12mm LED strand WS2801 problem

[fikri_m]

Hi there..

I've a question about the LED. Can I use another type of LED ? Let's say LED analog RGB strip ?
We knew that there are no chip driver on that analog LED. Can you tell me please how to use the analog RGB strip as well as the 12mm LED that have a driver chip inside it ?. It mean I have to add some IC, like ULN2003,ULN2803 ?

Thank you

[adafruit_support_bill]

The analog strips are completely different from the digital strips. The LEDs are not individually addressable and all LEDs change color together. The tutorial links on the product description page will tell you how to hook them up.

[fikri_m]

Ok then..

Thanks for your information ada..

[Topsy]

Hello!

I just ran into a problem with my LEDs and though as this thread got used twice already, I may also use this one instead of starting another..

My 'problem' is that my wiring looks completely different than in the tutorial.

Here is a pic of how both ends looks by me:


I'm slightly confused as to what to do now. How should I now hook it up? would I need the two cables that 'end' before the arduino board?

I don't really have lots of knowledge in electrics but should manage to follow a tutorial but having too litle cable ends confused me somewhat..


If it matters, I bought this project pack off "play-zone" in switzerland.

I might add that they list themselfes as a distributor of your products. (so only kinda purchased at Adafruit...)

Thanks a lot!

[adafruit]

Hmm those don't look anything like the pixels we have in stock and we don't think we've ever had pixels that look like that - can you check with the place you bought them from? Maybe they're substituting?

[fikri_m]

Hi there...

I have 12mm LED strand, also comes with ws2801 chip. But unfortunately it's not from Adalight project pack. Will a problem occured when I start the project using this LED?

Thank you

[pburgess]

The colors and functions of the wires might be different than what's described in the tutorial, possibly different connectors or data direction as well. Ask the seller if a datasheet or wiring diagram is available. If not, you might still be able to puzzle it out...there's a finite number of connections, and no damage is likely to occur if connected backwards (as long as the power supply is 5V).

[fikri_m]

Hello there..

Sorry, am I correct... Is 5 volt 10 amperes power supply too much to power up this adalight project with 50leds ?? Can I use just 5 ampere ?

Thanks in advance

[pburgess]

If you have a 5V, 5 Amp supply, then yes, that will work with 50 LEDs.

The 10 Amp supply will also work, if that's easier to acquire. It's totally fine if there's overhead in the Amps department (the LEDs will draw only what they need)...it's excess Volts that will damage them.

[fikri_m]

Thanks Mr Philip..

Oh one thing,, Why 5 volt 5 amperes or 10 amps is very difficult to find on electronic store?? They just say 12 volt. It wil burn the ws2801 right? can I simply stepped down the 12 volt Mr Philip ??

[adafruit_support_bill]

It is not very practical to regulate a 12v supply down to 5v. A regulator for 5v at 5A would cost as much as a 5v supply of similar power.

This supply will work:
http://www.adafruit.com/products/658

[fikri_m]

Allright, I'll check it out..

Oh BTW, is 3 amps enough to power up 50 leds ??

Thank you.

[toreseng]

If you have a 5V, 5 Amp supply, then yes, that will work with 50 LEDs.

The 10 Amp supply will also work, if that's easier to acquire. It's totally fine if there's overhead in the Amps department (the LEDs will draw only what they need)...it's excess Volts that will damage them.

So I'm new to this all, but what is the main problem that will occur if you plug too many strands together?
Say the system requires 12V 6Amps but your supply only supports 12V 5Amps?

[adafruit_support_bill]

So I'm new to this all, but what is the main problem that will occur if you plug too many strands together?
Say the system requires 12V 6Amps but your supply only supports 12V 5Amps?

The current calculations are based on 'worst case' which is when all the LEDS are on at full brightness. Actual current demand can be considerably lower, depending on what you are doing. If your supply is too small and you try to run all leds at full brightness, the results may be one of the following:
1 - the voltage will sag and the strip will just be dimmer
2 - the voltage will sag and the strip will start to malfunction
3 - the power supply will overheat and shutdown