Python to led strip

This repository is a part from the music to led project.

It's a tool that allows you to send led strip frames to an arduino device using python.

1. Electronic scheme

Component list

• 1x Alim 5V 10A
• 1x Arduino nano or other
• 1x 1000mu Capacitor ( optional )
• 1x Led strip female connector

2. Arduino part

The code can be found here.

To upload it, you will need the NeoPixelBus library. You can download it here or using library manager, search for "NeoPixelBus".

3. Python part

Visualization code is compatible with Python 2.7 or 3.5. It will also require a numpy installation.

On Windows machines, the use of Anaconda is highly recommended. Anaconda simplifies the installation of Python dependencies, which is sometimes difficult on Windows.

Installing dependencies with Anaconda

Create a conda virtual environment (this step is optional but recommended)

conda create --name visualization-env python=3.5
activate visualization-env

Install dependencies using pip and the conda package manager

conda install numpy

Installing dependencies without Anaconda

The pip package manager can also be used to install the python dependencies.

pip install numpy

If pip is not found try using python -m pip install instead.

4. Test your device

Once the wiring is finished and your code uploaded, you can test it following these simple steps :

• Connect the arduino to your computer through usb cable
• run python serial.py --list-devices and find the corresponding usb name
• run python serial.py --test-serial-device "YOUR CORRESPONDING USB NAME"

5. Make the 3d printed case

All the 3d parts can be found in the 3d-parts folder.

Slicer settings

• Supports No
• Resolution 0.2
• Infill 30-100%

6. The end

You're good to go !

Misc

Led number limitation

It depends on two factors :

• Your board maximum baud rate
• Your led alimentation

For now and using the nano case, please consider not using more than 254 leds.

Calculating led power consumtion

Each individual NeoPixel draws up to 60 milliamps at maximum brightness white (red + green + blue).

• 60 NeoPixels × 60 mA ÷ 1,000 = 3.6 Amps minimum
• 135 NeoPixels × 60 mA ÷ 1,000 = 8.1 Amps minimum
• 135 NeoPixels × 60 mA ÷ 1,000 / 2 (for each led to 125,125,125) = 4.05 Amps minimum
• 300 NeoPixels × 60 mA ÷ 1,000 = 18 Amps minimum
• 300 NeoPixels × 60 mA ÷ 1,000 / 2 (for each led to 125,125,125) = 9 Amps minimum

OSX

Sometimes, the arduino nano is no recognized by OSX natively and you will have to install specific usb drivers to make it work.

brew tap adrianmihalko/ch340g-ch34g-ch34x-mac-os-x-driver https://github.com/adrianmihalko/ch340g-ch34g-ch34x-mac-os-x-driver brew cask install wch-ch34x-usb-serial-driver

Roadmap

• Update the protocol
• Upgrade maximum led number
• Make an error proof protocol
• Bluetooth case
• WS2813, WS2812B, WS2812, and WS2811 LED lights

Licence

This project was developed by Thibaud FRERE on MIT Licence.

Contribute

If you encounter any problems running program, please open a new issue. Also, please consider opening an issue if you have any questions or suggestions for improving the installation process.