This is my first post. I don't really expect a solution, but maybe I'm not the only one that has had this problem. I created a sketch heavily based on sample code to play around with my LED strip. When I was not working on it, I would just switch on my power supply and let it run for a while. Then suddenly I noticed it was frozen. Long story short, I couldn't even load a script on my Nano anymore to investigate. So I took another one (I have a few :)). It started as before, but I noticed the LEDs would not go completely. And then this one died too. I noticed that even without any LED on, it would draw .8A and when I tried to find out where all that power went, I burned my fingers on the processor chip. Well, that explains I couldn't upload a sketch.
I searched the forum I found that you should put a resistor in the data line. I did that with a new Nano and a new sketch. One that would only set each of the LEDs from 255 to 0 and the do the same for all LEDs at once. Each of the four worked, but the LEDs would not really go out. And I'm 100% sure they did before.
Suffice to say I don't dare to use this strip before I know what's wrong. Anyone has had similar problems
I've attached a photo of my setup. Two remarks on that. First I had 5V connected to the 5V-pin instead of Vin. According to the documentation, this should not be a problem. Second. I don't use a capacitor in the power line. But since I use a professional lab power supply, this shouldn't be needed.
I hope to get some replies before I return my strip to the supplier.
And then this one died too. I noticed that even without any LED on, it would draw .8A and when I tried to find out where all that power went, I burned my fingers on the processor chip.
That suggests you have wired thee power up the wrong way round or powering it with too high a voltage,
Also you should be powering the LEDs from 5V not the Vin.
You need to set your power supply to 5V and feed that into the LED strip.
I can’t see from your photo because it is low resolution but have you made the solder link next to the USB socket.
As a guess I would say your power supply is giving out too high a voltage and that is feeding back into the data pin and frying your Arduino.
But since I use a professional lab power supply, this shouldn’t be needed.
Wrong you always need a capacitor close to the strip.
Why is your photograph different from your words?
I agree with Grumpy_MIke and it must be something with the power. But the voltage was 100% sure under 5v (4.6v to be exact) and I do not power the LEDs from the Vin. They are powered from the crocodile clamps. The Nano is powered from the LED strip, not vice versa. And I used the 5V pin to do that first. According to the documentation, this should work, but the Vin has a power regulator behind it, so that is the better option.
I did not put any soldering fluid next to the USB port, but maybe it looks like that because it's a cheap clone .
I will add a capacitor. I really thought that wouldn't be necessary when using a decent power supply.
But I learned a lot already. One of the things is to use Fritzing (strange, the resolution problem, for me the photo looks good. But, I agree, the Fritzing image looks much better).
I couldn't find a good looking power supply image yet, but power comes from the bottom "connector". The USB port is only used for programming. And yes, I will add the capacitor in my Fritzing design tomorow.
Bad idea. These can easily slip off and interrupt the supply while it is powered up. Not a good thing as that sort of thing can kill the strip or Arduino.
Never wire anything up while the power is applied. otherwise things break.
I'm not sure I understand. I understand that shaky power supply can cause inductive peaks, but that can always happen. I noticed it even happens in breadboard jumper cables. But, I've changed it anyway. Will have to wait with a proper test though. The LED strip seems dead . It still gives a nice ambient light though. I try and cut it to see if maybe some part survived. But I think I'll have to wait until I get a new one. Thanks so far. At least I've learned a few things out of this.
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. It still gives a nice ambient light though. I try and cut it to see if maybe some part survived. But I think I'll have to wait until I get a new one. Thanks so far. At least I've learned a few things out of this.
