Hella Marine Apelo Light Controller, 12/24V, 150W, Bluetooth Mesh, IP67

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.

Orders are processed within 2 business days, which includes verification, packing, and dispatch. Orders of $100 or more qualify for free shipping when eligible. For orders under $100, shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination, package weight, and selected service. International shipping is available for eligible products, and certain items may require additional handling, warehouse transfers, or may ship directly from the manufacturer, which can affect processing time.

Deliveries are handled by preferred carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and others depending on your location and selected service. Estimated delivery times are displayed at checkout and may vary due to customs processing, carrier delays, weather, postal disruptions, or other circumstances beyond our control. Once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with tracking information. Tracking may take up to 24 hours to update on the carrier's website and is also available through your account when applicable.

We ship throughout the United States and to most international destinations for products eligible for international shipping. International orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes, brokerage charges, or other import fees, which are the customer's responsibility and are not included in the product or shipping price. PO Boxes are accepted only when shipping through USPS, and not all packages qualify for this option. If your order does not arrive within the estimated delivery window, please contact us at info@apollolighting.com or +1 (954) 375-0100 so we can assist with locating your package.

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Returns may be requested within 30 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused, uninstalled, unaltered, and returned in their original packaging with all tags, packing materials, blank warranty cards, manuals, instructions, accessories, and included items. Certain products, including installed or used electronics, electrical components, lighting, consumables, custom or special-order items, cut-to-length products, safety equipment, and merchandise exposed to water or marine conditions, may not be eligible for return.

To request a return, sign in to your account and select the applicable order and items, and submit your request for review. Eligible unfulfilled items may also be submitted for cancellation within 1 hour of placing the order. Returns or cancellations are not considered approved until you receive confirmation from Apollo Lighting. Please do not ship or drop off merchandise before receiving return approval and instructions.

Customers are responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping unless the return is due to an error by Apollo Lighting or the item is verified as defective, damaged, or incorrect. Missing, damaged, defective, or incorrect items must be reported within 2 business days of delivery, and photos or other documentation may be required for review. If the issue is verified, Apollo Lighting may provide or reimburse return shipping and issue a replacement or refund depending on the circumstances. International customers are responsible for return shipping, duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, and other costs associated with an international return.

After your return is received and inspected, approved refunds are issued to the original payment method and may take 5-7 business days to appear after processing. Original shipping and handling charges are nonrefundable, and the value of any included free items that are not returned may be deducted from the refund. Apollo Lighting does not charge a standard restocking fee on eligible returns. Returns that are incomplete, damaged, installed, used, altered, improperly packaged, or otherwise do not meet the eligibility requirements may be refused. We recommend using a trackable and appropriately insured shipping service for all customer-arranged returns.

For assistance, contact info@apollolighting.com or call +1 (954) 375-0100.

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Many products sold by Apollo Lighting include a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty terms vary by brand, product category, and model, so eligibility, coverage duration, exclusions, and available remedies are determined by the applicable manufacturer. We recommend reviewing the warranty information provided with your product before installation or use, especially for marine electronics, navigation equipment, lighting, electrical systems, pumps, safety equipment, and other specialized marine products.

If you need warranty service, the claim must follow the process established by the manufacturer, authorized service center, or designated warranty provider. You may be asked for proof of purchase, a serial number, product registration, photos, maintenance or installation records, or other documentation. Apollo Lighting does not determine or modify a manufacturer's warranty coverage or final claim decision, but we are happy to help provide purchase information and direct you to the appropriate manufacturer or warranty resource.

Keep your receipt, product documentation, serial number information, and original packaging when practical. Damage caused by normal wear, misuse, improper installation, insufficient maintenance, corrosion, impact, unauthorized modifications, electrical issues, or operation outside the manufacturer's specifications may not be covered. Warranty claims are separate from standard returns, so a product that has been installed, used, or exposed to marine conditions may no longer qualify for return while still remaining eligible for evaluation under the manufacturer's applicable warranty.

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