BTF-LIGHTING 2 Pack WS2812B ECO RGB Alloy Wires 5050SMD
$28.99
Product Overview
The BTF-LIGHTING 2 Pack WS2812B ECO RGB LED Matrix offers a flexible and powerful lighting solution for creative projects, signage displays, and digital art installations. Each panel features 256 individually addressable LEDs arranged in a 16×16 grid, delivering vibrant full-color visuals with precise control. Designed for use with compatible controllers such as the K-1000C and SP107E, these matrices allow you to program custom animations, text, and video effects across the entire surface. Built on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for easy bending and mounting, the panels are ideal for both indoor decorative lighting and dynamic display applications.
These LED matrices are constructed with durable alloy wires and feature integrated WS2812B chips that enable per-LED control without requiring additional circuitry. With a compact size of 16cm x 16cm and ultra-thin profile, they fit seamlessly into small-scale builds or larger tiled setups. The product ships as a pack of two identical 16×16 panels, making it perfect for dual-display projects or backup units. Note that power supply and controller are sold separately.
Key Features
- Individually Addressable LEDs: Each of the 256 LEDs contains its own WS2812B IC chip, enabling independent color and brightness control from a single data line. This allows for complex animations like flowing water effects, pixel art scrolling, and synchronized patterns across multiple panels.
- Full Color Display: Supports full 24-bit RGB color mixing, allowing smooth transitions between millions of colors. The default color order is Green-Red-Blue (GRB), not standard RGB, so ensure your software is configured accordingly.
- Ultra-Bright & Adjustable: LEDs deliver high luminous output with adjustable brightness levels—ideal for visible signage or ambient lighting. Caution advised: prolonged staring at maximum brightness may cause discomfort.
- Flexible FPCB Design: Mounted on a bendable flexible circuit board (black), the matrix can conform to curved surfaces or be mounted in tight spaces without breaking. This makes it suitable for artistic installations, wearable tech prototypes, or shaped displays.
- Spliceable Configuration: Multiple panels—of the same or different sizes—can be connected in series using 3PIN-JST connectors. When splicing, always apply DC5V power to each individual matrix to prevent wire overheating and ensure stable performance.
- Long Lifespan: Rated for over 50,000 hours of operation under normal conditions, ensuring reliable long-term use with minimal maintenance.
- Easy Programming: Compatible with popular editing software including CorelDraw, Adobe Flash, and LedEdit, giving users flexibility to design custom animations and text displays tailored to their needs.
Technical Specifications
- IC Type: WS2812B (built-in per LED)
- Pixel Count: 16 horizontal × 16 vertical = 256 total pixels
- Panel Dimensions: 16 cm × 16 cm × 0.2 cm
- LED Size: 5 mm × 5 mm per bead
- Color Order: GRB (Green-Red-Blue)
- Gray Scale: 256 levels
- Viewing Angle: 120°
- Input Voltage: DC 5V only (DO NOT USE DC12V or DC24V)
- Power Consumption: 0.1W–0.3W per LED depending on active colors; total ~25W–75W for all 256 LEDs
- Recommended Power Supply: DC5V 10A (50W) or DC5V 20A (100W)
- Operating Temperature: -20°C to +50°C
- Waterproof Rating: IP30 (not waterproof; avoid moisture exposure)
- Board Color: Black FPCB
- Package Contents: 2 pieces of 16×16 LED matrix panels
Benefits & Use Cases
This LED matrix excels in environments where precision lighting and creative expression matter. Its individual addressability enables stunning visual effects such as curtain fades, raindrop simulations, jump flashes, and fluid motion trails—perfect for stage backdrops, holiday decorations, or interactive installations. The ability to chain multiple matrices means you can build large-scale displays, whether rectangular, circular, or freeform shapes.
The compact 16×16 layout is especially useful for beginners and hobbyists working on smaller projects like digital clocks, mood lamps, or educational prototypes. Since no external driver circuits are needed—thanks to the built-in ICs—the setup process is simplified, reducing component count and assembly time. The flexible board also supports unconventional mounting locations, including walls, ceilings, or even fabric-based designs.
Compatibility with common controllers like the K-1000C and SP107E ensures broad usability across DIY electronics platforms. Whether you’re creating animated posters, syncing lights to music, or developing prototype interfaces, this matrix delivers responsive and customizable results.
Important Notes
- Power Limitations: Do not exceed DC5V input voltage. Using higher voltages like 12V or 24V will damage the LEDs.
- White Light Caution: Full white light draws maximum power (~75W total) and generates significant heat. Prolonged use in all-white mode may reduce lifespan and pose safety risks due to hot wiring.
- Splicing Guidelines: When connecting multiple panels, always provide separate 5V power to each matrix to prevent voltage drop and overheating in data or power lines.
- Software Compatibility: Ensure your animation software is set to GRB color order, not RGB, to achieve correct color rendering.
- Accessories Not Included: Power supply and controller must be purchased separately.
- Non-Waterproof: IP30 rating means the product is not sealed against dust or liquids. Avoid installation in damp or outdoor environments unless protected.
12 reviews for BTF-LIGHTING 2 Pack WS2812B ECO RGB Alloy Wires 5050SMD
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Josh F. –
Perfect Balance of Cost and Quality!
I recently got my hands on the BTF-LIGHTING 2 Pack WS2812B ECO RGB Alloy Wire LED Matrix and here’s my take on it:Pros:Economical Yet High Quality: This matrix uses alloy wires instead of gold ones, making it significantly cheaper while retaining quality. Great for beginners and small projects.Individually Addressable LEDs: The 16X16 matrix is impressive. With each LED being individually addressable, I had fun playing around with different patterns, messages, and images.Wide Compatibility: I tested this with my Arduino and Raspberry Pi setups, and it worked seamlessly. Having compatibility with a range of controllers like SP107E and K1000C is a bonus.Flexibility: Being able to chain multiple matrices together and bend them around surfaces makes this product versatile for various projects.Detailed Instructions: The product details clearly state the power consumption for various lighting setups, which is crucial to avoid any potential damage or overheating.Cons:Heat Generation: Lighting up all LEDs in white does generate significant heat, as mentioned. So, future users need to be cautious about using the all-white setting.No Power Supply or Controller: Although the matrix is economically priced, it would have been great if it came with a power supply and controller.Tips for Potential Buyers:Compatibility is Key: Ensure you have a compatible controller like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or SP107E for the best experience.Mind the Power: Always keep an eye on the power consumption, especially if you’re chaining multiple matrices.DIY Projects: This matrix is perfect for indoor decorations, advertising boards, or party settings. Just be sure to use it indoors as it’s IP30 non-waterproof.In conclusion, this LED Matrix from BTF-LIGHTING is an excellent pick for those looking to dabble in LED projects without breaking the bank. The product does have its limitations, but its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable addition to my DIY toolkit.
DFilbert –
Works very well. Very bright – even when powered at 3.3 volts.
Worked as advertised. One comment. There are reviews saying the soldering of the wires on the back is not good / strong; and can break off. Perhaps those are old reviews and the seller has fixed the issue. More likely; it seems many electronic “hobbyists” have an issue / hard time with soldering. I do not get that! Learn to solder people !! At any rate – the connections are on the back so multiple panels can be arranged together to display multiple characters without disruption from wires on the side; and the soldering on my panel is very well done and very secure !!!
Loren M. Williams –
Brilliant and beautiful!// How many leds in your matrix?#define NUM_LEDS 256// Any output pin will do#define DATA_PIN 2void setup() { FastLED.addLeds(leds,NUM_LEDS); FastLED.setBrightness(128); // Because I use lots of white, and full brightness white is not recommended}There are no quality issues. Soldering and connections are fine. Input, output and additional wires for adding power are great. One small oops: The back of the matrix used to have 5V, GND and DIN (Data IN) printed on them (I have bought two matrices so far). The new one does not. No big deal, as long as one understands that the enclosed pigtail is for input. The connector gender prevents hooking it up wrong. However, in the description above, the picture that shows INPUT and OUTPUT is a mirror-image of the actual layout. Ignore that picture (until they fix their mistake). God willing, I will pull the rest of my project together, and when I do, this matrix will be my lighting system for thousands of units sold. It is that good! I highly recommend this and every BTF-LIGHTING product I’ve ever bought.
I agree with every positive point of previous reviews. This 16-squared matrix is really wonderful! I drive it with an Arduino NANO with FastLED. This setup works great (note the order is GRB):#include
Irvin –
sparklies!
I’m so addicted to these things lol pretty lights everywhere! lol they work good too 🙂
J. B. –
Inexpensive, brilliant and works with Raspberry PI even though it “shouldn’t”
This was fairly inexpensive and quite easy to get working, also I was able to very quickly get it working with a raspberry pi as the matrix’s DIN line doesn’t actually require the full 5V that the rest of the matrix needs, the output of the RPI (pin 18 if you’re using the defaults for the python rpi-ws281x-matrix-python sample code that in turn uses the rpi-ws281x module) is sufficient at a lowly 3.3 volts even though I’m using it a little out of spec. This worked without a level shifter or a transistor for me. Note that I did need to change the case of one import and remove the x on some xranges to get everything working nicely in python3. Don’t forget to connect your external power supply ground to the RPI ground too.
Gomer –
no surprises … these work as advertised
I have six of these panels now and all perform exactly as advertised… I’ve connected them to my BeagleBone Black PRU mcu’s and have learned much from them… If you use an off the shelf controller, I’m sure that you’ll have no problems… If you roll your own driver, then take care to keep the data line short, or shield it somehow… early on I tried long data line which I suspect acted like an antenna for interference. Also, I’ve discovered that the 5v connections on each panel can be ignored if the 5v source on the first panel of the cluster has enough current…. this has simplified the wiring of my growing (6 panel) grid. Good luck.
Danny Puchalski –
VERY BRIGHT!
Built an iflag system for sim racing and even though a smoked lens they’re blinding. Thank goodness I use a program that allows dimming! I think if I even build another I would use a non flexible board. Not the RGB’s fault as it says “flexible” just a lesson I learned in my application.Well built and VERY bright.
Alfonso suarez bernal –
Trabajaron como se describe en la publicacion se siente de buena construccion y de facil conexion
Alejandro –
Excelente matriz de LED configurables, son muy brillantes y flexibles, el producto llego rápido y bien empaquetado.
Aram Azhari –
I used FastLED library with arduino with the FastLED.addLeds(leds, NUM_MATRIX_LEDS); setting. Note that the wires of these matrices are place in a snake like format. That means, the first line is from right-to-left, the second line is left-to-right and so on. That means you’d have to do a bit of calculation if you say, wanted to access leds in a X / Y format.It only uses one wire to communicate from the Arduino board.It’s also very bright! But be cautious as you may cause ESP32 etc to reboot due to power loss if you turn on too many of them. For that you can use an external source of the same voltage and make sure to connect the grounds.There is a bit of an issue with the colors. I am unable to set anything below 63 (out of 255) as it just turns the LED off. So the color palette isn’t that great. The brightness however, can be easily controlled.Fun fact: These can be stacked! simply connect the data cable to the next led matrix and increase the index of the led you’re setting when using FastLED (or any other library). That’s because there is super tiny chip (Image attached) on each LED that simply increases the counter onto the next one.
onibahamut –
Es justo lo que buscaba. Lo envÃan encaja y bien embalado. Cuando termine mi proyecto seguramente compre más.
A. Chao –
How I used it:- with an ESP8266- external 5V (usb bank) supplying Vin, which supplies power to ESP and this board- level shifter to supply signal to this board- using Adafruit NeoMatrix library v1.3.0- Arduino IDE 1.8.19 on WindowsThings I like:- matrix leds are nice and bright, even at half brightness- works with NeoMatrix libraryThings I didn’t like:- No documentation included- Extra presoldered connectors for 5V and Gnd, and for outbound connection are hard to desolder. I ended up snipping them off.Finally, here is the deal breaker:This board is EXTREMELY finicky about supply voltage > 5V. If your supply is exactly 5V or under, it works just fine. If your supply is even 5.10V, you might experience odd colours (not the ones you asked for) showing up on the matrix randomly. I found out about this the hard way. I was basically done with my project, then plugged it into an Anker USB power bank, and it was giving all sorts of weird colours. I plug it into a different power bank or computer, it works fine. Then I discovered the Anker power bank at full charge is outputting 5.15V. Since I cannot control exactly what power bank is connected to this project, I had to end up searching for a different matrix led panel entirely.