Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

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hpae24
 
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Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by hpae24 »

Hi,

I'm trying to start a project that requires setting up multiple neopixel matrices together, and I had a few questions about this.
I have two Flexible 8x32 NeoPixel RGB LED Matrix[https://www.adafruit.com/product/2294#technical-details] and I was planning to order more of these to set them up as 2X3 where two of them will be stacked vertically, and three horizontally. Since I was using 6 of them, I had multiple questions.
1. Would I require a larger power supply than as mentioned in the details(5V 4A)?
2. Is one Arduino nano microcontroller enough to controll all 6 LED matrices? Or would I need a different type of Arduino nano microcontroller or multiple microcontrollers?
3. Also, I realized that the 8x32 NeoPixel RGB LED Matrix is almost out of stock, is it possible to mix and match with the 16X16 NeoPixel RGB LED Matrix and if so, how hard will it be to code the program for it? If it is easier to not mix and match, how long will it be before the 8x32 NeoPixel RGB LED Matrix is back in stock?

Thanks in advance!

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dastels
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by dastels »

1) Yes. That 4A recommendation is for a single 8*32 matrix. And even then you have to be careful to limit your current consumption well below the maximum of 15A the matrix could require (all pixels at full brightness white). https://learn.adafruit.com/sipping-power-with-neopixels has advice on that. Assuming the same limits for all 6 panels, you'll need a 4A supply for each panel or one 24A supply. Following best practices, each panel should have a separate power connection regardless whether you use one or multiple supplies (see https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neo ... -neopixels for more).

2) Each 8x32 matrix contains 256 NeoPixels, each of which require 3 bytes of RAM for a total of 768 bytes. 6 panels contain 1536 NeoPixels which requires 4608 bytes. The Nano uses an ATmega328 mcu that has 2048 bytes of ram. So, no, it can't drive 6 matrices. For something of this scale I suggest a Feather M4 Express https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857 and a NeoPXL8 Featherwing for Feather M4 https://www.adafruit.com/product/4537 or a Feather RP2040 SCORPIO https://www.adafruit.com/product/5650.

3) I can't speak to restock times. These are still rough times to be making electronics in terms of supply chains and component availability. Regarding mixing and matching, regardless of the physical arrangement of NeoPixel products they are all a string of pixels. You would need to take the physical arrangement into consideration when coding. Using the NeoPXL8 or SCORPIO changes things as well since they break the mass of pixels into smaller groups. A nice side effect of that is that updates will be faster than with one long string. Every update of a string of NeoPixels has to shift the data out for the entire string. The longer the string, the slower the update, and the less often you can update it.

Dave

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hpae24
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by hpae24 »

Thank you for your detailed response!

I had another quick question, for the microcontroller would the Adafruit Feather M4 CAN Express with ATSAME51 [https://www.adafruit.com/product/4759] also work since it seems to be similar to the Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51 - ATSAMD51 Cortex M4 [https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857]?

Thanks in advance!

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dastels
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by dastels »

I'm not sure, but I'll ask. They are very similar but one has a SAMD51 and the other a SAME51 (with CAN bus support). Everything else looks the same. Stay tuned.

Dave

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hpae24
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by hpae24 »

Thanks!
Also, would this work with the Adafruit Perma-Proto Half-sized Breadboard PCB - Single https://www.adafruit.com/product/1609 or does this need to be specifically paired with another breadboard to be used?
Sorry for all the questions, and thank you for your help!

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dastels
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by dastels »

It will work fine with the permaproto. What do you mean by "paired with another breadboard"?

Dave

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adafruit2
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by adafruit2 »

the SAME is basically the same chip with CAN - but realllly we suggest going with the SCORPIO board - its specifically designed for driving neopixels!

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hpae24
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by hpae24 »

Thank you!

One last question, this additional microcontroller Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302 came in with our last order of the Flexible 8x32 NeoPixel RGB LED Matrix https://www.adafruit.com/product/2294, and I was wondering if this would also work to control 6 of the Flexible 16x16 NeoPixel RGB LED Matrix https://www.adafruit.com/product/2547 since it also seems to have 264KB ram?

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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by adafruit2 »

yep its good to use, just doesnt have the level shifters - that can cause some issues (maybe!) check the neopixel uberguide for more details

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hpae24
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by hpae24 »

Thank you for all your help!

I had one more question about connections for the microcontroller. For the Adafruit Feather RP2040 SCORPIO - 8 Channel NeoPixel Driver https://www.adafruit.com/product/5650, is there a specific level shifter I need or can I use either OctoWS2811 Adapter for Teensy 3.1 - Control tons of NeoPixels! https://www.adafruit.com/product/1779 or the 74AHCT125 - Quad Level-Shifter (3V to 5V) - 74AHCT125 https://www.adafruit.com/product/1787 ?
Also, would I need a breadboard specifically for the microcontroller? Or is there a specific type that is recommended?

Thanks in advance!

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dastels
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by dastels »

The Scorpio has everything onboard to drive 8 strands of NeoPixels. It's an all-in -one solution (think of it like a Teensy 3.1 and OctoWS8211 combined).

You don't need a breadboard at all. The SCORPIO is self-contained. You'll need power supplies for the NeoPixels... but you would in any case.

See the tutorial guide for more on the SCORPIO: https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing- ... 40-scorpio.
An example project using the SCORPIO: https://learn.adafruit.com/holiday-tree-with-scorpio.
If you want a case for it: https://learn.adafruit.com/feather-scor ... p-fit-case.

Dave

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hpae24
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by hpae24 »

Thanks for the tutorials!
So, to run 6 of the Neopixels together, I would need a 5V 24A power source you have mentioned before, and the SCORPIO you recommended. And it doesn't require any extra cables?
I'm just a bit confused because in the SCORPIO tutorial it seemed like I needed a Perma-proto board, a couple of 2x8 IDC cables and 3-pin JST socket connectors. Or could I just connect one of the Neopixel matrices to the SCORPIO without any of those and connect the LED matrices together as a series? So in order to run the Neopixels I would just need the SCORPIO by itself?
Thanks in advance!

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dastels
 
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Re: Question about connecting multiple NeoPixel Matrices

Post by dastels »

You're mixing terms. NeoPixel matrices or LED matrices? I'd assumed NeoPixel.

All you should need are teh SCORPIO, the NeoPixels, power, and the wiring to connect them. Ground and data go from the SCORPIO to the NeoPixels. 5v and ground go from the power to the NeoPixels.

Be sure to read https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide and https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing- ... 40-scorpio.

Dave

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