection: Choose the correct IC chip model for your LED strip within the app (e.g., WS2814, SK6812SM16704). This is crucial for proper functionality.


Image: App interface illustrating the process of selecting the appropriate IC chip model for your LED strip. This step is necessary after configuring the controller with the network to ensure correct color display and control.

• Color Correction: If the app's displayed color is inconsistent with the LED strip's actual color (e.g., green appears blue), use the color correction feature in the app to calibrate.


Image: App interface guiding the user through the color correction process. If the LED strip's color output doesn't match the app's selection, this feature allows for calibration to achieve accurate color representation.

• Color Modes:
  • Paint Bucket: Change the color of the full segment of the LED strip. Choose from 'Colour', 'Color Card', and 'Combination' patterns.
  • Colored Pens: Change the color of a single segment of the LED strip.
  • Eraser: Turn off the color of a single segment of the LED strip.


Image: App interface showcasing different color modes available for the DR04W controller. This includes 'Paint Bucket' for full strip color, 'Colored Pens' for individual segment coloring, and 'Eraser' to turn off specific segments.

• Dynamic Effects: Access 44 default dynamic modes and create 10+ custom dynamic modes (jumping, breathing, flickering, flowing, rainbow, meteor). Adjust color, brightness, and speed.


Image: The LED strip showcasing a variety of rich dynamic lighting modes, including predefined scenarios and custom dynamic effects, all adjustable for brightness and speed via the app.

• DIY Effects: Customize your own dynamic lighting patterns.

Image: App interface for designing custom dynamic lighting effects, allowing users to create unique patterns and color sequences.
• Music Synchronization: The controller supports music rhythm effects using a built-in microphone or your phone's microphone.


Image: LED strip lights reacting to music, demonstrating the music synchronization feature. The app allows selection of different music rhythm modes and sensitivity adjustments.

• Voice Control: Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for hands-free control.


Image: A user interacting with voice assistants (Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa) to control the LED strip lights, illustrating the voice control feature.

• Timer Setting: Schedule turn on/off times, countdowns, and sleep/wakeup plans.

Image: A bedside clock with integrated LED lighting, representing the timer setting functionality of the controller, allowing users to schedule lighting changes.
• Other Functions: Tap-to-Run and Automation, Scene customization, Do Not Disturb mode, Device sharing.

2. RF Remote Control (Optional, purchased separately)

The DR04W controller supports 2.4GHz RF remote controls (e.g., RC03RFB, RC04RFB, RC05RB, WR01RF). These remotes allow multi-zone control and signal synchronization.

Pairing the RF Remote:

1. Disconnect the controller from power for 10 seconds, then reconnect.
2. With the LED strip light on, rapidly press any "I" zone button on the RF remote 3 times within 3 seconds.
3. Successful pairing is confirmed when the LED strip slowly blinks 3 times.

Unpairing the RF Remote:

1. Disconnect the controller from power for 10 seconds, then reconnect.
2. With the LED strip light on, rapidly press the connected "I" zone button on the RF remote 5 times within 3 seconds.
3. Successful unpairing is confirmed when the LED strip blinks rapidly 10 times.

Note: If the light doesn't blink quickly during unpairing, the unpairing failed. Try again. Lights that are not paired will not need this process.

Image: An illustration of a home layout showing multiple DR04W controllers in different zones, controlled by 2.4GHz RF wireless remotes and a smartphone app, demonstrating group control and a 30m control distance.

The controller can transmit the signal from one remote to another controller within 30m, allowing for virtually limitless control distance in a chain.

Image: Diagram illustrating signal transmission and mode synchronization between multiple SPI controllers. A single RF remote can control multiple controllers in a chain, with each controller relaying the signal up to 30 meters.

Advanced Wiring Configurations

Series Connection & Voltage Supplementation

For longer LED strip installations, series connection with voltage supplementation is often necessary to maintain consistent brightness and color along the entire length. Ensure the power supply output voltage matches the LED strip working voltage.

Image: Wiring diagram for series connection and voltage supplementation. It shows how to connect multiple 5m/16.4ft LED strip rolls to a DR04W LED Controller, with additional power supplies injecting power at intervals to prevent voltage drop.

Parallel Connection & Voltage Supplementation

For installations requiring multiple parallel LED strips, a signal amplifier may be used to ensure consistent data signals across all strips. This setup also benefits from voltage supplementation.

Image: Wiring diagram for parallel connection and voltage supplementation. It illustrates connecting multiple FCOB WS2814 IC RGBW LED strips to a DR04W WiFi Alexa APP Controller via a signal amplifier, with power supplied to each strip.

Maintenance

The DR04W controller is designed for durability and requires minimal maintenance. Keep the device clean and free from dust. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Avoid exposing the controller to moisture or extreme temperatures. Regularly check wiring connections for any signs of wear or damage.

Troubleshooting

• LED strip not lighting up or incorrect colors:
  • Check power supply voltage matches LED strip voltage.
  • Verify wiring connections (V+, DATA, GND) are correct and secure.
  • Ensure the correct IC chip model is selected in the app.
  • Perform color calibration in the app if colors are inconsistent.
  • Check data direction on the LED strip.
• Controller not connecting to Wi-Fi:
  • Confirm your Wi-Fi network is 2.4GHz (5.0 GHz is not supported).
  • Ensure the controller is within range of your Wi-Fi router.
  • Restart the controller and try the app connection process again.
  • Verify the Wi-Fi password entered in the app is correct.
• RF Remote not controlling the LED strip:
  • Ensure the remote is paired correctly with the controller (refer to "Pairing the RF Remote" section).
  • Check the remote's battery.
  • Ensure the remote is within the 30m control distance.
• LED strip remains faintly lit when off:
  • This can sometimes occur with certain LED strip types. Ensure the controller is fully powered off or consider using a power switch for complete disconnection if this is an issue.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

BTF-LIGHTING products are covered by a standard manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the product packaging or contact BTF-LIGHTING customer service directly. You can also visit the official BTF-LIGHTING store on Amazon for more information and support resources.

BTF-LIGHTING Store: Visit Store