Excessive current on new Neopixel strip

EL Wire/Tape/Panels, LEDs, pixels and strips, LCDs and TFTs, etc products from Adafruit

Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
Locked
User avatar
lothar77
 
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:15 am

Excessive current on new Neopixel strip

Post by lothar77 »

Hi, I'm working with a new #4913 Mini Skinny Neopixel strip / 60 @ 1m. On first hookup it dropped my 5V 2A wall wart supply to 1V. Subsequent connection to my bench supply has it drawing 4A at 2.43V, all LEDs dark. If fact, I've never seen any of the Neopixels illuminate. Polarity of the 5V supply has been checked multiple times. The bench test had the QT Py (data and ground) disconnected. I'm using Anderson power pole connectors to the bench supply and Wago LeverNuts to make ground and data connections to ferruled leads to a QT Py SAMD21. I use the green and black 5.5/2.1mm screw terminal to barrel/coax connectors which I know are best below 3A. The photo shows the JST Female SM pigtail leads I'm using. There's no short between any combination of the three leads.

My sole concern is the current draw and whether this is a warranty issue. I'll worry about the data line & level later. The strip has not been removed from the reel, nor has it been powered for more than a few seconds at a time. This is my first "call" to support in many years of being a happy customer. Thanks!

Order #2963257-9020169957, 2022-11-19.
Attachments
PXL_20221126_214324711.jpg
PXL_20221126_214324711.jpg (363.49 KiB) Viewed 123 times

User avatar
dastels
 
Posts: 15608
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2015 3:22 pm

Re: Excessive current on new Neopixel strip

Post by dastels »

Can you measure the resistance between the strip's power and ground connections (without power attached) in both directions, please? Can you visually inspect the ends of the strip where the wiring is attached? Maybe post clear closeup images?

Dave

User avatar
lothar77
 
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:15 am

Re: Excessive current on new Neopixel strip

Post by lothar77 »

Hi Dave. Sorry for the delay - I was traveling.

Here are my measurements using a Beckman Industrial meter (old but good!):
Identical reading on both ends - the male, pinned connector and the female, socket connector.
1.11kΩ resistance test, red to black
1.11kΩ resistance test, black to red
0.979V diode test Vf, red to black (Vf for 1mA current as I recall)
0.428V diode test Vf, black to red

The soldering at the male connector looks good. I'll post a photo. The solder joints for the female connection are covered by the end cover are are barely visible.

User avatar
lothar77
 
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:15 am

Re: Excessive current on new Neopixel strip

Post by lothar77 »

Photos as requested. As noted above, the solder joints on 1 end are visible, the solder joints on the other end are not.
Attachments
2022_1203_193421_003.JPG
2022_1203_193421_003.JPG (379.67 KiB) Viewed 57 times
2022_1204_134729_005.JPG
2022_1204_134729_005.JPG (447.07 KiB) Viewed 57 times

User avatar
dastels
 
Posts: 15608
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2015 3:22 pm

Re: Excessive current on new Neopixel strip

Post by dastels »

Even so, they all look as I'd expect.

I'm thinking that there's a short somewhere on the strip. Please email [email protected] with a link to this thread, your order number, and request the replacement of one Mini Skinny NeoPixel LED Strip - Warm White 3000K - 60 LEDs/m - 1m long.

Dave

Locked
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.

Return to “Glowy things (LCD, LED, TFT, EL) purchased at Adafruit”