The two basic components to operate RGB LED strip lights are the RGB LED strip (obviously) and a matching RGB controller. All RGB LED lighting systems require a controller, with which you can determine the colours displayed. The number of effects you can achieve with your RGB LED string depends both on the tape, and the controller you apply it with. The simplest RGB LED tape has a fixed set of colours that can be displayed in a pre-programmed sequence.

Once you decide on going for RGB LED strip lights, the technical details you have to pay attention to are the following. LED strip lights often do not operate at mains, but are low voltage lights. If so, you need a transformer to connect them to the mains, or you can operate them with batteries of the adequate voltage. LEDs require transformers specially dedicated to them, so electronic transformers are not suitable, for instance, and also the majority of LEDs require stabilized constant voltage powering. Voltage tolerance may also have significance if you operate the lights from a battery or an engine (power supplies need to be stabilized, so this problem doesn't occur with them). On boats, yachts or caravans, Voltage increases when the engine is on, for instance. If you would like to apply any low voltage LED lights of this kind, always check the voltage tolerance of the light among the technical details. When you decide on the strip light, pay attention to the followings: the size and performance of the light-emitting diodes included in the strip, the technology of the LEDs (low power, SMD power or high power), the light emitted, its IP rating, the direction of the light or the diodes, and its coverage. Also, obviously, the range of effects you will be able to achieve with the RGB LED tape depends on the knowledge of the strip, so check what colour range it provides, or if they can be used with DMX RGB controllers (which provide a full range of mixing colours and widest range of effects).

The connection mode of the LEDs you have will determine the connection mode of the controllers you can use. RGB LEDs have four pins. Three of these pins are for the colours (RGB), the pole of these pins determine the type of connection. If the LED light or strip light has three positive and one negative pins, the connection is common cathode. If it is the other way round (three negative, one positive), the connection mode is common anode.