This is the 24 LED NeoPixel Ring from Adafruit, a small chainable 2.6" (66mm) outer diameter board equipped with 5050 WS2812 RGB LEDs. The WS2812s are each addressable as the driver chip is located inside the LED. Each NeoPixel Stick has ~18mA constant current drive so the color will be very consistent even if the voltage varies, and requires 5V.
Every ring is equipped with a single data line with a very timing-specific protocol requiring a real-time microconroller with a 8MHz or faster processor such as an AVR, Arduino, PIC, mbed, etc. There are solder pads on the back for connecting wires or breadboard pins and two mounting holes for securing this board to many different surfaces.
Neopixel rings have a known issue where sometimes the LED's only work in pairs instead of individually. Contact SparkFun Technical Support if you run into this issue.
This skill defines how difficult the soldering is on a particular product. It might be a couple simple solder joints, or require special reflow tools.
Skill Level: Competent - You will encounter surface mount components and basic SMD soldering techniques are required.
See all skill levels
If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.
Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
See all skill levels
If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
See all skill levels
We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.
No reviews yet.
Besides the smoothing capacitor and serial line protecting resistor... see guide recommended in other post here.... how "big" a power supply do we need for this? (What current should it be rated for?)
Cool now I can make my mini Stargate!
How about a 12x and a 60x ring. Adafruit has both listed. ... /products/1643 and .../products/1768 --the 60x is in quarters. I'd rather buy from sf..
Also, please update the pictures to show the correct LED modules (WS2812B ). My 24x ring has the modules shown here http://www.adafruit.com/images/1200x900/1487-06.jpg
Wholly cats I keep burning these things out. I cant figure out what type of 5 volt supply to hook these to without burning them up. I've tried my ol' reliable power supply and that burnt up the first one, then I read that I should use a 5 volt wall wart, that took out the second one.
What power supply for the 5 volt line should I be using?
-Jim
I'm not convinced that your power supply is the problem. Are you using a data-in resistor between your controller and the LEDs? Check out the end of the Breakout Hookup Guide .
Yes, that was the problem. Hehe, yes I need to read the full FAQ. Thanks.
Question: If simply connected to a 5 volt power supply with these emit white light without having to use any other micro controller?
Thanks Jeff
It's super easy to program. All you need is a pro mini, and about 5 minutes, if you were worried about programming it.
No, they need the "one wire" signal to tell the LEDs to light up. The NeoPixel Uberguide is a great resource.
Just have to make sure your supply has enough juice to power the amount of LEDs you have ;). It's kind of a cool effect - my psu doesn't juice enough to power 300 pixels on #FFF, so the lights start out as white and fade to orange later down the strip.