Hi all LED freaks.

Archive FastLED Archive
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Hi all LED freaks.
I was wondering, if there is a “multi purpose” thingy out there, or maybe someone in this group know how to make it.
I’m thinking of a solution, using a WS2xxx IC, for easy control and integration. And the output can be everything from high powered LED, 0-10V dimmer or maybe solenoids.

Looking forward to hear from you

Biorn

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The FastLED library is written and optimized to specifically control addressable LEDs. Of course things can sometimes be used in other creative and unexpected ways though! Some of the fast math stuff and a few other features of the library could indeed be handy to use outside of working with LEDs, however I think we will need to better understand what you are hoping to achieve before being able to give you suggestions.

Did you already have some ideas how you might use FastLED to control things besides LEDs? Can you give more details?

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I have used FastLed for ages, and in alot of projects. Its kind of “the go to” thing…
But anyway…
The main concept was to control high power RGB LEDs, in the same way we are used to with FastLED.
Here Im thinking of 9W - 100W RED array chips.
Beside that, could it be really fun to hook 1000 .5mw red laser diodes up, and again FastLED for fast, easy and ‘all-most’ pain less control and use…

Biorn

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Cool, you’re a veteran then @Bjorn_ChrisB_Christi and know that many sorts of things could be possible. :slight_smile: In my mind though controlling other types of devices starts getting into custom designed and built setups all depending on what specifically is being controlled.

Are you thinking of some sort of custom PCB with one or more WS2xxx ICs, but instead of a pixel, it would have solder pads or through hole solder rings to connect other stuff? I could imagine a few variants of a board like that could possibly cover a number of devices, but there would still need to be some other associated electronics per device type so not totally plug solder and play, right? Something sort of like this, but of course it would need some other specifics if it was doing lasers, solenoids, etc.?
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshleyMKirchner/posts/6NMEdJero8j

Regarding controlling higher Wattage pixels, @Ashley_M_Kirchner_No also posted this recently about controlling 10W LEDs.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshleyMKirchner/posts/M8WQH5EYSEM
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AshleyMKirchner/posts/h4bwNnSm5F4

Btw, I do want to see 1000 lasers controlled by FastLED now. :]

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I have a few of these and they use ws2811 chips to pwm drive high power led drivers. Works great with fastled . He also is working on a 100W driver.

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Here is a video of the floodlight working. You need some solder skills to put these together. https://youtu.be/Jyi7alASSIg

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I have to find the code but I believe it’s using fastled, Ethernet libraries and e1.31 sACN to drive the flood. I am using jinx to send DMX to the arduino.