Help confirming right pieces for new BLE / LED project

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dlinsalata
 
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Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2017 5:55 pm

Help confirming right pieces for new BLE / LED project

Post by dlinsalata »

Hey all!

I've spent the past couple days reading various adafruit articles and forum posts, and I was hoping someone could confirm I'm heading down the right path before I click order!

Project
Create a wooden lamp in the shape of a dog for my child, with LEDs behind a diffuser in the head. See photo for lamp in progress. Desired functionality:
  • Nightlight (low light)
  • Go-to-sleep nightlight (low light on a timer)
  • Lightshow (display different colors)
  • Specific color light at a specific time ("it's ok to get up now")
  • Remotely turn on any of the above
  • (Future) Baby changing low light mode (use an IR sensor to turn on low light when we come in)
2022-05-13 11.36.39.jpg
2022-05-13 11.36.39.jpg (550.61 KiB) Viewed 166 times
Looking at adafruit's neopixel uberguide (https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neo ... e?view=all), my reqs are:
  • Power: Wall power
  • Speed: Doesn’t need to be fast
  • Price: Flexible
  • Communications: Bluetooth LE (that seems to be better than WiFi, since I'll connect via phone or PC)
  • Programming: Flexible (I've done some LED programming with the Gemma platform before, and can muddle my way through the Arduino IDE, Node/JS, C++, and probably Python if needed. )
Questions
1. I initially considered a pre-built matrix, but I think I can get better LED coverage if I create my own by cutting up a NeoPixel Digital RGBW LED Strip and arranging it into rows on a metal panel inside the had. Does that make sense? (the pre-built arrangements adafruit has are ~3x2 IIRC, and the opening is about 2x2. However, maybe the hazy acrylic I have for a diffuser will make that irrelevant, and I should keep it simpler with the pre-built?)
2. Looking at what I need feature/spec wise, my sense is that the Feather nRF52840 Express is the best option. (It seems like the Feather 32u4 Bluefruit LE could work, but it doesn't give me as much future upgradability.) Is that right?
3. And finally, how much do I need to worry about airflow / fire risk if I'm putting this inside the wooden head? And do I need to do anything special to mount it? Everything I've seen is that it's pretty low power so should be fine, but I'm also happy to put in an external enclosure and have a wire from there to the LEDs in the dog if that's better.

Thank you!

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: Help confirming right pieces for new BLE / LED project

Post by mikeysklar »

This is a cool project. I love the dog shaped lamp you have made out of wood so far.

Do you think you can use the NeoPixel FeatherWing? Seems like the easiest way to get a lot of LEDs easily packed in there.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/2945

I would use a more modern offering for BLE control that the Feather 32u4 which will be limited on memory. You are on the right track with the nRF52 chips if BLE is your wireless choice. The Feather nRF52840 Express would be a good choice.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/4062

I don't see any fire hazard here with this level of LEDs and current draw. The risk can be reduced even further if you are going to avoid running at 100% full brightness.

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dlinsalata
 
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Re: Help confirming right pieces for new BLE / LED project

Post by dlinsalata »

Thank you for the help and confirmation on the Feather nRF52840 Express and the fire hazard.

Interesting point on the NeoPixel FeatherWing! I'd probably want to chain multiple together to take up more of that 3x3 space, but that seems possible. Will check it out!

Thanks again

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dlinsalata
 
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Re: Help confirming right pieces for new BLE / LED project

Post by dlinsalata »

Actually, your comment on the NeoPixel FeatherWing got me reconsidering the matrices, and I realized that the size of them may actually fit: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3052

I can't tell if the Feather nRF52840 Express can power the matrix, but it seems like it?

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: Help confirming right pieces for new BLE / LED project

Post by mikeysklar »

The NeoPixel panels (like the #3052 product) have a 5v/GND external connector as well as the DIN/DOUT control lines.

You will need to have a wall power supply that ~4A to power the Feather + 8x8 NeoMatrix.

The power supply can be shared, but you will need to wire the panel direct to the power source.

You can split the connection with more leads to power the feather as well. I usually go from wall adapter to 2.1mm barrel then to micro-USB for the Feather and screw terminal for the display.

2.1mm Barrel Jack Splitter
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1351

2.1mm barrel jack to screw terminal block
https://www.adafruit.com/product/369

MicroUSB 2.1mm barrel jack
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2727

5v 4A power supply
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1466

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dlinsalata
 
Posts: 33
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Re: Help confirming right pieces for new BLE / LED project

Post by dlinsalata »

So helpful! Thank you again for the guidance - ordering shortly, and can't wait to get started!

Thanks!

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: Help confirming right pieces for new BLE / LED project

Post by mikeysklar »

We would love to see you final build photos. Feel free to post them here. Good luck.

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