Hey folks, I’ve been doing a bunch of research, and I am at a loss of what people are using for larger scale LED projects (think 3000 pixels). In my case, I have a medium size steel structure, 20’ in diameter, and I need to use multiple arduinos because I can’t run the data cables that far. But I also want coordinated control between them. In theory this could be a case for fadecandy, except (a) fadecandy uses obsolete/unavailable hardware and (b) I’m controlling longer linear strands of lights (~ 100-150 in a strip).
What do people do for Processing -> Arduino (FastLED) -> WS2812b projects?
What are you using for your data lines and how do you have things split up/wired/running around the building? Have you tried CAT5 cable?
One Teensy 3.2 has enough memory for all 3000 pixels if you wanted to go that route, but I’m not sure about the fps with WS2812b pixels if only using one Teensy with 3000 pixels. If you used APA102 you could take advantage of using four hardware SPI lines. See bottom of page here:
My first thought if starting from scratch would be something like the attached image.
For Processing, you should be able to stream RGB data to the controller and plug that data straight into your pixel array. What have you tried so far? missing/deleted image from Google+
I’m not against multiple-arduinos, sort of “fadecandy” style, although there’s a lot of code to hook up that computer -> arduino USB networking.
As for data lines, I haven’t chosen anything yet. What’s the maximum line length between like a teensy 3.2 and the first WS2812b? I guess I could use some kind of RS-485 conversion for the signal.
See attached image if you go with CAT5. Not sure about maximum, but you should be able to 20’.
RS-485 will work too and be able to go much further, but is more setup both ends.
Unless I’m mistaken, the WS2812b isn’t clocked, so looks like I can send 4 data signals thru a single cat5. Do I have to worry about crosstalk much if I do end up doing that?
Any tips on the software to turn processing sketches > arduino controls for making pretty lights, etc :) I can probably hack it out eventually, but it’s only 2 months until I’m taking this thing to burning man.
Are you specifically wanting to use Processing or rather looking for some way to send live data to the controller?
You should fine multiple examples of sending Processing data to Arduino with some searches.
@Ryan_Rawson like jinx via e1.31? I have some code that turns an arduino or teensy (preferred) into a pixel controller. If your talking more than a couple hundred or like your saying thousands of pixels then you really should jump to pauls teensy 3.2 with octows2811. @PaulStoffregen is a ws2811 pixel pioneer and has one of the best optimized methods of driving thousands of pixels at really good refresh rates. This video is a small demonstration of using jinx to send sound activated patterns via e1.31 to a teensy 3.2 + octows2811. It requires a wiznet ethernet module
This is all amazing pointers, I really really appreciate it! This seems right up where I am interested in. Basically I want to be able to program patterns in without having to reflash the arduino, or writing a lot of low-level pixel bashing code. Hence my “processing” comment. I’m not tied specifically to that software, however it does have nice cross platform compatability (unlike jinx)
Awesome stuff folks! Paul: I already bought some of your cool teensy+logic shifter + rj45 boards, they seem perfect for my application. Nicely done! I think my total pixel target size is going to be 2000-3000 depending on what it looks like in the end!
