This listing is for one metre* of sideways (i.e. laterally) "bendable" SK6812C addressable RGB 5050 LED strip with 48 LEDs per metre. SK6812C LEDs use the same protocol (and are therefore interchangeable) as WS2812 LEDs but have a higher PWM frequency (1.1 KHz vs 430 Hz) so flicker less noticeably when dimmed. Any flexible LED strip is bendable in one direction but the design of the PCB of these bendable LED strips makes them bendable in the other direction (sideways) as well which one the listing pictures attempts to demonstrate. The last image is of a different kind of LED strip but demonstrates the direction that the strip can be bent - it can also be bent at acute angles if desired. It's a useful feature for sign-making, for example.

Pre-built controllers such as the SP105E, SP106E, SP107E and SP501E, among many others, are compatible (please send a message if you are unsure about your preferred controller). Alternatively, you can build your own controller using a suitable computer or microcontroller with GPIO pins such as the Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Teensy or ESP8266 (among many others). The Adafruit website has a good guide to the DIY use and control of WS2812-style LEDs (i.e. NeoPixels) wherein they stipulate the use of a 1000 uF capacitor across the power supply and a single 300-500 ohm resistor on the data pin. The data signal must be 5 V and if your microcontroller outputs 3.3 V then you will also need a logic level shifter.

A full 5 m strip has a JST-SM connector soldered onto each end so they can be chained in series. If you do this, you will also need to connect the power leads to the power source at each interval, in order or prevent excessive voltage drops along the chain of strips. If you order less than 5 m (an entire reel), you may receive strip from the beginning, middle or end of a reel and therefore may or may not have a useful JST-SM connector attached.

The strips take 5V and are rated IP33 (indoor use only). Each LED requires up to 60 mA at maximum brightness of all three colours so the power supply should provide at least 3.6 A (18 W) per metre unless brightness is programatically-limited.

The arrow on each strip indicates the direction of the control signal.

The width of the strip is 5 mm, height 2.5 mm.

The strip has an adhesive backing and can be cut across the copper pads at intervals of three LEDs.

*Purchases of more than a single metre will be sent in a continuous length of up to five metres.

Every strip is tested before being dispatched. Every order will be dispatched within one day in an antistatic bag in recycled outer packaging.