Programmable RGB and RGBW LEDs, such as the very popular WS2812 strip format, have revolutionized the amount of bright light and number of colors that can be easily added to maker projects. Hundreds, even thousands, of these tiny light units can be controlled with a single data line.
As amazing as this is, if you need even more lighting power, the Serial to 8 Channel WS2812 Driver from ElectroMage presents an interesting option. One of these devices can control 180 RGB or 240 RGBW pixels on each of its 8 channels, giving it the ability to control up to 1920 RGB pixels per board. Up to 8 boards can be controlled by one serial connection, giving such a system the ability to control an astounding 15360 pixels from a single serial port.
Perhaps less impressive on the surface, but still important for a well-running system, the device takes care of all WS2812 timing requirements, freeing up your main CPU and interrupts for other tasks. It also features CRC error checking, and shifts 3.3V inputs to 5V for reliable LED performance.
On a related note, if you’d like inspiration for your next massive LED project, why not check out this post about hacked Christmas lighting? It’s never too early to begin preparing for the 2019 holiday season!
Thanksgiving has come in gone in the US, meaning that the Holidays are official upon us. For many that means decorating Christmas trees, interior and exterior housing surface, one’s yard, and perhaps watching Christmas Vacation for inspiration on what (not) to do. Besides traditional lighting, it’s a great time to flex your light hacking muscles!
Hacked Lighting Displays
As inspiration for your lighting display, it’s hard to beat this MIDI-based light and sound show from Christian Kratky from 2016. The build is beautifully executed, using a Raspberry Pi 2 and an industrial-style controls setup. More details are available here, or just feast your eyes on the video below for inspiration:
If you, or perhaps your neighbors, would rather have a non-musical mostly static display, the decoration setup on display in the video below looks like a nice option. As seen on Hackaday, it coordinates RGB LED strips with a laser projector for enhanced lighting, along with an animated focus piece in the middle of the house’s second story.
If you were thinking, “I wonder if Tindie has anything to help with my insane lighting project?” I’m glad you asked. Here’s a few options picked out by Tindie’s own Jasmine Brackett. Incidentally, she would be happy to hear about your lighting projects on Twitter, whether using these devices or not!
ElectroMage Pixelblaxe V2 WiFi LED Controller
At a size not much larger than a quarter, the Pixelblaze V2 controller is truly a wonder of lighting control. It’s able to drive a variety of programmable LEDs using its ESP8266 module set at 160MHz, and features a powerful editor for pattern development. There’s even an optional sensor expansion board with a microphone, accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and 5 analog inputs to allow your project to react to its environment.
Evil Genius Labs Shields and Displays
In life, and especially in hacking, one size does not fit all. For a variety of light hacking board options, you can check out the Evil Genius Labs’ boards and ready-made displays, most of which are pictured above.
AllPixelMini Universal LED Controller
For a wired solution that requires no soldering, look no further than the AllPixel Mini. The device features a Micro USB connector, and will work with Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms—importantly including the Raspberry Pi. It’s able to control up to 700 LEDs at a high frame rate, and several can be linked together via software for a truly massive display.
F8-PB LED Pixel Controller for PocketBeagle
For those that enjoy using the tiny-yet-powerful PocketBeagle, the F8-PB cape looks like a great solution for driving your insane Christmas installation. It features 8 local ports that can drive over 500 pixels each (with power injection), along with 3 RJ45 ports for expansion… That is if 4000+ pixels driven locally isn’t quite enough!
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