Christmas RGB lighting control Hardware.

Using Arduino Project Guidance
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I am setting up my first Christmas Light Display!!!

I have 1000 RGB LEDS controlled with WS2811 (in route).

My question is..

Would my Arduino Uno be able to control all 1000 RGB LEDs with out issue? or what would be the best approach?

Would a Pi 3 be a better choice since there is more SRAM to use?

currently for my testing I have been using the FastLED and NeoPixel Libraries on a single 50 RGB LED strip and it seems to work great!.

My current hardware consist of the Arduino Uno and a 12 volt 30AMP power supply (For the LEDS).

I am open to any suggestions. Different micro-controllers DMX ect.

My end goal would eventually be to be able to control the "Show/Program" from my phone. For now I am settling with a button, that basically updates the state machine to what ever show I want it to run.

Thanks!!!

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1000 LEDs req. 3kBytes.
Uno go 2k => no go
Mega or better can.

is it OK that all (or several groups) run the same pattern? Then it may just squeez in

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How will you be wiring the strings to the 12v power supply?

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knut_ny:
1000 LEDs req. 3kBytes.
Uno go 2k => no go
Mega or better can.

is it OK that all (or several groups) run the same pattern? Then it may just squeez in

All Lights for now will be running that same pattern.. (ie 8 red led chasing through green, or candy cane scrolling)

larryd:
How will you be wiring the strings to the 12v power supply?
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Power will be provided by a shared power wire through the entire chain. If you take a look at this picture you can see how they are wired.

1000×1000 83.9 KB

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@knut_ny

knut_ny:
1000 LEDs req. 3kBytes.
Uno go 2k => no go
Mega or better can.

is it OK that all (or several groups) run the same pattern? Then it may just squeez in

Would the "ARDUINO DUE" be the best way to go? Is that compatible with everything i have already done?

for the GPIO on this one will it output the data @ 5v? or will it be 3.3v?

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1000×1000 83.9 KB

If all the LEDs are on with 60mA per pixel, .06 X 1000 = 60 amps.

So you will be having 60 amps flowing through the red and blue wires (which look like #24AWG)? ???

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I agree with knut_ny: For a simple repeating pattern, you may get away with fooling an Uno/Nano/Pro Mini that there are only 500 LEDs. The second half of the strip will reflect the first half, but one frame behind. That may be hardly noticeable.

But as larryd points out, powering all these LEDs well and safely is the more difficult problem.

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larryd:
If all the LEDs are on with 60mA per pixel, .06 X 1000 = 60 amps.

So you will be having 60 amps flowing through the red and blue wires (which look like #24AWG)? ???

.

That should not be a problem. I can run them off two separate power supplies. split it into two 500 strand sets. (Note: the wire is 18 Gauge)

So the only thing that would be shared between the strands would be the Data Wire.

Also would the "ARDUINO DUE" be the best way to go? Is that compatible with everything i have already done?

for the GPIO on this one will it output the data @ 5v? or will it be 3.3v?

Or should i just stick with getting the "MEGA 2560 R3" only a $5 difference.

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Suggest you 'not' run more than 10 amps on 18AWG.
power multiple sections with separate feeder cables to get 60 amps.

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larryd:
Suggest you 'not' run more than 10 amps on 18AWG.
power multiple sections with separate feeder cables to get 60 amps.

Not a problem. I will do separate power runs for every 2 strands. that should not be to much of a problem. Or I will just run Power Bus pair for each power supply. Split 500 lights per Power supply with 10AWG wire. Then pull power from the bus.

Will I run into any issue with the data wire?

and for the arduino...
ARDUINO DUE or MEGA 2560 R3?

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Data IN goes to a chip, then the signal gets regenerated which outputs to Data OUT, which goes to the next Data IN.
Therefore, no problems with the data line.

BTW
Check the tutorial at Adafruit for more information.

A bit different than yours but 470Ω should apply.

800×469 135 KB

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larryd:
Data IN goes to a chip, then the signal gets regenerated which outputs to Data OUT, which goes to the next Data IN.
Therefore, no problems with the data line.

BTW
Check the tutorial at Adafruit for more information.

A bit different than yours but should apply.

Thank you for all the info! you have been a huge help. I am ordering the better board..

What would you recommend for this.

ARDUINO DUE or MEGA 2560 R3?

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I do not know anything about Due, but I have a Mega so suggest it.

@crossroads sells a 1284 board, which I have many, it has 16K ram, so I would use one of these.

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1284 board, you need an FTDI cable with it.

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mega vs due: D_in voltage: min 0.7Ucc (3.5V)
If you run the strip @ 5V then u'll need 3.5V for D_in

The DUE offers 3.3V ; out of spec, but will probably work

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