[DIY] Amblight project/guide - Hyperion - WS2801/ WS2812B / APA102 (8 Viewers)

[HomeY]

Make sure to disable any Apple software update junk during install as you don't need that if you're only using Bonjour, prevents you from getting update notifications which can be annoying on HTPC machines.

 

[kilik360]

Here is the HDMItoCVBS I use for my Hyperion Standalone Ambilight

• The Green PCB produce the blue screen when no signal
• Can do 24p

• The Blue PCB produce the Color Pattern when no signal
• Can do 24p

 

[TheBatfink]

Hey. I am now in a position with some free time and free funds and want to get back to setting up ambi-light. I never really understood the difference between using a Pi + Arduino or just the Arduino as I think I saw other people doing.

Right now I really only need to have this working with MePo when watching movies etc. I already have the Rev3 official Arduino Uno board. Do I actually need the Pi B+ as well or not?

Also, where is a good place for someone in the UK to buy the higher density strips? I see loads on Ebay but I worry they are the knock off ones?

Thanks!

 

[Rick164]

If you want to use Hyperion you will need the rPI as that requires Linux, for Arduino alone there's AtmoDuino which works with AtmoWin.
Both solutions work well however one the upsides to Hyperion is that its external and can be controlled by more than one software solution, no need to install additional Windows software like AtmoWin and you can even use it with Kodi or the Hyperion apps like the Android remote.

 

[TheBatfink]

I'm guessing using two individual power supplies is possible to power the LEDs? I'm going to use a little under 4 metres to get around my TV and @ 3.5A/M that's 14A plus the power to the Pi and Arduino. I'm really struggling to find a laptop style power supply to feed that. I'd rather not have the big exposed PSU type bricks sitting on the back of the TV..

 

[Rick164]

One power supply of 10A should be sufficient to drive that, the led specs say you need more however in practice you don't need that.
Using 7A myself to drive ~ 4.5mtr which is already very bright, you will have to connect one power supply at both ends as otherwise you won't have enough to reach all the leds properly at least that was the case with WS2812B type.

It's possible to use 2 however you might get some interference I believe due to them not being entirely identical.

 

[TheBatfink]

Cool. So I ordered 4M of the 60LED/M strips / few connectors / rPi & Case / 10A Supply. Got them from Kiwi as I realized it's within the EU so no extra tax charges to import. Busy weekend coming up. Sure I will be back with questions before long! Just need to find an Uno case on ebay now.

Thanks

 

[TheBatfink]

First question keep seeing about a resistor between the power supply and led 5v - but what rating?

 

[Rick164]

300 to 500 Ohm resistor is advised:

https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/best-practices

However the led strip from Kiwi should be come with the resistor already soldered at the beginning if you ordered a full 4 meter roll.

 

[HomeY]

between the power supply and led 5v

Correction! There goes an capacitor of 1000µF between de power supply & led 5v. There goes an resistor between the dataconnections of the device & led, but... most strips have those already soldered onto them.