Adafruit Industries 1547

RGB pixel lights are digitally controllable lights that can be set to any color or animated. Each circular "pixel cluster" contains 3 RGB LEDs and a control IC soldered onto a PCB. The pixels are then encapsulated in a translucent white "dot" for waterproofing. These pixels are fairly large but mount easily via two plastic flanges. They are commonly used for outdoor signage. Compared to other LED dots, these are larger and brighter, making them suitable for large-scale installations. Pixels connect via 4-conductor cable carrying +12VDC, ground, data, and clock. Data cascades from one pixel to the next, so the string can easily be cut or extended by adding more pixels at the end. Each dot is digitally controlled by an internal 8-bit PWM LED driver (24-bit color, capable of rendering 16 million distinct hues). The pixels must be clocked by a microcontroller; sample code for Arduino is linked below, and adapting it to other microcontrollers should be straightforward. The pixels use three 5050 RGB LEDs, and due to the translucent enclosure, the dot provides 180° full-color diffusion. All LEDs are controlled simultaneously, so the three LEDs within a single pixel cannot display different colors (color control applies only to individual 3-LED pixels). The combined maximum brightness of all LEDs is approximately 4000mcd. (Note: most LED sellers tend to exaggerate mcd ratings, so exercise extra caution when reviewing LED specifications!) Sold in strings of 20 pixels connected in series. Each string includes two JST SM 3-pin connectors, allowing multiple strings to be chained together as needed — just be mindful of the current draw. Two power leads are brought out separately for convenient wiring; a 2.1mm terminal block adapter makes connecting a DC power supply straightforward. A 12V/5A power supply should be capable of driving 2 or more strings (depending on current consumption). The LEDs are driven by constant current, so as long as a stable 12V supply is provided, color will be uniform across the entire string. These pixels can be driven using any two digital I/O pins on an Arduino or other microcontroller — check out the library, which includes sample code demonstrating string usage, and be sure to read the detailed usage tutorial!

• 30mm (1.4 inch) diameter
• 75mm (3 inch) spacing on string
• Total length 208cm (82 inch)
• 20 pixels per string
• These pixels use WS2801 IC for full 24-bit color, constant current drive
• 12VDC power supply, 60mA max per pixel (LEDs at full white)
• 2-wire SPI-like protocol
• WS2801 datasheet for the IC inside each pixel
• Per-pixel brightness: 4000mcd combined (will attempt to obtain LED datasheet)

• Outdoor signage