Forgive me if this ends up being a double post, cuz it looks like my previous one disappeared.
Is there some sort of limitation to the number of LEDs FastLED can drive or is my code wrong. I’m using the Color Palette Wave sample to do some basic color transitions for a 5m strip (300 pixels total) strip of neopixels. The gradient only seems to be working on 1/3 or 1/2 of the strip with the remainder staying a single color (albeit with one dark pixel that moves down the strip).
Code attached below. I’m driving everything with a first gen Ardunio Uno, external 5v power supply with the recommended capacitor and resistor in place. Library version 3.001.003. Compiling on Window 10. For the record, everything works as expected using the rainbow Color Wheel of the neopixel library.
A quick addendum - I’m using the latest download of the library, 3.1.3, but when I compile, I get the following:
In file included from ColorPaletteWave.ino:1:0:
C:\Users\ckirkman\Documents\Arduino\libraries\FastLED-3.1.3/FastLED.h:17:21: note: #pragma message: FastLED version 3.001.003
It is a bit strange to see version numbers in that format. I’m not sure why your sketch doesn’t light up all the LEDs, the code looks fine to me. Do other patterns work correctly? Can you set them all to the same color? fill_solid (leds, NUM_LEDS, CRGB::Red);
I’m happy to report that all that was needed was to not run the LEDs at full 255 brightness. I dropped them down by 50%, which seems plenty bright. I’m assuming the amperage draw was just too much for the 2.5a power supply I’m using. I can now focus on pattern and palette design without stressing over the physical components. Thanks for the help!
(the colors are poop on this video, but you can see the pattern is shifting across the entire strip)
No. If I were using more strips I would start considering it, but it’s not something I’ve ever done before. This is the largest set of LEDs I’ve used. Normally, I would say it’s something I’ll consider doing later, but I’m not keen on renting another ladder and getting up there to do it.
I’d try a quick test by adding power to the end of the strip as well. The results you describe can occur if the LEDs aren’t getting enough power. Five meters is a long way to go – the strip will create its own resistance. In fact, if I was doing a permanent 5-meter installation, I’d connect power at least to both ends and in the middle.
Then again… if you’re happy with 1/4 brightness… no change needed!
It’s at half bright and looks pretty good I think. If it really were a quick test, I’d give it a shot, but like I said, wiring up the end would mean renting a ladder to climb up to them with a soldering iron, heat shrink, heat gun etc . . . Just way too much of a hassle.
