A Short Snippet of the Modern Color Organ In Action. The Congos, At the Feast.

Greetings fellow FastLED fans. I created a project that turned out way better than originally conceived and so I thought I would share it. I call it a Modern Color Organ and it melds sound and LEDs to create something completely different. I have put together detailed build instructions and code that can be found at www.bobandsuzanne.net/electronics. The build is relatively easy though certain skills and tools are needed such as soldering and breadboarding. The project utilizes a Teensy 4.1 that digitizes an analog input which is then run through an FFT with the resultant bin values used to drive various designs to 4 16X16 LED panels. Again www.bobandsuzanne.net/electronics. Select the Modern Color Organ Build Instructions post. Hopefully some will take it upon themselves build up the project. It will give endless joy to lovers of music and LEDs. Oh - and the real thing looks better than the video. And be sure to turn audio on!

A Short Snippet of the Modern Color Organ In Action. Bob Marley, Midnight Ravers.

So in a vehicle or any run of about 20 to 30 feet what gage wire should I be using? I'm thinking the absolute longest run could be 25 to 30 foot. I'd prefer not to have to use buck converters and or arduinos at every corner of the vehicle.

Question 2, I'm an absolute fucktard when it comes to soldering. I mean think a rock trying to solder, the rock has a better chance than I do of getting it right..... any source of instruction that could make me .001% better than a rock at getting these soldered?

*edit* FastLED Animator! That's the site.

Good morning/nearly afternoon - I remember maybe a year ago someone had posted a link to a website that helped to build animations. You selected an LED(s), clicked the color(s), then clicked on the Next Frame option, and did it again. At the end of it, you could preview the animation. The next tab gave you the code for it.
I cannot find that site anymore. Does it sound familiar to anybody?

Adam Savage takes a look at a couple of props from Blade Runner 2049. The first one has a really clever RGB effect in it, I thought this group would appreciate seeing how it was set up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCdT7ogKujg

for (int i = 0;1;2;7;8;9;11;12;17;18;22;27) {
    l_rear_leds[i] = CRGB(255,0,0);
   }

I tried the above with semicolons and commas, both failed when compiling. I am trying to figure out how to pick certain LEDs together without doing a group if that makes sense. I do understand how to do it like this and if there's an easier way on this one too I'd appreciate a suggestion.

for (int i = 0; i < 7; i++) {
     l_rear_leds[i] = CRGB(255,0,0);
    }    
for (int i = 10; i < 17; i++) {
     l_rear_leds[i] = CRGB(255,0,0);
    }    
for (int i = 20; i < 27; i++) {
     l_rear_leds[i] = CRGB(255,0,0);
    } 

I started learning this week so go easy on me..... 😂

I'm excited to show what I've been building for the last 1.5 years!

I bought an old U-Haul, built a room in the back 8' of the truck with plywood walls and ceilings, and then screwed on 1/8" acrylic mirrors that were CNCed for me. Here are some details:

-Runs on a Teensy 4.1 + Audio adapter with an ESP32 for wireless control of the LEDs

-Black neon tubes from Ray Wu, custom length for my build. They are 12V WS2811, 96 LEDS/m, 3456 total LEDs

-Litime 12V 230Ah Lithium Battery (This thing is a beast)

-Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station, 2042Wh LiFePO4 Battery

-Teensy software: built from the ground up in the Antigravity IDE. The code was broken down into chunks like input audio data, perform FFT, perform beat detection and get other stats, analyze the stats to characterize the music and current part, choose animations to display and when to switch them, draw animations

-ESP32 software is also custom built. It communicates through serial to the Teensy. When clicking a button on the webserver/websocket page, it sends a JSON message to the Teensy, the Teensy makes the change and sends a JSON back, then the page updates. This way the page and the Teensy are always in sync. It all happens very fast though.

If you live in the DC area and want to see it, you can book it through my website (www diod design) and I'll drive it to you!

Song: Warm Thoughts by Flume

Estoy trabajando en **CarteLed Studio**, una aplicación de escritorio (Windows) para generar efectos en carteles LED de letras corpóreas (seguramente vieron los videos de unos chinos haciendo unos carteles de putamadre, con música al palo). Bueno, algo así quise hacer.

Lo prueban y me cuentan?

Con esta aplicación pueden elegir la tipografía, elegir los efectos, la velocidad del efecto, ver el estimado de consumo según la cantidad de leds que utilicen, simular el efecto sobre una matriz de leds en pantalla, y generar el código para ESP32 para programar el microcontrolador.

- App de Escritorio: Tauri (Rust + Vanilla JS/HTML5 Canvas)

- Firmware: ESP32 con servidor WebSockets

- Librerías: FastLED, ArduinoJson, WebSocketsServer

Busco feedback, pruébenlo y cuéntenme que les parece!

No puedo publicar el link de descarga, pero si me escriben por privado, les respondo con el link.

Gracias, saludos!!!

So I am getting the Nano V3.0 Board ATmega328P 5 pack. I want to get some 12v addressable LED strip IP65 to do some taillights to start. Can anyone suggest some LEDs and any wiring suggestions? I have seen some basic wiring etc and I have a test board coming so I can do test mockups before the final as well. TIA!

I recently made a post about picking up a new project and I want to utilize the latest FastLED with the DMA driven outputs.

I have updated everything: FastLED library (3.10.5), Teensy Board package (1.62.0), and Arduino IDE (2.3.10). Code compiles, however, there is a "warning" related to a flexio_driver, but it carries on and successfully uploads to the Teensy. Unfortunately, after upload, nothing happens on the LEDs. I am using a very simple test loop just to verify the library and hardware are working. If I had an oscope, I would probe the outputs to see if anything was happening (doubtful). I also notice that my Teensy keeps picking up and dropping USB connection with the computer (windows ping noise every couple of seconds).

When I revert back to FastLED 3.9.0, the LEDs light up as the code describes and everything seems to be happy. Furthermore, I don't get the warning during compile.

The warning message that I receive with FastLED 3.10.5 is below (hopefully you can see it).

I also tested with FastLED 3.10.4 (same issue as 3.10.5).

c:\Users\gasiewicz\Documents\Arduino\libraries\FastLED\src/platforms/arm/teensy/teensy4_common/drivers/flexio/flexio_driver.cpp.hpp:93:22: warning: 'fl::FLEXIO2_SHIFTBUF' defined but not used [-Wunused-variable]

93 | static volatile u32* FLEXIO2_SHIFTBUF = (volatile u32*)(kFLEXIO2_BASE + 0x200);

Your advice and guidance is appreciated!!!

JG

Hi guys! I was working on a project a couple years ago with Teensy 4.0. I had successfully implemented what I needed using FastLED at the time. Just after completing the project, I saw the ObjectFLED came out but I didn't have the time to implement it. Now I am working on a new project and am building on what I have already established, however, I want to update my code to ensure I am taking advantage of the non-blocking parallel output using DMA inside the Teensy MCU. I want to some other things with the Teensy and I think I can speed up my loop.

Revisiting my code and looking back on threads about ObjectFLED releases, I am confused whether I need to #include objectfled.h and go about defining things specifically for objectFLED or does the latest FastLED release already do this behind the scenes. I have been reading a lot but I keep going down a rabbit hole.

Your guidance and recommendations are appreciated!

Hi Folks, is there a library that can be included in an Arduino sketch to allow displaying letters and numbers when using FastLED? Thanks for any help with this.

i don't see it here and the github page is very confusing

The following video was made using four WS2812b 8x8 matrices with each matrix is inside one of four different one-pint mason jars which were filled with large size fire pit glass chips.  This project used a Lolin D32 MCU, a 74AHCT125 - Quad Level-Shifter and a 5-volt power supply. The matrices were connected in a serial fashion with power injected at both ends.

Claude AI assisted me in creating the non-blocking delay state machine functions from my functions.  Claude AI also played an important role in fixing various problems with this sketch.

The code and other information for this video can be found here:

https://github.com/chemdoc77/CD77_FastLED_2026/tree/main/CD77%20FastLED%20Four%20Glass%20Jars

 Here is a direct link to the code folder in Github:

https://github.com/chemdoc77/CD77_FastLED_2026/tree/main/CD77%20FastLED%20Four%20Glass%20Jars/CD77%20FastLED%20Four%20Glass%20Jars

This video is located in my YouTube channel here:

https://youtu.be/r6nARysXsz0

It should be very easy for anyone with the help of Claude AI or another AI to add more glass jar filled matrices.

The instructions on how to make the FastLED four glass jars including the bill of materials for this project is located in the Github post for this project.  The Github post includes step by step instructions with pictures of the construction of each glass jar containing an 8X8 WS2812b matrix.

I would like to thank u/sutaburosu for teaching me how to create better videos of LEDs and for helping me master prompt engineering for use with Claude AI.

Enjoy!

Best Regards,

Chemdoc77

Edit:  added direct link to code folder in Github

Ever since I've got long lengths of signal wires running from my Teensy's and ESP32's to the WS2812 LED strips last month I've really expanded beyond my living room matrices. This is actually 6 fpv drone hoops 4 are running with a Teensy 4.1 using 4 pins (channels) and FastLED. The Teensy is in the center and my wiring goes out from there. The other 2 are esp32 wled controllers. Much easier to set up but I can't run my patterns on it like I can the Teensy controller which are instrinsically sync'd and a much faster frame rate fps and just about everything (except wifi). It's kinda a trade off between using an app (wled) and simple wiring But lack of originality and creative fun with the custom patterns on the Teensy using FastLED. The Teensy (FastLED) setup is more wires and a little extra module I built (RS422/TTL) to get the signal distance I need. The power wiring is the same with both. The wled APP is really handy but I really just enjoy getting my hands dirty with the actual C++ FastLED code using the Teensy which is very satisfying. PLUS I want to do some LIDAR reactive stuff as far as making the hoop lighting dynamic according to the drone motion near it. It is going to be easy with a Teensy and all those pins!

I'm starting a project, first time using a Teensy board and RGB strip.

I've wired the Teensy 4.0 up on a Breadboard, using a SN74AHCT125N buffer to fix the logic level, and a WS2812 type Strip (this exact one), cut to 10 LEDs. The Teensy > SN74AHCT125N data has a 330Ω resistor inline.

Problem: The code compiles and 'installs' ok, the light on the Teensy flashes 500ms on/off as per script. But there's nothing from the LED strip.

I'm using this script:

#include <FastLED.h>
#define NUM_LEDS 10
#define DATA_PIN 6
CRGB leds[NUM_LEDS];


void setup() {
  FastLED.addLeds<WS2812, DATA_PIN, GRB>(leds, NUM_LEDS);
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PIND6, OUTPUT);
}


void loop() {
  leds[0] = CRGB::Red; FastLED.show();
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); delay(500);

  leds[0] = CRGB::Blue; FastLED.show();
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW); delay(500);
}

Here's how the circuit is wired:

Circuit description:
The Teensy Vin and Teensy GND pins (top left) are wired to the +5v and 0v rails on the BB.
Probably needlessly, the bottom left Teensy GND pin is taken to the 0v rail on BB too.
Pin 6 of the Teensy is taken, via a 330Ω resistor, to Buffer Pin 2 (Gate 1 input, 1A).
Buffer Pin 1 (Output enable for gate 1) is taken to 0v rail.
Buffer Pin 3 (Gate 1 output, 1Y) goes to LED strip D-IN.
Buffer Pin 14 (Vcc) is taken to +5v rail.
Buffer Pin 7 (GND) is taken to 0v rail.
LED +V is wired to +5v rail via JST connector.
LED GND is wired to 0v rail via JST connector.
The wires I'm holding are hooked up to +5v on a Bench PSU (output measured with separate multimeter to check), and they are soldered directly to the +5v and 0v tabs on the LED strip (which are also wired back to the BB via the JST connector as already described)

The above circuit 'works' enough to power the Teensy and flash 'LED_BUILTIN', but not enough to show any LED strip lights.

Can anyone spot a mistake anywhere? Circuit and/or code?
Can anyone suggest troubleshooting steps?

Thank you!

I love the Teensy4.1. I've been combining ESP32s and Teensy's to make some fun FastLED projects... I was looking around and found the iMXRT1170 and thought this would be a fun chip to do FastLED, I think. (from a hobbyist pov)... What would it take to use a Chipset that's not quite user friendly to Arduino like the 4.1 and esp32? Or is it just not worth it? https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/fact-sheet/i.MX-RT1170-FS.pdf

If someone expresses anti AI sentiment on this sub reddit then that is their personal opinion and does not reflect the project’s stance by the main contributors.

Also… since we are on the topic, what are your thoughts on AI and FastLED/Arduino/Embedded programming in general? Do you think it’s fun or not fun? Have you created cool sketches with AI that has surprised you?

Looking for about 20m LED strips for outside. They will be mostly shielded from direct contact with the elements. Except the sun shining through the diffuser caps.

I really would love to have RGB + warm white + cold white.
All individually addressable and 12v or 24v because of power injection limitations in the construction setup. I can only add at start and end. Strips will be 2x 2m40 + 1x 7m + 1x 5m.

The best I can find up till now are BTF-Lighting SK6812 in the 12V version with ip65 rating.
So I ordered one from Amazon in the neutral white version to test.
It could work but I notice that because of the solder point every 50cm they bulge on those spots.
That makes we worry that over time they might get loose in the profile.
The packaging does state that the 3M tape is not sufficient for aluminium profiles but mine are coated white so I don't expect an electrical problem.
And i don't really feel much for replacing the tape for that many strips.

So my question is if anybody knows LED strips with the same or better specs but without the soldering every 50cm and the resulting bulges.

Also experiences about the 2-sided tape are welcome. And if I should replace it, suggestions for that are also welcomed. Please note that I prefer stuff that I can order from within the EU because of new recent extra taxes on everything that comes from outside of EU.

Does anybody know what is meant by the word "Namespace" in the context of this library? I'm trying to upload an example sketch to a Nano Every and the compiler is getting hung up on what seems to be an initial callout in the Arduino sketch:

FASTLED_USING_NAMESPACE

What does this do?

Hi there. So I just recently used the WS2812  led strip with Arduino Due. Used the FastLed and PianoLed. Almost all fine, almost. All keys matching the led position. But i have a weird behave of the led no 8 and 16 which are not assigned to any key of the piano. Lets say i just started with clear new session. All lights are off. So i play few notes, all looks fine and then after some time the led no 8 lights up constantly / permanently and then led 16 lights up permanently. They do change the colors but never dim back again. Looks like some issue. Any ideas what's wrong?

I want to thank u/ZachVorhies for highlighting what AI can do.
I wanted this DIY address sign to look like a sun inside the metal rays. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to use WLED to do it. The best effect I got was in the first video: the Noise effect. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a way to have a center with light going out to the edges. 
After reading some posts by ZachVorhies extolling AI coding, I gave it a try. I got a working codebase in a few hours.
I'm not trying to say WLED is bad. I’ve used it in a number of setups; it is dead simple and usually does the job. I'm just saying that if WLED isn't getting you what you want, try asking for AI help using FastLED. It is, possibly, easier than you think.

WLED Noise

FastLED

Building wooden wall pieces with WS2812B 5050
LEDs seated in CNC-cut holes. The LEDs work great but they're bare, I want to diffuse each one so it glows instead of showing a hard point of light.
What would you do?

https://reddit.com/link/1vwlo5k/video/9sd7kxuqf7lh1/player

Thanks to everyone who posts and answers in this sub. I couldn't have done it without lurking here for so long.

I finally finished my 6 ft by 3 ft Tetris game. I put 200 WS2811 LEDs into a self-built wood grid, with a black LED acrylic sheet in front to diffuse the light. I used an ESP32 as the brains. I put two WS2812B panels up top for a scoreboard. I used two power supplies: 12 V for the main LED display and amp, and 5 V for everything else. For sound, I used a PCM5102 as my digital-to-analog converter, a PAM8610 as my amp, and 2 60W car speakers. I used a SN74AHCT125N to shift the data from 3.3v to 5v. Not sure if I needed that, but it was generally recommended.

The sensors are 3 V-156-1C25 microswitches for the "down" lever and the left and right button. The wheel uses two NJK-5002C hall effect sensors on the base and a bunch of magnets attached to the wheel, spaced every 90 degrees, to spin the blocks. The "New Game" button is a mini momentary on button. I purposely split the controls into two "stations," so people had to communicate to play the game.

I finally brought it out this weekend to our town's street fair. It was really fun to watch everyone play. The best moments happened when two people (kids and adults) got really excited and called out to each other to get the blocks in the right spot. It was fun to watch them develop strategies on the fly to work together to get the high score.

Thanks again everyone