I am really confused on how to connect the photon to neopixels strip (60leds). I heard that since the output of the photon is 3.3v, I will need a way to make it 5v for the neopixels. How can I make this happen. Also, I have 2 versions of the neopixels: WS2812S and WS2812B will any of these work?

We have used the NeoPixel strips with no issue powering them from the CORE/PHOTON’s 3.3v output , but I must admit that this was for a 24 LED ring only. Using 3.3v enabled the NeoPixel’s data line to be directly connected to a digital output on the CORE/PHOTON without any level shifting. Not so sur…

External +5V -----> Neopixel +V GND ------> Core GND and Neopixel GND Neopixel Data pin ----> Core GPIO

Thanks for that @kennethlimcp , had never tried that arrangement because I did not think it would work because of the Core/Photon 3v3 logic. So, that’s good news for @nimonster and others.

I have made a lamp with a NeoPixel strip (60 LEDs) and Photon I used one power supply (5V 3A) for Photon and the strip, wired positive to VIN (Photon) and positive to 5V (Strip), negative to GND (Photon and Strip) Maybe I post tutorial next week

Sorry to bring up an old thread but just to clarify, I can power the Photon via the Vin &Grd via 5 volts PSU, is that correct. I am going to make a neopixel mood lamp with only 3-4 LEDs so I can power the neopixel via this one supply as well.?? Thanks

Sorry for bringing the subject up (again), but further up @kennethlimcp suggested that it is possible to drive the Neopixel data input directly from the Core GPIO pin when powering the leds and micro controller with 5V. I am assuming that pin 6 on a Core is not much different than pin 6 on a Photon …

While using a logic level shifter (of any kind - see bellow) is advisable, well manufactured NeoPixels can usually cope with the 3.3V data as the LOW/HIGH threshold sits somewhere round about 3V. But lesser quality LEDs tend to have higher thresholds an hence won't reliably recognise 3.3V as HIGH. …

[image] ScruffR: But you'll also not need a fancy level shifter chip to do the job. A simple transistor controlled via the GPIO switching 5V to the data pin will do. I am a bit rusty with transistors. Would a circuit like the one illustrated here work with a 2N2222A (that's what I have) and t…

Easiest way to wire the Photon to Neopixels

Hardware

kennethlimcp July 12, 2015, 11:37am 5

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Easiest way to wire the Photon to Neopixels

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