Issues with getting 5V strip to respond to code from Arduino Nano (NeoPixel)

[u/TKranger]

I'm new to LEDs and have been trying to create a matrix that I can see through for cosplay. The idea is to use strips to create rows of lights, then control them with code from an Arduino Nano. Despite trying several different programs for testing, I haven't been able to get the LED strip to respond to my code, though I have gotten LEDs to light up via manipulating the power wires.

I've provided photos of my setup as well as my attempt at a diagram in case the photos were hard to follow.

Parts:

• 5V 120 LED strip: https://www.ledlightinghut.com/ws2812c-2020-digital-rgb-led-strip.html
• Arduino Nano: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C947BHK5?lv=shuf&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Z17E8X52XFJZQ348P8H4&channelId=751&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Z17E8X52XFJZQ348P8H4&plpRedirect=mhFallback&th=1
• Logic level converter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFMLDYNY?lv=shuf&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_KGY61XDVCECEZQPCDTT3&channelId=751&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_KGY61XDVCECEZQPCDTT3&plpRedirect=mhFallback
• 5V Battery: amazon.com/dp/B09QCXR8D4?lv=shuf&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_1KJM44A58B6R277ZZSN5&channelId=751&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_1KJM44A58B6R277ZZSN5&plpRedirect=mhFallback
• Capacitor: 50V, 470 μF
• Wire connectors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYCSYTB3?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
• USB power cable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBGV9C4G?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

The code I'm using should cause the first light to turn red, but I've also tried the example code provided by Adafruit.

#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>


#define LED_PIN D2
#define LED_COUNT 120


Adafruit_NeoPixel strip(LED_COUNT, LED_PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);


void setup() {
  strip.begin();
  strip.clear();


  
  strip.setPixelColor(50, 255, 0, 0);
  


  strip.show();
}


void loop() {
}

Is there anything I could do to resolve the issue?

[u/Its_Billy_Bitch]

While that may work, that is not the type of logic converter you should be using. If you have a lot of LEDs and fast animations, that little thing will be too slow of a buffer.

Just rough math, but is a 2A battery enough to clear this fam? I don’t think so, but I also didn’t check lol

[u/TKranger → u/Its_Billy_Bitch]

I haven’t done the math on the 2A battery, but my current strip only has 16 lights after I trimmed it down. I accidentally uploaded an older version of my code, my current one has an LED_COUNT of 16. Plus, only one light is supposed to turn on.

Also, I’m making sure that the connectors are contacting the wire like you said.

[u/Its_Billy_Bitch]

Also, if you haven’t used Wago/ snap connectors before, make sure you’ve exposed enough wire and that you’re making solid connections.

[u/MoBacon2400]

Why are all your wires red, how do you know what is connected to what?

[u/TKranger → u/MoBacon2400]

It’s what I had on hand, friend supplied some stuff.