Funkboxing FastSPI2 Library Problem

Projects Programming
1

I have this code (FastSPI2 LED Effects v0.4 w/ Python Control GUI » funkboxing) running using the following:

• Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip 144 (Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip 144 LED - 1m Black [BLACK] : ID 1506 : $59.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits)
• Arduino Uno Rev 3
• 2 of XBee 1mW Trace Antenna - Series 1 (XBee 1mW Trace Antenna - Series 1 (802.15.4) - WRL-11215 - SparkFun Electronics)
• XBee Shield (SparkFun XBee Shield - WRL-12847 - SparkFun Electronics)
• Xbee Explorer Dongle (SparkFun XBee Explorer Dongle - WRL-11697 - SparkFun Electronics)

I am running into a problem when I set the brightness to anything higher than around 50. Below 50 the LEDS light up fine, but anything above that mark the LEDs start to behave erratically. Instead of staying a solid pattern or color, the LEDS near the opposite side of where the Arduino and power are begin to flash bright random colors. However when less than half of the LEDs are lit everything runs fine. Is this a problem with power distribution (should I input power from both ends of the strip) or is this a software error? This only happens with this sketch and when using other sketches like the one from Adafruit work fine. Another thing to note is this sketch for some odd reason wont upload wirelessly over the XBee’s but Adafruits sketch will.

2

I haven't looked at the spec of the parts you using or how you're powering it, but my first thought from your description is that the power supply is not sufficient to power the LEDs and it is causing a brown-out on the supply to the Arduino. Depending how it's powered, that might be off the mark. How is it all connected and powered?

3

The LEDs are being powered by a 5v 10A Switching Power Supply (5V 10A switching power supply : ID 658 : $29.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits), and the Arduino is being powered by a 9v 700mA power supply. The Data/Signal wire and Negative wire are connected to the Arduino from the LED Strip, and the 5v 10A goes to the LEDs positive and negative (different negative than ones connected to) wires.