Neopixel with Esp-01? (APA106)

Other Hardware LEDs and Multiplexing
1

Hello everybody,
I have a problem that neither my Esp-12 nor my esp-01 works with my APA106 LEDs.

They work perfectly with my arduino nano, but I need a web server and don't want to hang an arduino on it, because the esp should be strong enough to drive these leds on its own.

  • I have already tested whether it is because the gpio pin of the Esp's run with just 3.3v volts instead of 5v, but I did not find any indication of this, because when I run the arduino nano (as well as the leds) with only 3.3v, the leds worked still perfectly, (in the datasheet is also: logic HIGH from VSS * 0.7) however, constantly flickers with the esp.

  • The most interesting thing is that ws2811 Leds I have no problem driving them with my esp boards, only the APA106 wont work withe mein esp, although I entered APA106 as the led type in the fastled example code.

  • I have already tried to enter other Led types in the example fastled code, but that only made it worse.

-Have a stabile Powersupply and even tried an external powersupply for the esp just with common ground connected.

So I don't know what else I can do. A friend said a logic converter that convert the 3.3v to 5v would help, but I doubt it, since the apa106 can work with 3.3v as the test with the arduino nano showed. In addition, the APA106 just flickers every 3-4 seconds, which for me indicates a timing error (i.e. software error), but i dont know how to fix something from libarys...

Hope I get some suggestions and a little help.

  • Lynes

2

There are two problems in general with the ESPs and single-pin "addressable" LEDs.

One is the logic voltage, 3.3 V nominal as you say. You need a logic converter, which is not one of the "bidirectional" converters designed for use with I2C. A 74HCT14 or 74HC04 is most convenient and suitable, using two gates cascaded to invert twice. The other gates in the package may find other uses or should have their inputs fixed to one or other supply rail.

It would not be at all surprising that the thresholds for the APA106 are different to the WS2812s. Note also that The ESP and the Arduino, both operating at 3.3 V, have different output drive characteristics so this is not any proof that the voltage level is not the problem.

The other thing is that you may need to arrange to suppress the WiFi activities for the period it takes to sent the data stream to the LEDs.

3

make a circuit diagram and show a real picture. Upload to the forum.
PS my APA106 are working fine on a NodeMCU/12e

4

So I've tried many different setups, but these are the most promising ones:
( i mean its still not working, but in this configuration the example code is
a little recognizable at least)

esp 12 doesn't like my apa106 - Imgur

and sry, I did not find an esp 12 (nodemcu) model in the fritzing design software, hence the picture of a wemo (for the esp 12 I used the data pin 5)

Also as requested, here ist a little demo video of my test setup an a little bit more infomations about everything.

Thank you all for your help

5

What code are you using and what is the length of wire between the leds and microcontroller. Can you take a picture of your setup?

6

I already record a whole video to show my setup, click the link in my last reply, there i posted a circuit diagram, a video showing the stup and a little bit more explaination. as code i use the "fastled" colorpalette example code, which works fine with my ws2811