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[on:]

The WS2811 datasheet mentions it's available in an 8-pin DIP package.

Does anybody know where you can buy them in small quantities?

(I'm guessing they'll be horribly expensive if you can get them but you never know...)

[Reply #1 on:]

The manufacturer (http://www.world-semi.com/) seems to be offline.

I can't find ANY source for the DIP-8 version in ANY quantity.  If you want to use that chip you may need to learn surface-mount soldering so you can use the SOP-8 package.

[Reply #2 on:]

The manufacturer (http://www.world-semi.com/) seems to be offline.

I can't find ANY source for the DIP-8 version in ANY quantity.  If you want to use that chip you may need to learn surface-mount soldering so you can use the SOP-8 package.

Maybe...but then I'd need suitable PCBs, etc., as well.

It's just an idea I had for running half a dozen 12mm RGB LEDs while keeping cabling to a minimum.

I guess I'll have to figure out another way to do it. Maybe there's a WS2811/WS2801 breakout board out there for a reasonable price.

[Reply #3 on:]

The only place I have seen WorldSemi parts offered is e-bay from a company in Niagara Falls.
I would try that.
Search for WS2803 which I know they sell and work back to their store from there.

[Reply #4 on:]

John,
Ready for a little snow?
Could put a damper on Friday night traffic

[Reply #5 on:]

The only place I have seen WorldSemi parts offered is e-bay from a company in Niagara Falls.
I would try that.
Search for WS2803 which I know they sell and work back to their store from there.

OK, I think I found them. They don't have WS2811 but they have the WS2801 at a pretty decent price (about $0.50).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160677261735

All I'd need is a PCB.

Maybe I can ask them if they can get the WS2811. Half the pins means a lot less soldering work and 8-pin SOP->DIP adapter PCBs are much cheaper than 14-pin.

Edit: I sent an email, let's see what he/she says...

[Reply #6 on:]

I can't find ANY source for the DIP-8 version in ANY quantity.  If you want to use that chip you may need to learn surface-mount soldering so you can use the SOP-8 package.

As an aside ... could you even find it in SOP? I'm coming up blank.

[Reply #7 on:]

I can't find ANY source for the DIP-8 version in ANY quantity.  If you want to use that chip you may need to learn surface-mount soldering so you can use the SOP-8 package.

As an aside ... could you even find it in SOP? I'm coming up blank.

Yes.

AliBaba.com (wholesale, typical minimum order = 1000 pieces)

AliExpress.com (smaller batches)
    For example: 100 units for $18.00 ($25.37 w/shipping to USA)
    http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100PCS-LOT-Original-WS2811-WS2811S-SOP-8/111482_726515440.html

[Reply #8 on:]

AliExpress.com (smaller batches)
    For example: 100 units for $18.00 ($25.37 w/shipping to USA)

Ok, that's pretty good.

I could get a batch of those and some of these to solder the chips/wires onto: http://www.ebay.com/itm/310575279861

...that seems like a working plan.

Thanks!

[Reply #9 on:]

Just an update in case anybody else is interested in this:

The guy from eBay got back to me and he's got the WS2811 in DIP and at a reasonable price ($0.60 each in small quantities...)

That sounds quite expensive per-LED but they can really save a lot of work/wires, especially if the LEDs are far apart. You only need three wires between each RGB LED to make it work and the datasheet says you can have up to 20 meters between each one.

Plus ... you can drive any number of LEDs with only one Arduino pin.

[Reply #10 on:]

One pin? Don't the WS chips need clock & data?
Ah, I see WS2811 gets clock from the dataline.

[Reply #11 on:]

One pin? Don't the WS chips need clock & data?

That's the WS2801...

Ah, I see WS2811 gets clock from the dataline.

Yep. It's all down to careful timing.

(Or not-so careful...it's not really that fussy unless you're trying to send data as fast as possible)