MicroPython WS2812 driver

MicroPython driver for WS2812, WS2812B, and compatible RGB LEDs. These are popular RGB LEDs used for example in AdaFruit NeoPixels rings, strips, boards, etc.

Driver has been tested with up to 240 LEDs (4m of NeoPixels stripe) but it should work with much more LEDs.

Installation

Copy ws2812.py file to your pyboard.

Usage

from ws2812 import WS2812
chain = WS2812(spi_bus=1, led_count=4)
data = [
    (255, 0, 0),    # red
    (0, 255, 0),    # green
    (0, 0, 255),    # blue
    (85, 85, 85),   # white
]
chain.show(data)

There are files example_simple.py and example_advanced.py prepared for NeoPixels ring (or similar) with 16 RGB LEDs. If you have it connected to SPI bus 1 then just copy example_simple.py or example_advanced.py as main.py to your pyboard and reset your pyboard.

Video of example_advanced.py in action: http://youtu.be/ADYxiG40UJ0

example_240_leds.py are some animations for 4 meters of NeoPixels strip with 240 RGB LEDs. In action video: http://youtu.be/vb5l3h1-TqA

Wiring

WS2812 driver is using SPI bus. Connect your LED's input wire to the SPI bus 1 MOSI (pin X8 on pyboard) or SPI bus 2 MOSI (pin Y8 on pyboard). Connect LED's power and ground wires to VIN and GND on pyboard. The same applies for LED rings, stripes, etc. (they have always one input wire).

USB may be insufficient for powering lots of RGB LEDs. You may need to use additional power source.

More info & Help

You can check more about the MicroPython project here: http://micropython.org

Discussion about this driver: http://forum.micropython.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=394

Changelog

• 1.3 - Allow updating only part of the buffer; re-add send_buf
• 1.2 - Disable IRQ feature removed. (It's not neccesary in newer versions of MicroPython.)
• 1.1 - Speed optimisations.
• 1.0 - First release.