Adding a dummy load to 'on at dark' LED circuit

[Phillipthegreat]

So I've got a photocell wired to control a wall usb converter powering an LED strip, all behind a small painting canvas, and it pretty much works. However, when the photocell is trying to keep the circuit off, some power still leaks through and makes the lights flicker. I found out that I can add a heavier power load to make this stop, but I don't know what I should use for this dummy load. So I've got two questions: what is the best thing to use for a dummy load, and how heavy does the load have to be? Can I just use something discrete and cheap like a small resistor? I considered using an incandescent light, but I don't want another light.
Thanks for any help!

[sokoloff]

Why not use a transistor as a switch? Control the transistor from the LDR.

[Phillipthegreat]

Actually, I just figured out a fix: I had some delay relays that I bought thinking they'd fix the issue, but they didn't fix it at first. I just now discovered that I could wire it through the 'normally open' side of the relay so that the spikes of power wouldn't immediately leak through the relay to the lights. So my main problem is fixed, then.

[Phillipthegreat]

Okay, so new problem. When the photocell is under medium light, it makes the lights flicker rapidly. I assume this is because it's using pwm to adjust power throughput. How can I make this flickering not happen? At this point, I'm considering just throwing out the circuitry altogether and using a plug-in timer.

[sokoloff]

One obvious question: is the light from the LED able to affect the photocell/LDR and cause feedback?

[Phillipthegreat]

No, I made sure that wasn't an issue, and it flickers with other led lights as well. What was the transistor idea you mentioned?

[ketimoi]

Recheck your all connection again. You need to use a good led bulb for this https://theeffectiveguide.com/best-tactical-flashlight/. I think I read there how to identify a good led lights. However, You need to figure out the relation between the transistor and switch properly. If you are not clear how to use them then it will be difficult to solve your problem.

[sokoloff]

No, I made sure that wasn't an issue, and it flickers with other led lights as well. What was the transistor idea you mentioned?

Google "using a transistor as a switch" and find a tutorial that "clicks" with your learning style. It's an extremely common application of a transistor, so there will be 1000s of articles and probably 100s of videos.

Here are a couple that on cursory glance seem useful:

http://www.dummies.com/programming/electronics/components/electronics-components-use-a-transistor-as-a-switch/

But as I said, if those don't "click" with you, there are more than you could possibly read in a lifetime.

[sokoloff]

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/transistors/applications-i-switches

And perhaps very much "cookbook" for your application:
https://www.kitronik.co.uk/blog/how-an-ldr-light-dependent-resistor-works/