I'm having a problem(s) that I'm not sure is software or hardware.

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I’m having a problem(s) that I’m not sure is software or hardware. I’m trying to use a Teensy 3.1 with FastLED 16 way parallel output.

Issue 1)
8 way parallel output works fine, but running 16 does nothing (although the onboard LED does come on). There are 14 strands of 10 LEDs each. 141060 mA = 8.4 Amps. Power supply can only deliver a continuous current of 6 amps but even FastLED.setBrightness() at low values produces nothing. 16 way output also does not work with only the first 8 strands connected (that do work in 8 way output).

Issue 2)
The Teensy will not run any sketches if power cycled. The project is intended to be wearable, and has a battery connected to a power supply producing 5V 6A (Polulu). If I do not leave the battery connected to the Teensy while uploading a sketch, the Teensy will not run. So if the battery is ever removed and reinserted, the Teensy does not run.

At this point my best guess is that there is a (non-fatal) problem with the Teensy, but I’m not sure where to look.

Crosspost PJRC Forums:
https://forum.pjrc.com/threads/31482-Problem-with-FastLED-and-16-way-parallel-output?p=87834#post87834

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There might be a timing issue with the 16-way output, it has been a little bit since i tested that. Also - what clock speed are you running the teensy 3.x at?

In the meantime, you can add two 8-way outputs, one for PORTD and the other for PORTC to do dual 8-way outputs vs. 16 way output until I get a chance to figure out what is going on with the 16-way output.

As far as the second issue - the teensy not running anything if power cycled - I have no idea what you have going on there - hopefully someone else, or someone on the pjrc forum can help out.

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Also - try adding a delay in the setup function - e.g. delay(2000) - I have seen problems with the teensy if interrupts get disabled too soon during the startup process, the device pretty much gets wedged. See if that helps.