I've been using LED lighting strips for some time now to illuminate passenger cars, buildings, etc. with good results. As my stock was running low I ordered 4 spools (5 meters each) of warm white 3528 (3.5mm X 2.8mm) LED's from an online vendor. This vendor was new to me but offered a low price/spool.
When they arrived my first response was "What the ....????" as the spools looked to be only half full:
I compared one of the new spools to a prior purchase (different vendor) to make sure I was seeing what I thought I was seeing:
The new spools appeared to have less product on them. The spools are sold as 5m in length (about 16.4ft.).
So I unspooled the smaller strip and measured it's length. It was exactly 5m long as was the other spool. So I took a closer look at the two spools and found that the newer ones were approximately half as HIGH (thick) as the older strip:
The newer strip is on the bottom in the photo above. The individual 3528 led's look to be at least half as thick as the older led's. The strip works fine and the color is correct also. I don't know if there will be any advantage to thinner strips but I guess in some cases it could help prevent the strips from being seen.
Anyway I guess this is just another step in electronic stuff getting smaller. I envision a day when I'll open a package to find it empty. When the vendor is questioned he'll reply...."Oh your items are there...you just can't see them!"
Mark
