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The Govee Skyline Kit offers an intriguing way to illuminate your living space by suspending LED strip lights midair. While it presents a visually striking addition to any room, the installation process leaves much to be desired. Here’s a closer look at what this innovative lighting solution has to offer and the challenges you might face when setting it up.
What is the Govee Skyline Kit?
The Govee Skyline Kit is an advanced LED strip lighting system designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of interior spaces. Unlike traditional strip lights that stick to walls, the Skyline Kit allows you to suspend the lights in open air, creating a captivating effect. This system comprises not just the LED strip, which utilizes RGBWWIC technology for vibrant colors, but also a steel band for mounting and installation hardware. With a power draw of 36 watts and eight addressable zones, each containing six lamps, it promises to deliver impressive lighting performance.
Installation: A challenging endeavor
Installing the Skyline Kit can be a daunting task, particularly for those not well-versed in home improvement. The installation requires drilling multiple holes in the wall—specifically, eight for the mounting brackets. The process begins by stretching a steel wire taut between two walls, which can be tricky. If the wire sags, the lighting effect will not be as desired. Govee provides a template for marking the mounting plate locations, but finding the perfect spot for installation can be a challenge.
One key point to note is that the kit comes in two lengths—4 meters and 6 meters. The shorter version, priced at $120, may still require creative solutions for placement. During my testing, I found a suitable location in my garage, which may not align with Govee’s vision of refined design but worked well for testing functionality.
Installation process breakdown
The installation process involves several crucial steps. First, you’ll need to secure two mounting bases on opposite walls using four screws each. While Govee includes wall anchors, I found them lacking in quality, leading to some challenges during installation. Using better anchors is advisable for a clean and secure fit.
Next, you’ll carefully unspool the wire and adhere the LED strip to it. This step requires precision, as the light strip must be installed with a specific gap of 7.5 centimeters at one end. Once the strip is attached, the wire connects to the mounting base via fixing bars, which can be challenging to tighten. It took me multiple attempts to get the length right, and I recommend paying close attention to the manual for detailed instructions.
Lighting performance and app integration
Once the installation is complete, powering up the Skyline Kit reveals its true potential. The lighting effect is stunning, casting a lively backlight that transforms the ambiance of the room. The colors are vibrant, and the whites are bright, making it an excellent accent lighting solution.
The Govee app plays a pivotal role in managing the lighting features. After powering up, the app automatically recognized the Skyline Kit, although it identified it as a standard strip light. Within the app, users can access a plethora of color options, scene selections, and even sync the lights to music. The AI assistant within the app can design custom lighting scenes using verbal prompts or photos, adding a fun layer of personalization.
Challenges and considerations
Despite the impressive lighting capabilities, I encountered some hiccups during the calibration process. The app includes a tool for recalibrating the length of the lights, but it didn’t function as intended, causing part of the strip to remain unresponsive. This issue may be a bug that Govee could address in future updates.
Ultimately, the Govee Skyline Kit is a fascinating product that stands out for its unique design and lighting effects. However, the installation challenges and aesthetic drawbacks of the mounting hardware may deter some users. If you can find a suitable location that allows for a clean installation, it could serve as a striking statement piece in your home.
Final thoughts
As I reflect on my experience with the Govee Skyline Kit, I’m left weighing the pros and cons of keeping the installation intact. The captivating lighting it offers is undeniable, but the visible mounting hardware and exposed wiring leave room for improvement. For now, I plan to leave it in place while I assess its long-term utility. If Govee can refine the hardware in future versions, this product has the potential to be a standout in the smart lighting market.