I am using a Nodemcu to control a bunch of WS2811 LEDs and it works perfectly, until I want to extend a section by 2-3m and the furthest section starts to flash badly. If I keep the power the same length but shorten the data signal to 20 cm flashing stops. I mean extended with AWG22 wires, not more LEDS
So in my mind this means the data signal is dropping too much to enable it to function correctly.
Is there anyway I can amplify or repeat the data signal please?
@Mark_Rennie WS2811 are a fixed speed device (at 800KHz rate)
Reducing SPI speed is not an option here. Seems to me that you have a power distribution problem. Injecting power in regular intervals instead of just at the beginning and end may/should help your case.
@JP_Roy Thanks JP, I have power injected just before the break in LEDs. The 1st part are only 3m and 2nd part is 1.5m. I tested it again just now and if the data cable is longer than about 30cm that is when the flashing occurs. GND and 12V are 2m.
Would AWG 20 wires make any difference?
on the same setup with out the break using AWG22 cable the full length works perfectly, joined via 3 pin connectors etc.
@Mark_Rennie From your description, I am guessing (well… almost sure…) that you have a power distribution issue here.
Yes, a heavier wire for power will definitely help in that case. Best would be to use the heaviest, but still practical size for your setup AND inject power at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of your strips if you can.
I have done tests where the data wire was up to 10 meters in length between different WS2811 strips and it still worked well as long as the supply voltage to the strips was good.
Use a DC voltmeter to measure the voltage along various points in your setup with all the pixels at their brightest to ensure that the supply voltage, in your case 12 VDC does not drop too much.
NodeMCU has 3.3 volts output. You should use an 74AHCT125 - Quad Level-Shifter (3V to 5V) to connect your signal line. Another easy way is to have one led very close to the output pin (this will be the first led of your stripe) and then you can connect all the others. Most of the time i use this way.
