Hi! Im building a Civil Warrior suit (Cap/Ironman Hybrid) and i want to create a custom neopixel star that i can insert in the main chest piece via a tray (picture 1) i created. I have the chest piece and behind the center i crated a sort of tray that will hold the neopixels (images attached). What type of neopixel would you recommend i use to fill up the tray that goes behind my chest plate?
Neopixel Arc Reactor
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- usmccasper
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- Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2021 12:20 pm
Neopixel Arc Reactor
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- dastels
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
It really depends on the light pattern you want, the size of it, and how much diffusion is happening. Also, the number of NeoPixels and their color(s) has direct impact/limitations on power requirements.
Dave
Dave
- usmccasper
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
I don’t necessarily care so much about the pattern I want the brightest lights possible that I can configure into a star shape. I know the new pixels are one of the brightest LEDs and I like the ability to change the color if I want to. As far as diffuser I’m really new to all of this so I’m not sure what you mean
- dastels
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
One possibility is to use the flexible edge lit strips. You could use them to outline the shape. E.g. https://www.adafruit.com/product/3634 or https://www.adafruit.com/product/3635.
A diffuser helps make the lighting into a solid glow rather than a collection of points.
Again regarding battery: brighter = more power = bigger battery. It's a balancing act.
See https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide for information on NeoPixels.
Dave
A diffuser helps make the lighting into a solid glow rather than a collection of points.
Again regarding battery: brighter = more power = bigger battery. It's a balancing act.
See https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide for information on NeoPixels.
Dave
- usmccasper
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
oh i see ok as far as diffusers the spaces you see in the picture highlighted in green will be covered with clear resin caps that i plan on making. My main issue is creating a star shaped design out of LEDs. Can i make my own matrix of neopixels in the shape of a star all connected together? Similar to https://www.adafruit.com/product/4222 but bigger and in the shape of a star
- dastels
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
Yes, you can certainly do that. The through-hole version would let you arrange them on pieces of perf board of the appropriate size. See https://www.adafruit.com/product/4783.
Dave
Dave
- usmccasper
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
interesting. Question: once i arrange the leds to make a star can i cut the Perf board to the shape of a star so that it fits the cover that i created or does it have to remain in the shape of a square for it to work? Btw i really appreciate you taking the time to go over this with me.
- dastels
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
Yes, but I would start by cutting it to the shape, avoiding stress on the parts and connections. It would also be easier without parts & wiring in the way. Perfboard is just a grid of plated holes/pads to solder parts to; you can cut it to fit whatever you need.
No worries. I'm glad to help.
Dave
No worries. I'm glad to help.
Dave
- adafruit_support_bill
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
Note that the through-hole LEDs do not have built-in bypass capacitors. The datasheet recommends a 0.1uF cap for each pixel. So you will want to make some space on your board for those.
https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-f ... sheet+.pdf
https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-f ... sheet+.pdf
- usmccasper
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
hmm i see....can those be mounted on the back of the perf board and the leds on the front so that they all connect together with as little space between them as possible? also what type of Neopixels do you recommend i use on the perf board?
- adafruit_support_bill
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
Sure. The caps can go on the back of the board. The 5mm through-hole pixels will probably give you the highest pixel density. Surface mounted pixels could be packed tighter in theory, but you would need to make custom PCBs for that.
- dastels
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
I agree with Bill. The through hole NeoPixels will be far easier to work with as well. This kind of perf board doesn't really have a front and back. The .1uF (aka 100nF) capacitors (https://www.adafruit.com/product/753) are no bigger that the LEDs and flat, they can be soldered in place directly across the power pins of the LEDs. They're actually probably easier to put on the back.
Dave
Dave
- usmccasper
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
You guys mean these: https://www.adafruit.com/product/1837. or would this be brighter : https://www.adafruit.com/product/3094
- adafruit_support_bill
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Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
One of these two. the diffused ones will give more even illumination.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1837
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1938
The "5050" size are surface mount. They would take up the same 5mm x 5mm as the through-hole versions.
the "2020" size could be packed even tighter. But you would need a custom board and specialized equipment.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/4684
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1837
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1938
The "5050" size are surface mount. They would take up the same 5mm x 5mm as the through-hole versions.
the "2020" size could be packed even tighter. But you would need a custom board and specialized equipment.
https://www.adafruit.com/product/4684
- usmccasper
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2021 12:20 pm
Re: Neopixel Arc Reactor
what kind of board? like and Arduino? i have one of those
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.