Comments on: BTF-LIGHTING 2 Pack WS2812B ECO RGB Alloy Wires 5050SMD Individual Addressable 16X16 256 Pixel LED Matrix Flexible FPCB Full Color Works with K-1000C,SP107E Controllers Image Video Text Display DC5V

By: A. Chao

A. Chao — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:36 +0000

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.

By: onibahamut

onibahamut — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:36 +0000

Es justo lo que buscaba. Lo envÃan encaja y bien embalado. Cuando termine mi proyecto seguramente compre mÃ¡s.

By: Josh F.

Josh F. — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:35 +0000

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.

By: DFilbert

DFilbert — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:35 +0000

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 !!!

By: Loren M. Williams

Loren M. Williams — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:35 +0000

Brilliant and beautiful!
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 // 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.

By: Irvin

Irvin — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:35 +0000

sparklies!
I’m so addicted to these things lol pretty lights everywhere! lol they work good too 🙂

By: J. B.

J. B. — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:35 +0000

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.

By: Gomer

Gomer — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:35 +0000

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.

By: Danny Puchalski

Danny Puchalski — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:35 +0000

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.

By: Alfonso suarez bernal

Alfonso suarez bernal — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 01:27:35 +0000

Trabajaron como se describe en la publicacion se siente de buena construccion y de facil conexion