This instructable is to show you how to set up the neopixel hardware and install basic example codes.

From there you can use this information to build any number of of neopixel projects from small nightlights, or huge installation pieces.

Neopixels come in many different ways

Strips
matrix
rings
strings
ect.

For this example we will be using the strip style. However they all connect to the Arduino the same way, with the +/- 5v and signal wire

Supplies

You will need

computer with internet
Arduino
usb cord
neopixels
330 ohm resistor
soldering station
1000 uf capacitor (maybe)
5v power supply (maybe)

Step 1: Software

If you don't have the Arduino IDE installed on your computer, check out this video on how to download and install the software.

Now you need the FastLED library.

Check out this video and link to get that all that installed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw9Vc2t4uGw

https://github.com/FastLED/FastLED

This is the link to the FastLED library in GitHub.

download and extract into your root library folder.

Step 2: Hardware: Overview and Set Up

Neopixels are controlled thru a signal line, in addition to the positive and negative power lines. the leds are arranged in a daisy chain, with a data in and a data out, pad. so the led strip is directional, and clearly marked, so be sure to confirm before soldering anything. the data from the Arduino is sent thru the daisy chain making each one, individually addressable. unlike traditional rgb led strips.

Any PWM pin can be used to send signal to the neopixels. However, i always use pin 6 because it is the pin that's used most often in shields and other add ons. so i just use it by default now. is just one less thing to check after its saved in the code.

A word on power

amperage really... each Neopixel pulls 60 mA at full brightness on white. each neopixel contains a red blue and green led, each pulling 20 mA at full brightness. so if you are running straight red at full brightness. each neopixel is pulling 20 mA. if you are running purple, using the red and blue led, at full brightness. each neopixel will be pulling 40 mA. the color white uses all 3 leds... thus pulling 60 mA at full brightness.

BUT WAIT THERES MORE!!!

now that we know the individual draw, we can roughly calculate the total draw for the entire strip.

the math can get complicated depending on the code. a strip of 100 neopixels can be powered off 500 mA if only 10 neopixels are on at any given time. or a strip of 10 can dim out at the same amperage if all go full brightness white at the same time.

it will make more sense the more you work with them, but with neopixels being reprogrammable. i like to plan for the max amperage draw for the full strip. so i don't have to upgrade wiring later.

Setting up the hardware

***MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE CHECK THE WIRING ARANGEMENT ON YOUR NEOPIXEL STRIP. THEY ARE NOT STANDARD***

solder wires to the pads on the strip.

check this video for tips on soldering... (i didnt pick the thumbnail)

solder on the strip

red for 5v

black for ground

and green for data with in line 330ohm resistor.

Connect the 5v to 5v, ground to ground, and data to pin 6. as shown in the picture.

When using external power, use the capacitor to condition the flow and prevent power spikes.

Step 3: Uploading the Code

With the Arduino IDE and FastLED library already installed, open any of the provided codes.

In the beginning of the code you will see a few things listed as #definde
locate #define NUM_LED and update the number directly after it with how many Neopixels you have in your project.
in the same area you will find #define DATA_PIN
verify that the the number directly after that is 6. for digital pin 6 on the Arduino, that you have your neopixels wired to
under the "tools" drop down menu. make sure the proper board is selected.
then verify that the port is properly selected.
at this point you are good to go. JUST CLICK UPLOAD!