I had a bit of a snafu with the latest project. Mixed some 8mm LEDs that have the embedded chip inside them which have a timing that is similar to WS2811 ( I want to say they are 9813?). They worked with the WS2811 pixels I had but flickered when updating often. I think the protocol must be off by enough to propagate the issue as the length increased. Ordered some WS2811 non-waterproof pixels that I am hoping will fit in the same 9mm hole. I probably could have put those 8 leds on a separate pin and mapped them, but seems a pain to code around. Long story short don’t assume the same protocol that works with one set of leds means you can mix them with others of the same protocol but different chipset.
Thanks for sharing. This is rather timely for me. I have some waterproof WS2811 LEDs that are flickering on most patterns, but not solid colors or slow rainbow fades. I’ve tried driving them with a Teensy 3.2 and ESP8266, with and without a 74HCT245 level shifter, with multiple power supplies, etc. I’m starting to wonder if they aren’t actually WS2811. I may have to dissect one.
@Jason_Coon Let me clarify and say I was mixing two sets. some WS2811 pixels and then some of the 8mm through hole all in one LEDs that I think are some 9813 protocol. Although I suspect it might be a power issue… Do you have a resistor on the output pin?
That sometimes helps if its a noise issue…
Thanks, yeah, I was just saying your post finally prompted me to question whether they’re actually WS2811 or some other chipset. I ordered non-waterproof and were sent these by mistake, so I wouldn’t surprised if they’re not even WS2811.
I’ve tried it with and without a 330 ohm resistor on the level shifter output pin. I’m using a 5v 4a power supply with only 50 LEDs, and very short wires between the controller, power supply, and LEDs. I have all the grounds tied together. I’m just running DemoReel100, I’ve eliminated all IR, Wi-Fi, etc. I’ll try other resistors, and a couple other power supplies tonight. Any other suggestions are most welcome. Thanks! Sorry, didn’t mean to hijack your post. 
I see… yes, I have seen some leds on Ebay advertised as WS2811 that are likely not… I have not see them in that form factor and cannot get them from my distributor like that…
Wow, also timely for me. I have some rolls of LEDs that were given to me, and while they work when I set them as 2811s, the flicker like crazy. Maybe I should dissect one and try to identify them…