led-indicator.md

Build Indicator

This project currently supports NeoPixel ws281x LED strips.

A useful resource on wiring:

https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixels-on-raspberry-pi/wiring

An approach tested on many devices is using a 1N4001 diode, as this is very cheap. Use the guide above, but in summary;

• Connect din (data in) from LED strip to GPIO pin on Raspberry Pi (pin 12 / BCM 18 by default).
  • https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/usage/gpio/
• Connect 5v from LED strip to a diode, and then the diode to a 5v source.
• Connect gnd to ground source.

Recommendations:

• Do not use the 5v from Raspberry Pi, as the power consumption could damage the board. Use an external power source.
• Ground should be connected to both the Raspberry Pi's ground and external power source's ground.

Example

This is real-world example of using a 1N4001 diode.

An old USB cable has been split apart for its 5v and GND wires, connected to a USB plug, serving as an external power source. This powers the LED strip independently of the Raspberry Pi. In some cases, it's possible to use a USB port on the back of a TV, rather than a USB plug.

The schematic taken from Adafruit's tutorial:

Useful resources on pins for Raspberry Pi:

• https://elinux.org/RPi_Low-level_peripherals
• https://pinout.xyz