<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html charset=utf-8"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class=""><div class="">I think these questions will be answered by Adam in a heartbeat but, I am asking here in case anyone else will benefit.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">I opened the sealed bag for my 5m APA102 LED strips and started working out what I need to do to get started. Given how much these strips cost and how long it takes to get a replacement, I thought it would be good to ask before I hooked up my 10A power supply and gave these things a whirl. I have a list of questions and assumptions below, and would appreciate any corrections or answers from those brave souls who have gone before more into the technicolor future of programmable LEDs:</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">1) I will use a regular old 5V Arduino UNO since my APA102 LEDS are not as timing sensitive as the older types. </div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">2) Question: Do I need to put a 330 ohm resistor in series with the two SPI wires to reduce the change of burning out the 1st LED. (as suggested <a href="https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/power" class="">here</a>)</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">3) I will start with the <a href="https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-dotstar-leds" class="">Adafruit DotStart Library</a> and graduate to <a href="http://fastled.io" class="">Fast LED Library</a> (of, course I will dump all this once my AllPixel arrives!!!).</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">4) I will use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076UJZX0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" class="">5V 10A switching power supply</a> to run this monster (Adam’s previous post: "60mA per LED (20mA per color) at full white. So, for a 5m roll of 32 LEDs/meter that's 160 LEDs or a possible 9.6A draw")</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">5) I will put a 1000uF or greater electrolytic capacitor rated at 10V or more between the power and ground of the power supply and connect the power supply and Arduino grounds. Ideally, I will connect the power at both ends of the strip. For 10A, <a href="http://wiki.xtronics.com/index.php/Wire-Gauge_Ampacity" class="">the “free air” rating</a> says I need 20 gauge or thicker.</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">6) Question: I hate to cut those cool connectors off. Any chance you know the part number I would need to buy the mate for the provided connectors?</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Am I missing anything or is there a better approach? Don’t want to smoke these cool LEDs before I have a chance to play. I have ambitions to try to put an <a href="http://blog.oscarliang.net/diy-tv-ambilight-arduino-processing-ozilight-1/" class="">Ambilight effect</a> into my fiance’s family room someday (should be worth some points if done well).</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Thank you all and would love to hear what others will do with the <a href="http://maniacallabs.com/2015/02/02/mail-bag-monday-8000-leds-edition/" class="">$2000 worth of LED’s</a> Adam got for us. Thank you Adam!</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><br class=""><div class="">
<div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class=""><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class=""><div class="">Charles McClelland</div><div class=""><a href="mailto:chip@mcclellands.org" class="">chip@mcclellands.org</a></div><div class="">919-624-5562</div><div class=""><br class=""></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline">
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