Hello!
As many before have stated, I’m new to this. I’m looking to make an art project where I have a roughly 2’x2’ panel of LEDs on a coat my back. I’ve found several 8x8 WS2812B panels but none list the IP rating. I’ve found quite a few multi-meter IP68 strips. However, I’m unsure which would be better for the purpose.
Goal:
I intend to make a coat where I will attach a slightly larger panel of cloth with the LED strips/squares sewn on (or otherwise attached) to the panel which connects to the coat via hook-n-loop (velcro). The cloth will be over the LEDs so they will be between my back and this panel and will shine through the cloth panel. The wiring can go through one (or more) hole(s) in the coat back to get to internal pockets where I plan to run Arduino, Tweeny 2 and power. I actually would like to run more than one power source to even out the weight distribution of the coat.
If I use (current plan in infancy) 8x8 5050 RGB panels, I’ll have about 64x64 (4096 in a square) leds to make a roughly 2’x2’ panel.
I’d like to start by transforming through a variety of rough images but would hope to eventually be able to show poor resolution things (short videos).
Concerns: What lights can handle this wear, humidity and meet my flexibility needs? Do you all have any recommendations? Should I simply get what I can and then silicone over it all? Have I forgotten something critical in my planning?
Search the group here there’s a gal that’s been using pixels for her mermaid tails that Have some way of protecting the LED. I think you’ve touched on some concerning points I think it could be done with pixel strips and less pixels. As far as the matrix panels as a long-term solution being used with a lot of motion and in weather elements it would not be a good solution just because these Pixels could easily pop off or the stress could cause lifting on the surface mount side of things.
The concern I have is a matrix of this size would demand a lot of power. The 5050 RGB pixel is known to take up to 60 mA. If math serves me right you’re looking at 240 Amps (at full power) of power to supply this size of matrix. For a custom standpoint this is some serious lithium ion batteries that may be a big issue. I know there’s other pixel such as the SK6812 3535 with a smaller LED size package that will consume less but you’re still looking at a lot of power. You could reduce the brightness to help with power consumption but it will be some good experimenting and determining the end result and the amount of power.
You could look at going with strips that a little more flexible and more pixel spacing granted you won’t get the resolution but you may be able accommodate portable power and the flexibility that you need with the IP rating
@Cod_Smack - Use the Search Community box on the left of this web page and use the terms: techocolour dreamcoat and also try Robert Atkins. Robert has some amazing posts including code of his awesome Technocolour Dreamcoat. This might help you with your project.