[DIY] Amblight project/guide - Hyperion - WS2801/ WS2812B / APA102 (6 Viewers)

[Rick164]

Looks good as well, only thing that comes to mind to easily find out if the led strips are at fault it to use an Arduino (any will do) because those have some strand test sketches.

If that isn't an option you can try to use an older version of OpenElec in case of software issues, I've had the WS2801 setup working on OpenElec 4.2 for some time before switching over to WS2812.
Was just out of the box OpenElec with a Hyperion install afterwards with no modifications, afterwards loaded config and it worked.
Did use an rPI bridge kit but only because it was easier to connect them (no power header / GND splitting etc..):

http://www.hackerspaceshop.com/raspberrypi-ws2801.html#

Also are you 100% sure that they are WS2801 type leds?
Because there are sellers that use fakes, especially from the chinese web/ebay stores the quality can be all over the place.

 

[Hapo]

I do not have Arduino in here, and its hard for me to obtain anything else, i live in brazil and it takes about 1month-3month just to arrive new items :/ (ttok me 2 months to obtain all components for this project)
I tried to light up the first piece of LED strip that comes ready for use, it did light up about 2 LEDs out of 15, but no more...

I did bought the WS2801, if its a fake i cannot be sure, this is how it came in the package.

i will also try in a new SD the openelec 4.2, perhaps i get lucky.

Also, is there any other way for me to light up the LED strip for testing it? Or peharps using a multimeter to check voltage and stuff?

 

[Rick164]

Ouch yeah then that isn't an option, packaging looks legit and quality of the strips is good (no offset soldering points)

Multi meter for voltage you can use at the other end of the strip to check if it's still 5V and not dropped anywhere along the line, as for turning the leds on manually that can't be done sadly as it has to send a specific command on the data cables for the leds to light up.

 

[Hapo]

Did tried to install on Openelec 5.0.1 and 5.0.3 still with no success ":/

I think is some kind of compatibility problem, i have no clue what cannot be working right in here. Its frustrating. They just wont light up on commands

If i cannot install hyperion on openelec, osmc or archlinux... Is there any other media server i could try?

Also, i redid all the process and got the LOG if youd like to check, i dont see any error.

Thanks once again

 

[Rick164]

No errors in logs a so indeed doesn't look like software issue but more on the hardware end, did the multi meter report 5V at the end of your led strain?

Only other solution I can come up with is to debug them with an Arduino if you can get a hold of a shop nearby that sells them, they are fairly popular all over the world so probably can find one closer to ship these
The Arduino can work with Mediaportal in combination with AtmoWin so can test from there as well.

 

[Hapo]

I dont know yet as my multimetern is at my parents house, im going to check in the weekend.

As for the arduino, the problem in buying stuff in here is the price actually, an arduino is about 120 us dolars.
But i can get a copycat of the arduino, with same componente, check to see if its okay

http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-693432370-arduino-uno-r3-rev3-com-cabo-usb-pronta-entrega-_JM

(OBS: Do you think i should buy the older version of the Rpi?)

 

[Rick164]

Don't think its the rPI but more the leds or connection that is at fault, maybe lose connection but once you connect it to multi-meter you can test it a bit better

Copycat Arduino should be fine, seen those a lot over here (for the nano stuff at least) and although the build quality can be different they work.

 

[Hapo]

Don't think its the rPI but more the leds or connection that is at fault, maybe lose connection but once you connect it to multi-meter you can test it a bit better

Copycat Arduino should be fine, seen those a lot over here (for the nano stuff at least) and although the build quality can be different they work.

Just test it with the multimeter and the LED strip and raspberry are both with 5.19V (all the way through the led strip), so it seems ive soldered correctly and power supply is working correctly :/

Perhaps is a problem with the GPIO connection, as i ve been researching that problem with the rpi2 and hyperion

I have found a cheap used Rpi Model B to buy, as the price is close to the arduino i will get that and try the configuration on it.

If otherwise dont work and i go to buy an arduino, what should i do with it?

 

[Rick164]

The Arduino in this case is only useful for testing or if you ever want to upgrade to a larger led setup that uses WS2812B type leds as those can be 60 or 144 per meter.

 

[Hapo]

Ohh i see. Ok then. I will try with the Rpi 1 Model B and then ill post it here if it works