I received my 8X8 RGB123 LED Matrix

I helped fund a kickstarter project a few months back and I just received my 8×8 RGB123 LED Matrix reward for my pledge:RGB123 LED MatrixIt is a 64 (8X8) RGB123 Led matrix based on the latest WS2812B LEDs with two XT60 high current M/F connectors, two 3 pin headers, and a servo wire. For a $30 dollar pledge I am super happy with it and the overall Kickstarter experience.

 

Here is a little demo of the RGB123 LED Matrix

I have experience with the WS2801 chip from my IALED Pants project and it amazes me that only a few years later the led has the addressing ic embedded right in to it. The main differences for me for using the WS2812 over WS2801 is the WS2812 only needs one data line and can work at 8 or 16 megahertz. The WS2812 does not use the SPI protocol like the ws2801 therefore it does not need a clock line.

20140106-153607.jpg

WS2812 LED modules run at 800khz, not the typical 400khz protocol available on ws2811 modules. This equates to twice the speed, allowing programs to communicate with WS2812 much faster. WS2811 and WS2812 require each color to be pre computed. The program can’t compute the 1st, color send it and then move to the next color. Instead, each color needs to be computed, buffered and send when all colors are computed. This can lead to a limitation depending on the controller being used. Depending on the library being used, each led typically takes up 4 bytes of EEPROM.

 

Board EEPROM Bytes Number of LEDs
Teensy 2.0 1024 256
Teensy++ 2.0 4096 1024
Teensy 3.0 2048 512
Teensy 3.1 2048 512
Digispark 512 10
DigiX 4096 1024
Teensy 2.0 1024 256
Teensy ++ 2.0 4096 1024
Teensy 3.0 2048 512
Teensy 3.1 2048 512
Uno 1024 256
Due 524 131
Leonardo 1024 256
Mega 2560 4096 1024
Mega ADK 4096 1024
Micro 1024 256
Mini 1024 256
Nano ATmega168 524 131
Nano ATmega328 1024 256
Ethernet 1024 256
Esplora 1024 256
ArduinoBT 1024 256
Fio 1024 256
Pro ATmega168 524 131
Pro ATmega328 1024 256
Pro Mini 524 131
LilyPad 524 131
LilyPad USB 1024 256

This isn’t as big of a limitation as one would think because you always have the ability to run multiple strips in parallel. The limit of strips is limited by the number of available pins. I recommend using ws2812 or ws2811 for all projects going forward unless you plan to use the SPI port. For instance if you wish to use a Raspberry Pi as a controller I recommend using WS2801 LEDs.

Over all I am very happy with the quality of the RGB123 LED Matrix and I hope to order a few more in the coming months. I really want to order on 16×16 matrix.

VDMX and Ableton Live Visuals Demo

I wanted to give you guys a little demo of what I am working on for my live performances using VDMX and Ableton live. In the 1st part of this video I show a few examples of presets I configured in VDMX. Later on I explain a little more in depth. If there is an interest I can make a step by step tutorial. Subscribe, share, Like and/or post a comment if you like what you see.

Examples of What I Produce with VDMX and Ableton:

vdmx and ableton
vdmx and ableton
vdmx and ableton
vdmx and ableton

Playing Around With Modul8

The idea behind this is to use non-traditional shapes as a screen for a unique visual performance. Using Modul8 I was able to map out each side of the cube and the long rectangle as it’s own screen.

Modul8

has been very easy to learn and there are plenty of tutorials all over YouTube and the internet in general. I plan to eventually synch Ableton and Modul8 together to allow me to trigger audio clips and have specific visuals designed for the specific clip play as well.

modul8

IALEDPants v0.2b WS2801 Speed Test

Here is the 2nd demo of my new WS2801 individually addressable RGB LED pants. The pants are lined with WS2801 RGB LED strips. The strips are controlled by an Arduino nano and powered by 4 AA batteries. I wanted to create this video quick before I add some additional features. I plan to add a microphone to code them to be noise active as well as add a pot to control the intensity of the LEDs.

WS2801

ws2801

IALEDPants v0.1b ws2801 Color Test

Here is the color demo of my new ws2801 individually addressable RGB LED pants. The pants are lined with WS2801 RGB LED strips. The strips are controlled by an Arduino and powered by 4 AA batteries. I wanted to create this video quick before I add some additional features. I plan to add a microphone to code them to be noise active as well as add a pot to control the intensity of the LEDs. Check out the website http://R1B4Z01D.com and subscribe to check out my other projects and any update to this.

My Arduino Code:

https://gist.github.com/r1b4z01d/4757278

WS2801 LED Strips:

ws2801

IALEDPants v0.1b: WS2801 + Arduino

Here is the demo of my new WS2801 individually addressable RGB LED pants. The pants are lined with WS2801 RGB LED strips. The strips are controlled by an Arduino and powered by 4 AA batteries. I wanted to create this video quick before I add some additional features. I plan to add a microphone to code them to be noise active as well as add a pot to control the intensity of the LEDs.

WS2801

ws2801

iPad In dash Dock Prototype Test Video

Here is the prototype demo of the iPad in dash dock for my Toyota Tacoma. I am using a TomTom Bluetooth GPS receiver along with the Navigon app to provide the navigation. DashCommand is the ODB-II app the connects to a bluetooth ODB-II Transceiver plugged in to the Tacoma. The Music visualization app is called Rabbit Hole by Feldspar, I really enjoy the app but because it uses the internal mic it cases the audio to skip for a few milliseconds when open and closing the app. Once it gets a little bit nicer out I plan to redesign the dock. I want to permanently mount the iPad and create a channel for the front facing camera. check back soon to see more progress on my iPad In Dash Dock.

iPad In Dash Dock:

ipad in dash