Description: The SPLixel Basic is a serial to WS281x (WS2812 / WS2812B) LED driver. Running the WS281x style LEDs requires precise and fast timing. Achieving the required timing takes resources (memory, processor cycles, avoiding interrupts etc) from your microprocessor. Depending on your project, getting these timings right is nearly impossible since some high level microprocessors are more like little computers. Often busy doing other tasks that the user is unaware of.
To make this easy, we have designed the SpikenzieLabs SPLixel Basic. The SPLixel Basic accepts TTL serial input at 57600 baud, and handles all of the timing required to run the LEDs. With the SPLixel Basic, you can address any individual LED, or use some of the many built in functions that address all of the LEDs. Fun animations included. Once the SPLixel controller receives its command, your main processor is completely free to do ANYTHING else you want. The SPLixel controller does all of the work running the LEDs. If you have chosen a continuous style function the SPLixel controller will continue to run without any additional commands, until it is told to stop.
The SPLixel Basic can be used with almost anything that has a serial port (3 - 5 volt input is all OK);
- Arduino
- Raspberry Pi
- Xbee
- Basic Stamp
- Beagle Board
- FTDI cable
The SPLixel Basic signals are based on simple four byte packages (see below for a list of functions). Though not required, you can also download our Arduino Splixel Basic library, to make development even easier.
Features:
- Drive up to 64 WS2812 style LEDs
- 57600 baud serial in (default)
- 3-5v input signal (often will not require level shifter)
- Many built in functions
- Connect to LEDs with screw terminals (included), soldered directly or with 0.1" spaced breadboard compatible pins headers (optional)
- Once the LED color is set, ZERO processor overhead
Built in functions Include:
- Shift Up - continuous with speed control
- Shift Down - continuous with speed control
- Draw all LEDs same color
- Draw a single LED - Instant display
- Draw a single LED - Not displayed
- Force update of display
- Dimmer - Dim all LEDs by a percent
- Blink all LEDs
- Larson Scanner with color and speed control
- Rainbow style color fill - with start and end LEDs
- LED Bar Graph - with color control and up and down speed control
- Shift In - set color value of first LED all other move by one
- Shift Up - defined number of steps with speed control
- Shift Down - defined number of steps with speed control
- Shift Eight LEDs at once - can be used when running an 8x8 matrix
- Settable baud rate (9600, 57600 (default) or 115200)
Specs:
- Microprocessor: PIC12F1840
- Speed: 32mhz
- Full redraw of 64 LEDs in 2.03ms
- 3-5v input signal
- Serial data buffer 16 bytes
- Mounting hole
- Small size 1 9/16"x1/2" (39x12mm)
Includes:
- SPLixel Basic Controller
- 2x 3-Position Screw Terminals (3.5mm lead pitch)
Some assembly required:
The SPLixel Basic comes pre-programmed and tested. For maximum flexibility, the screw terminals do not come soldered in place. You may choose to; solder them on, solder directly to a LED strip, solder pin headers on for breadboard use etc ...
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