How to control lots of Neopixel

[ajb2k3]

@osc you will need a slightly different cable to use the PSU and you would connect like this.

[Thrasher]

You can actually power up arduino/m5stack from USB or any other source, just make sure all grounds are connected (black wire)

[osc]

@ajb2k3

Thank you for nice tips!
I understand how PSU and then, I'm researching how connect multiple LED strips.
I think I just need a hub for controlling each strips.
Maybe like above unit?
https://m5stack.com/products/pahub-unit?_pos=2&_sid=469853686&_ss=r

[osc]

@thrasher
I hope I can make it with supplying from USB Power like Apple USB adaptor!
Could you tell me more detail about that?

[ajb2k3]

@osc all each strip needs is data and gnd from the M5Stack. My lead can be used on any USB adapter that can provide enough power. The power supply you linked to only needs the 5V and gnd connected to the strip but both the supply and the M5Stack must have the gnd connected together.

In addition if you have a pattered you want duplicated on a second strip you can connect strips together in parallel

[Thrasher]

@osc Considering strip will drain >10 A current you can compare it with apple adaptor output. Strips usually come with power source unit which provide heavy load

[osc]

@ajb2k3
Thank you for your kind explanation!
So I almost can't M5Stack's unit cable which I bought haha.
I just wonder which pins of M5Stack could I connect to?
I know M5Stack has only two DAC pins.
Could you tell me which good extension device??
thank you so much!

[osc]

@thrasher
Thank you for you good tips!
So I should two adaptor like below.
https://amzn.to/3bN7tfR
or this? That's too expensive..
https://www.sanwa.co.jp/product/syohin.asp?code=ACA-IP64

[Thrasher]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000385799147.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.398a3026DnIolq&algo_pvid=018f702f-143e-4ac7-b710-40149cfef11f&algo_expid=018f702f-143e-4ac7-b710-40149cfef11f-1&btsid=0b8b035c15819462182664106ee8a3&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

16$ for 20A one

[osc]

@thrasher
Thank you for your fast reply!
I would check my schedule!~

[ajb2k3]

@osc Port A is ok for RGB LEDS, all you need to do is provide additional pins to the black and red wires.
Black, white and yellow remain connected between the M5Stack snd the leds
I need to make a picture :(
@Thrasher not all LED strips come with power supplies, Most RGB/neopixel/WS2812/SK6812 come without power supplies.

[osc]

@ajb2k3
Thank you for your precise explanation!
So I can still use M5Stack's unit cable and PaHub!

I checked PaHub code above example here and tried to use UIflow.
https://docs.m5stack.com/#/en/unit/pahub

But I can't click the number and can't expect how programming..
Maybe I have to ask other question thread~
Thank you so much!

V14.3

[osc]


[ajb2k3]

@osc Looks like you have discovered a bug however you don't need the hub to control the LEDS
Also you dont need the i2c block

[osc]

@ajb2k3
So how could I add more pin for controlling five strips each from portA??

[ajb2k3]

@osc Each strip has data in and data out. you connect data in of the first strip to the m5stack and then the data in of the next strip is connected to data out of the first.

[Thrasher]

Go hardcore. 74HC595

[osc]

@ajb2k3
Thank you for reply!
I understand how to connect from one pin.
Then I need to choose each cables between strips which has allowable current 4A, isn't it?

@Thrasher
At first I hoped I could use thin cables to each strips from each pins.
I should research about 74HC595. Thanks!

[osc]

This post is deleted!

[Thrasher]

@osc 74HC595 is walkaround when you don't have enough pins but wiring and coding will be pain as I'm not sure neopixel library supports it.

For 5 strips you need 5 digital pins. I don't have M5Stack by hand right now but I'm pretty sure it can provide those.
My advice: Don't rush with 5 strips, do some examples with single strip or even 10-20 LEDS. No offence but I see you're not very common with electronics, may get stuck with 5 strips same time.

Some advices:

1. Yes, you can connect 5 strips into one huge strip but this will cause voltage drops most likely which leads to different powering experiments. Start with small amount of leds and code, than grow to full strip and when it satisfies you go to 5 strips.
2. Read about Interface, protocol, physical and software layers. This will help you to understand why i2c hub wont help.
3. Use legit power supply, M5Stack pin can hold up to 5 ws2182 leds guranteed. I don't remember how much ESP32 port provide, but I believe its something around 250 mA. Connecting heavy load on those may damage your M5 device.
4. When using separate power supply, make sure ground wires (black ones) are all connected (M5-strip-PSU)
5. Don't froget that U=IR (voltage = current*resistance). You can use this formula to calculate desired current or resistance aswell