I ended up cutting the heat shrink tubing and checking the controller. 12v going in, nothing going out no matter what button I pressed on the remote. The remote has an led that flashed with every button push, so I don't think it's that. I just cut the controller out and hardwired it. Next I'll find a Bluetooth led controller and wire that in closer to the plug end. This way I can actually fish the wire through the rod "hoops". I also took off the last section of rod because it's so flimsy. It's plenty long enough considering it's mounted 7ft off the ground now
View attachment 1991933