Question 1

Do i need to buy an led driver / switching power supply to go with this?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need to buy a led controller and DC5V20A power supply to go with this.

Question 2

power supply and is there a programme already installed?

Accepted Answer

There is two type of strip controller. One can't be programed but it has servral programmes already! The other can be programed by yourself!
But no strip has programmes! Only the controllers do!
If you want to buy these links may help you:
Type 1: http://amzn.eu/dsFCJse (easy to use)
Type 2:http://amzn.eu/gpUqlTi (easy to  use with more modes)
Type 3(only this one can be programed by yourself.): http://amzn.eu/aKznAjY (But we only suggest this to proffessionals! You need to learn how to program.)

Question 3

Can i cut these in exactly half for 1m and use each end as power entry without having to soder anything? so be cut in 50cm

Accepted Answer

You can cut the strip between every LED, but it the edge for clipping on a connector is very narrow (look at the close up image and you'll see the little copper pads between each LED), so you need to cut very carefully on the centre line. Soldering is easier and makes a more reliable conenction.

Question 4

I'll need an extension cable to go from led strip to the controller, around 2m, what's the recommended cable to use ?

Accepted Answer

Any 3-core cable able to carry the current will do for a short extension like that. You could use a ribbon cable like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nutbro-Extension-Conductor-Ribbon-Lighting/dp/B01GX4ZYPW, or three core mains-type flex (not connected to the mains!). At least 0.5mmsq size to handle the 4-5A max current without too much voltage drop.

Ribbon cable is more usually 4 or 5 core, but you can just peel away surplus cores, or you could use 5-core with two cores each doubled up for the power (+ and -) connections which need the heavy current, and use the remaining core for the data line.

If you aren't able to solder you would need to find a cable with matching 3-pin plug and socket, and may be best to ask BTF for that. Or you could probably fudge it with screw connectors for the short extension.

ASIN	B01CDTEHRC
Best Sellers Rank	4,930 in Lighting ( See Top 100 in Lighting ) 257 in LED Strips
Brand Name	BTF-LIGHTING
Colour	Gold,White
Connectivity Protocol	Bluetooth
Connectivity Technology	JST-SM
Control Method	App
Controller Type	App Control
Country Of Origin	China
Customer Reviews	4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (52)
Fixture Features	Water Resistant
Form Factor	LED strip
Included Components	1 metre WS2812B LED strip, 1 x 3-pin connector
Indoor Outdoor Usage	Outdoor
Item Dimensions	15 x 10 x 1.5 centimetres
Item Length	1 Metres
Item Type Name	Indoor Lighting
Item Weight	0.05 Kilograms
Light Color	White
Manufacturer	BTF-LIGHTING Teachnology Co., Limited
Manufacturer Part Number	WS2812B1M144LW65
Material	Plastic
Model Number	WS2812B1M144LW65
Number of Items	1
Number of Lights	144
Number of Packs	1
Occasion	Christmas, Wedding
Power and Plug Description	Corded Electric
Product Style	Modern
Seasons	Wedding, Christmas
Theme	Horror, Space
Type of Bulb	LED
UPC	602938067669
Unit Count	1.0 count
Voltage	5 Volts
Water Resistance Level	Waterproof
Wattage	45 watts
Wireless Communication Technology	Bluetooth
hanging_pattern_layout	Linear

BTF-Lighting WS2812B 3.2FT 1m 144 LEDs/Pixels/m Individual Addressable 5050SMD LED White Board Full Color led Pixel Strip Dream Color Waterproof in Silicon Coating IP65 for Indoor Lighting

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