I am putting together a weather clock that will utilize the Internet for time as well as weather data. Aside from a TM1637 for the time display, I’m using 2 (possibly 3) 8-LED WS2812B arrays, 1 (maybe 2) 10 segment LED bar displays, and an OLED.
I am considering an ESP-8266 with shift registers for all the lights. I am also considering a Mega with an ESP-01 or similar for network connectivity, without using shift registers.
Is there a typical preference between these two approaches? Or another option I haven’t considered? I have experience with the 8266 but not with using the serial interface to another device. I’ve also never used shift registers. So both options offer some beginner challenges, and at this point I am open to either. I’m just wondering if there is a technical reason that favors one approach, or if this just comes down to engineer’s preference.
Just use the nodeMCU, but for the ws2812b's use Makuna NeopixelBus to drive using the (default for esp8266) DMA mode if you want to have a stable wifi-connection.
Shift registers are easy to use, but with addressable leds, you don't need extra pins, so what do you want to use the shift registers for ? ah the led bars i guess, yes, with 2 pins you can control the lot of them
it is cumbersome. Using the ESP8266 AT-commands is cumbersome and writing your own sketch just to interface with another MCU is as well. The nodeMCU will suffice. The TM1637 has it's own bitshifters, it does depend a bit on how many pins the OLED will need.
The WeMOS D1 Mini is cheaper, smaller and generally more practical than the NodeMCU.
Use a 74HCT14 for level shifting to reliably drive WS2812s from the 3.3 V logic.
Once you go to two 10-segment LED bars, consider using a MAX7219. As it can drive up to 64 LEDs, plenty of room for expansion.
Best to buy a couple of the matrix modules unassembled and wire your own LEDs as a matrix instead of installing the square ones in the kit; it's cheap enough anyway.
