pcb-ws2812-ethernet-controller
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klein0r
Support for APA102
Hello Matthias,
your project is a real gem in my opinion. However, it unfortunately doesn't support APA102 LED strips at the moment. That's why I thought I will give it a try based on your KiCad video with absolutely no experiences in this field. Maybe you like the idea to set up this repository for supporting multiple versions of LED strips. I am also no electrician, so the board may be completely wrong at the moment. Since I want to produce them for my APA102, I also wanted to take this PR as a chance to get feedback from you, if I can use this without worrying.
There are also some issues I have at the moment:
When running the electrical rule check in the schema editor, I get the following error messages (especially the missing haus-automatisierung library one):
However, in the PCB editor it actually looks fine and I have no error messages in the design rule checker. When I view the board in the PCB editor in 3D, I am not sure, why there are only 2 elements attached to the board (1 resistor and one connector as shown below), maybe you know how to manage it to see the rest?
So all in all I would appreciate, if you can have a look at it. If you like to set the repository up for supporting multiple versions, I think the following tasks are missing:
- better repository structure
- modified README's
- verify correctness for APA102 and check functionality (maybe redesign necessary)
- create additional releases for apa102
Feel free to change or add anything :)
P.S.: I have one additional question. Can I also use a 12A fuse for example, if it fits into the socket? I am asking, because the board says max 5A.
I haven't used APA102 strips right now. What's the difference?
When I view the board in the PCB editor in 3D, I am not sure, why there are only 2 elements attached to the board
Because KiCad hasn't a 3D object for each component. That's normal.
Can I also use a 12A fuse for example, if it fits into the socket?
I don't think that is a good idea, because the other components are rated for max 6A.
The difference is that there are 4 connections on the led strip
- GND
- VCC
- CI (Clock)
- DI (Data)
So in the end I have to use 2 GPIO pins connected to DI and CI.
I don't think that is a good idea, because the other components are rated for max 6A.
So this board can only be powered by a power supply up to 5-6A max? Because currently I have a 5v 12A power supply for 160 APA102 led's.
So this board can only be powered by a power supply up to 5-6A max? Because currently I have a 5v 12A power supply for 160 APA102 led's.
In this case you shouldn't pass the current over the board. Just connect VCC externally and add a second fuse.
In this case you shouldn't pass the current over the board. Just connect VCC externally and add a second fuse.
I am not sure if I understand you correctly. Do you mean, I should use 2 power supplies? One for the board with 5V and max 5A and one for the LED strip with a fuse capable of 12A?
Why do you think we need 2 different layouts?
I could probably do some hacky stuff to get a connection with a second GPIO pin, but I like it clean and I would like to use the second GPIO pin also with the logic level shifter, so it would be great if this can be integrated.
so it would be great if this can be integrated.
Of course - but we can also add a 4-pin connector to the default design. When using a APA102 all 4 pins will be used, otherwise just 3.
Of course - but we can also add a 4-pin connector to the default design. When using a APA102 all 4 pins will be used, otherwise just 3.
Yes that's true. I think I misunderstood you, I thought you were questioning the use case. The default design can definitely just be updated to a 4 pin connector and then the user can decide, based on the led strip, to use all 4 pins or just 3 :) That would be awesome!