I’m having some interesting issues that I’m hoping I can collectively troubleshoot with you.
I’m trying to create a 12x12 pixel matrix. Simple enough. I’m using 5V 2812s that I purchased from a seller in China.
For a power supply, I am using a large battery that has 3 output modes - 5V, 9V, and 12V. I’m using the 5V.
So, there are a couple different ways to approach the project, which is how do I make a nice standalone matrix that displays eye-catching patterns that I can change by pressing a tactile button. I’m still deciding the best way to do this.
However, that’s not the issue I really need help with. I need help with figuring out what is going wrong. After I get my matrix up and running, after a while, the leds at the end of the matrix begin to glitch and flicker erratically. They tend to display brighter, white colors but it could be anything. It basically just looks like static or noise. Sometimes the leds will freeze in that position, and then with no rhyme or reason will rejoin the animation and display the correct colors.
I’m powering the leds from the same battery pack as the microcontroller, however they are wired in parallel.
I am worried that these leds are getting damaged by something in my setup, however I can’t figure it out. I really need to finish this project and I don’t want to keep burning through pixels while I do! What could be going wrong?
I am NOT currently using a capacitor or resistor on my strips… I really hope that’s not the issue but if it is, at least I know what it is. Any thoughts?
All responses are appreciated, thank you so much! Love this vibrant and glowing community <3
If you measure the voltage at the beginning of the matrix and also the end what do you get? Are you powering only from one end, both ends, or injecting power in the middle anywhere?
I was injecting power at the beginning and the middle of the matrix. Have I damaged the leds or will it be fixed if I give them more juice? And do they need more volts or more amps??
I don’t have access to my voltimeter right now… I will by tomorrow
Does it make a difference if you use an ac/DC power supply? Also do only the ones on the end freeze and then restart the animation? If the problems start at a particular LED you could have a bad connection there. How many amps does the battery have on 5v?
@Charity_Stolarz these leds require 5v dc Power. They are in sync with the animation unless they are frozen on random colors. The power supply only has 4a at 5v so it sounds like that is the issue - i need more current and i need to use them fully charged.
This is battery powered bc it is a wearable. When i experienced the problems i was at 1/2 battery power.
You can also play with turning down the brightness if you haven’t already. Sharing one of my projects since it sounds similar: http://www.instructables.com/id/Flexible-LED-Matrix/
Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I make a lot of wearable stuff too. But I tend to do the programming using a wall wart power supply when programming. I ran a ble controlled matrix of a similar size with a 6a anker power bank for 6 hours with no issues
