Overview

The Hella Marine 285814001 is an Apelo Light Controller that lets you run RGB and RGB/W lights on a 12V or 24V DC system from the Apelo app or a momentary multi-pole switch. It handles up to 150W total (13A at 12V DC or 6.5A at 24V DC) and supports 3A per color channel for RGB/W control. The controller body is IP67 sealed and it uses Bluetooth Low Energy mesh so multiple controllers can be grouped and controlled together.

Once your lights are connected, you can set colors, brightness, and effects from a phone, then recall them later from the app or by cycling modes at the switch. In switch-control mode, it can step through preset colors and effects for RGB/W lights and adjust brightness on PWM-dimmable lamps.

Key features

• 12V/24V DC nominal operation with 150W power handling (13A at 12V DC, 6.5A at 24V DC)
• Bluetooth Low Energy mesh communication for grouping and synchronizing multiple controllers without running interconnect wiring
• iOS and Android control through the Apelo app over Bluetooth
• Direct momentary multi-pole switch input for on/off, mode cycling, and dim/brighten control when used with PWM-dimmable lamps
• IP67 completely sealed controller housing for installs in damp onboard spaces
• Output capability supports up to 13A on high-side channels and up to 3A per low-side color channel (RGB/W)
• 140 mm tinned marine cable pigtail and low standby draw (1W power consumption)

Compatibility and fit

Works with Apelo Ecosystem RGB and RGB/W lights, including Apelo RGB Step Lamps, Apelo EuroLED 75 RGB/W downlights, and Apelo underwater lights. It can also control other DC RGB products that accept PWM control, such as rope lighting, when wired using a compatible control scheme.

It supports common boat-lighting circuit types, including single-color, dual-color, RGB, and RGB/W, with wiring approaches that match how the lamp is built (high-side or low-side switching).

Installation and setup

Plan the install around the lighting zone you want to control and keep cable runs short to limit voltage drop. The attached 140 mm tinned marine cable pigtail is intended to land into a protected junction or terminal area where power, switch wiring, and lamp leads can be properly terminated and sealed.

Initial setup is done through the Apelo app over Bluetooth, and the controller is discoverable for provisioning for about 120 seconds after power-up when it is not yet part of a mesh network. Once provisioned, commands can be shared across controllers over the mesh so zones can stay in sync.

Electrical and system integration

Feed the controller from the boat DC distribution and protect the positive supply with a 15A fuse. Check the combined current draw of every light you connect, keeping the total within the 150W rating, especially when running bright white at full output on RGB/W fixtures.

Output capacity is split between high-side channels (up to 13A) and low-side color channels (3A max per channel for red, green, blue, and white). If you are using lamps that cannot be PWM dimmed, keep operation to simple on/off control and avoid dim/brighten functions.

Any unused conductors should be sealed off so water and salt cannot wick into the cable and start corrosion at the terminations.

Use on board

This controller suits boats adding color accent lighting to steps, cockpits, cabins, and transoms, and systems where underwater or exterior RGB/W lighting needs both switch control and app control. Mesh grouping is helpful when you want multiple zones to change together without extra control wiring between areas of the boat.

When using colored exterior lights, operate them in a way that does not conflict with navigation lighting rules and local regulations.

Maintenance and care

The housing is sealed to IP67, so ongoing upkeep is mostly about the wiring. Periodically inspect connections for heat discoloration, looseness, or corrosion and re-seal terminals after any service work or re-termination.