This is a very minimalist controller for WS2811 and WS2812B style addressable LEDs.
It lets you choose an effect and speed, and will then run that effect whenever powered. Basically a fit-and-forget LED controller that could be ideal for signage, effects and costumes.
Although most of the dirty work is done by a microcontroller, the support circuitry is quite interesting, largely because of the use of a discrete voltage regulator. The module will run from 5V to 24V.
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13 thoughts on “Inside an sp002e pixel controller with schematic”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rambozo Clown says:

    WLED FTW!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars getyerspn says:

    I've been using ws2811/12 LEDs since 2014 I got into it for a charity Xmas display and then shop window displays this was before the days of esp8266/32, The 100 ohm resistor will help protect the microcontroller but are more about stopping signal ringing…if you're installing the microcontroller a long way from the LEDs the 100ohm resistor is a must have for stability, I often have 5-10 meters before the first led… nowadays most home users just use wled from aircookie and add custom user mods if necessary.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Duke Cox says:

    i have used this controller to run lights on a RC Plane for night flying. worked really well.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Worman says:

    Bit overkill, but I find raspberry pi zeros are great for driving these strings.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Demef says:

    The reason for the discrete voltage regulator is due to the wide range of the operating voltage, 5V-24V. The little uController cannot tolerate a high voltage, probably good up to only 6V. Many manufacturers make LDOs (low drop out regulators) that can produce a tight 3.3V from 5V, but they are only good for a 7V maximum input voltage. Hence these guys decided to "roll their own LDO" using a zener and an NPN, which can easily tolerate 30V or move.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars II Raspberry Cupcake II says:

    I haven’t been doing any electronics lately because of my migraines so this was a nice refresher

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Raoul Duke says:

    I want this for my next christmas lights

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Melkior Wiseman says:

    I've used an Arduino Nano to control those neopixel lights, using an appropriate library file. It works well, although it gets a little complicated when you have an 8×32 pixel panel and you want to put up words but the pixel connections are in a zig-zag back and forth across the panel from one long edge to the next.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Curtis Hoffmann says:

    How much work to make it battery-powered and sew it into clothing? And have it spell out rude words?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lu Woods says:

    Spooze !!

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pirelli says:

    It's crazy how small and cheap everything has become, I mean, 40-50 years ago, a circuit board would have easily filled a room, especially the chips and memory….

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alejandro Alzate Sánchez says:

    Shift registers be like: but RGB

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars NimbleJack3 says:

    "oh cool, a new clive video. huh, I wonder what spooze is."

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