LED power question

[Temujin]

I'm getting to the end of my home cinema project, and I'm currently looking at what to use to power the LEDs I'm using. Currently I'm using an xbox HD-DVD power adaptor, which outputs 12v at 3A. It's only a temporary/testing measure. I've worked out the total forward current of my array to be around 6A.

What would happen if I just connected it to one of the many 10-60VA transformers I have lying around? Would everything explode and all hell break loose?

I'm just not impressed with the prices of LED transformers I see, ones in screwfix and other places cost £15, when you can pick up the ones used in MR16 lighting for less than a fiver. Is this price difference justified by a genuine reason or is it just a way to rip off a niche market?

Failing that, is there a place anyone knows I can order LED transformers cheaply?

I asked this question in the other forum but was told it would be a better idea to ask here.

Thanks

[habrown]

MR16 Transformers are 12V AC, and LED drivers are 12V DC.

£15 is not bad, and is probably a base price for non dimmable led drivers.

[Liam @ Prog AV]

I've used a 12v trigger to power LEDs before. Use the trigger for zone 2 power (where you aren't otherwise using the zone 2 capabilities of your amp) which would normally trigger a power amp. You therefore also have discrete on and off commands (zone 2 on/off) as well as the ability to have it automatically always be on whenever the system is on (zone 2 follow zone 1).

[Twellsie]

that sounds really good, can you explain a bit more in detail how you would do that?

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Bit of trial and error but where the LED strips come out to basically two wires, you just gotta work out which is which and terminate to a 3.5mm mini-jack and shove it in the back of the amp. We did short the amp out once though so not for the feint of heart, but a lovely solution that effectively turns the zone 2 power button on the remote into a light-switch. Same princible works with anything 12v, I've used the 12v trigger out on a projector to power a 12v fan to cool it in it's ceiling box for example.

[Twellsie]

Originally Posted by Liam @ Prog AV

Bit of trial and error but where the LED strips come out to basically two wires, you just gotta work out which is which and terminate to a 3.5mm mini-jack and shove it in the back of the amp. We did short the amp out once though so not for the feint of heart, but a lovely solution that effectively turns the zone 2 power button on the remote into a light-switch. Same princible works with anything 12v, I've used the 12v trigger out on a projector to power a 12v fan to cool it in it's ceiling box for example.

and the other wire goes to?

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Sorry meant three - ground, +ve, -ve

[Twellsie]

i am totally lost now, lol