Controller for wifi project

For CircuitPython issues, ask in the Adafruit CircuitPython forum.

Moderators: adafruit_support_bill, adafruit

Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
Locked
User avatar
raysblog
 
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Oct 12, 2019 2:39 pm

Controller for wifi project

Post by raysblog »

I'm planning an installation that will consist of several disconnected strands of neopixels. Each neopixel strand will have a dedicated controller that needs to be sitting on a wifi network.

I see lots of options for controllers that are wifi enabled, and some pretty big price differences. Any recommendations?

Needs to:
- Support CircuitPython, including the wifi support
- Be reasonably inexpensive (less than $20 is ideal)
- Be able to drive strands neopixel strands of up to 10 feet in length
- Be powered by power cable

Thanks.

User avatar
neradoc
 
Posts: 542
Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2016 2:38 pm

Re: Controller for wifi project

Post by neradoc »

Hi, any requirements on the power cable ?
All boards can be powered by USB, most Adafruit boards can be powered by the 5V or Bat pin (if any) when not on USB.
Few boards have a dedicated power plug (the Metro are the only ones I can think of).

To drive a neopixel strand I would use a QT PY ESP32-S2. There's also a version with external antenna.
The C3 version is cheaper, but support is still alpha in Circuitpython.

User avatar
raysblog
 
Posts: 21
Joined: Sat Oct 12, 2019 2:39 pm

Re: Controller for wifi project

Post by raysblog »

Thanks for the response.

No requirements on power cable. So long as I could use a USB plug adapter to plug directly into an outlet, that definitely works!

Couple quick followups:

1. If I get the stock QT Py ESP32-S2, I assume I don't need the antenna? Does the antenna just give extra wifi range?

2. Do you know how many neopixels this QT Py can drive?

User avatar
neradoc
 
Posts: 542
Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2016 2:38 pm

Re: Controller for wifi project

Post by neradoc »

Software-wise, there's 2MB of PSRAM, you can drive a large number of neopixels with that.
Powering them depends on the total number, but that's nothing special to the QT PY.

I find the builtin antenna to be sufficient for my use, but I can't talk for your setup. That's always an unknown with wifi.

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

Return to “Wireless: WiFi and Bluetooth”