Beginner here - Need some simple help...

Other Hardware LEDs and Multiplexing
1

Hi guys,

I would really appreciate any help I can get with this simple project I am working on. I just got my Arduino Uno, and I am looking to connect it with a power supply and an LED strip to be able to customize the LEDs. When I say I am a beginner, I really am a BEGINNER - I have limited knowledge on many of the terms and connections needed for this. Here is what I have -

  • Arduino Uno
  • This power supply - Amazon.com
  • 9V batteries with connections
  • 5 meter, 60 LED/m WS2812B strip here - Amazon.com

Through all of my YouTube-ing, I have yet to find a video that shows how to connect the Arduino, power supply and LED strip using the 3-pin wire connections that came standard with the LED strip I bought. In addition to the two 3-pin connections, there are also additional ground/+ wires that come out of each end of the LED strip.

I am wondering if I have all that I need, and if I don't, what am I missing? Literally any advice here would be abundantly helpful. Thank you guys very much for anything you can provide.

Anthony

2

Through all of my YouTube-ing, I have yet to find a video that shows how to connect the Arduino, power supply and LED strip using the 3-pin wire connections that came standard with the LED strip I bought

Forget 9V batteries they are useless in this situation. They very quickly go flat.

3

Grumpy_Mike:
Basic Connections | Adafruit NeoPixel Überguide | Adafruit Learning System

Forget 9V batteries they are useless in this situation. They very quickly go flat.

Very useful article, thank you for that. I will not touch the 9v batteries.
Here's another noob question - If my Arduino is being powered by my laptop via USB, how do I avoid having to have my laptop remain connected to the LED strip when it comes time to actually display it in my home? Feel like I'm missing something there...

4

Yes look at that diagram again, the 5V power supply that powers the strip is also powering the Arduino. So you don’t need the power from the USB.