The addressable LED strings are very popular these days. They basically allow a long string of RGB LEDs to be controlled individually. This is normally achieved by sending the data out as a continuous stream with each LED taking it's chunk of information and then forwarding the data through onto the next LED in line.
There are two basic types. Three wire and four wire. The three wire uses a single data line with strict timing requirements while the four wire version uses a clock and data line that makes driving them much easier.

10 thoughts on “A look at some addressable led strings and a controller”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars icarusi says:

    I just picked up a set of 1/2 price Lumineo 'Dancing Lights' pixel lights. They look similar to the 'Twinkly' system, and I was hoping their app would work, but AFAICS the Twinkly is wifi and the Lumineo is Bluetooth. The Lumineo is a 2 wire +1 system, where the +1 is a single wire the length of the loom connecting the 1st light to the last, with no other intermediate connections. I'm assuming it's some sort of Powerline style signalling on top of the 2 supply line wires, but could be modulating the whole supply. I noticed the Twinkly system includes a couple of (RF?) suppressors, visible either side of the control box. Nothing similarly visible on the Lumineo, but its control box is sealed, so there could internal stuff (or not). The presets are pretty good but the Twinkly control system looks very impressive, although neither have a full user control option.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jstro-hobbytech says:

    I have them loose with the mcu inside like ws2812b. When powered on they're blue. You can do anything with them if you use the fast led library. Thryre pricey though but worth paying 100 for a thousand. They're beautiful when lit

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Bentley says:

    Could you wire a usb into the chip and plug it into your pc?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hoss Burtts says:

    I am looking for a similar light set that is very bright. Only 8 led string with the ablility to turn each on/off separately along with color and brightness. Seemingly this would not be a challenge given the technology these days but have spent countless hours trying to find. Can you help me?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rahim Paul says:

    Karen main aapse Kaise raabta kar sakta hun

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars iot_galaxy says:

    Hi Uncle Clive! I've seen all your videos! Great job and loads of useful content! Thanks!
    Quick question. Where do you source your addressable leds? I need quite a few strips and cannot find a cheap'ish supplier.. cheers

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ZenCitizen says:

    I'd actually love to see you take apart a set of "Twinkly" branded lights. I'm curious as to how they appear to be doing addressable LEDs on a 2-wire string.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brendan White says:

    If you are still experimenting with Addressable LED's, they work really well on Arduino's or on Espressif's ESP8266 and ESP32 chips.
    Not sure how far you want to go with them though :). I know this was a few years ago

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steven Cook says:

    bigclivedotcom: Youtube unsubscribed me from you. 🙁

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GothBoy UK says:

    Is it possible for you to produce an update for 2019 (well 2020 at this late stage)? I have been looking for something like the Twinkly Lights but the cost makes my balloon knot tighten. When my Google search threw up this old video on a similar subject I knew you were the man for the job because your John Lewis video was seminal in stirring my Christmas spirit this year. =3

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