Tutorial on Programming the NeoPixel (WS2812) RGB LEDs & Equipment Giveaway!

[Hugoneus]

In this episode Shahriar takes a close look at programming the popular NeoPixel RGB LEDs using a PIC microcontroller and C-language. A close-up of the NeoPixel (WS2812) LED is shown with attention to identifying various semiconductor elements inside the package. The principle operation of the LED is the described along with a detailed explanation of the pins and the one-wire communication protocol.

A simple evaluation board for the PIC18F4550 is used to drive a circular array of 60 NeoPixel LEDs from Adafruit. After presenting the difficulties of providing an accurate pulse-shape using the C-language, the measured waveform is shown on a Tektronix MDO4000B. Finally, the code for a circular color rotating pattern is presented and demoed. The code for the experiment can be downloaded from The Signal Path website.

There is also equipment giveaway! A TPI Scope Plus 440 and a Tektronix TDS2232 are being given away at no charge! Please leave a comment on the video or on the website. You must be a resident of the USA to receive the giveaway. A winner will be chosen at a later date and notified via email.

You can watch the video here: [36 Min]
http://youtu.be/EXr2_zSfnFw

More videos:
http://www.TheSignalPath.com

[Hugoneus]

Dave,

How long do you usually wait before choosing someone for a giveaway?

Thanks,

[Towger]

Limited to Yanks only, who cannot afford or already have a scope.... 
BTW Nice video.

[SeanB]

International postage can be a bear, along with different rules in different countries. It can cost more for postage than the item costs in many cases, and then on top of that you often hit the limit on customs duties as well. Add as well that it likely will have to go registered delivery and air transport as well, both of which add to the cost. Cheapest is international sea mail, no confirmation of delivery. There you wait typically 3 months for it to arrive, and have to rely on the recipient to be honest.

To be fair to Shariar he is choosing the option that works best for him. That it excludes anybody not in the USA, or anybody that does not have a friend or reshipper in the US to repost is unfortunate.

[Towger]

I am not complaining, I originally read Shariars query as how long does it take before Dave gets any entries to his competitions!

[SeanB]

That is for the rest.

Dave typically will get the first replies to any competition within minutes from his local followers in Australia, Africa and Europe ( if he does it in the late afternoon) and typically overnight for the USA. I can wake up early in the morning and see him near to knock off time in the lab. He has to stay up late to do the Amp Hour with Chris at sparrow o' clock for Chris.

[Hugoneus]

Thanks everyone,

There are a lot of requests already. I just have to chose a date to close the window and chose someone.

I am sorry that I can't ship internationally. I am sure everyone is aware of the difficulties. I have also agreed to pay for the shipping as well, and the Tek TDS2232 is heavy!

Cheers,

[mariush]

The majority of people in US can afford to get an oscilloscope from eBay for 50-100$ with free or 10-20$ shipping.  If you can't afford to put aside 50-100$ in a few months to buy something...

I may be pessimistic, but I would guess 10-30% of the youtube viewers will just say they want it even if they have a scope already, to resell it on eBay.

Maybe you should have added a condition, like "send email to this address to enter contest, attach picture of your workbench and a note on the desk with the email address or username". This way, at least you know the person has a passion for this and would genuinely make use of that equipment.

[edavid]

Shahriar, the Tektronix scope is just called a 2232.  It predates the TDS series.

[Hugoneus]

Shahriar, the Tektronix scope is just called a 2232.  It predates the TDS series.

Yes, thank you. Force of habit...