RGB LEDs & addressable strips controller: Please HELP!

[OTT]

Hi everyone!

first I need to explain some details , please be patient.

For my arcade project I need to control at least 24 powereful led modules : http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83&products_id=405


Also, I need  to manage addressable RGB +W led strips: https://www.adafruit.com/products/2842

These strips are quite picky regarding the controller: please read the description.

I probably will need two strips of 1.5 meters each. It also possible that I end up using 4 shorter strips, therefore the controller must be able to manage 2 or maybe 4 strips active at the same time.

I need a controller (or 2 separate) that:

- can drive at least 24, quite powerful, RGB modules: 155mA on 3 channels / 55 mA per channel / +5V Common Anode

- can allow me to safely share channels between 5 led modules for 4 players, therefore: 15 channels used (3 x5 modules RGB), each should be able to sustain 55x4=220mA at the same time, without time limit (theoretically!)

- can control two or four RGB-W addressable strips, 1.5 meters each, 60 leds / meter at the same time. Again, without time limit for the leds being active (theoretically!). Also, I'll probably control them both the same way but I would like, if needed, to be able to manage them separately (different programming) even if they are simultaneously active.

- allow me to easily program via computer (Windows and preferably via USB) both the RGB leds and the addressable RGB-W strips for "attract sequence": LEDBlinky compatibility or a similar software would be the best.

- manage both the RGB leds and the addressable RGB-W strips at the same time, by different dedicated programs / sequences: one for the RGB leds and one (or two different) for the two (four) strips.

- retain the programs and settings when powered off.

The dream would be to get ONE controller that can do all this but I suspect there is no such product on the market, yet: I did a LOT of searches but nothing even close to that came out.

Below, the products I considered / saw, just to give the idea.


GroovyGameGears:

sells the RGB leds and a controller that can drive them: http://www.groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=82&products_id=239

The LEDWiz can manage the RGB leds but not the addressable RGB-W strips.

In addition it has only 48 levels PWM instead of a more appropriate (and nowadays common) 256 levels that get the best out of RGB leds. One can argue that for common use in arcade projects 100.000 colors (48 lv. PWM) can be enough and 16.000.000+ would be overkill (256 lv. PWM). This a personal opinion, besides I think that to really get the best out of the modern brilliant, beautiful, quality RBG leds the 256 levels PWM is the logical way to go. (in fact, it is by far the most common solution). My opinion is that the LEDWiz suffer from a design concept that is a little bit "outdated".....it is a product that is 10+ years old and had seen no major improvements from the first revision. I can be wrong, just my opinion really.

Actually, LEDWiz offers better features than comparable products from Ultimarc as it can be clearly understood reading below. Still GGG do not offers a SINGLE product to manage properly leds strips, even less RGB-W addressable ones.

Ultimarc:

I-PAC Ultimate has 96 LEDs channels that would be wonderful.....if not that the very discutible design (my opinion, of course) limits the current per channel to a mere 20mA......totally useless for this project and for any serious project involving quality/brilliant/powerful leds. Just able to lit the average led for the average pushbutton.

Also, it can't manage led strips.

Then we have....what?

Ultimarc's Pac-LED 64 is a very good product on paper: it has 256 PWM levels and very good programmability / software compatibility BUT is basically the same thing as I-PAC Ultimate (or rather viceversa): same 20mA constant current limit per channel.

Ultimarc's PAC-Drive manage 500mA not constant current (finally....) BUT it comes with only 16 channels, in addition it can manage only standard leds (no RGB). And we are on square one again.

Ultimarc's U-HID boards all suffer from the same limitations.

The last pertinent product from Ultimarc is the NanoLED: it can manage RGB strips and is software programmable, etc.

So at least this one is good?

NO. Only 60 channels (20 RGB) per board. Therefore for a measly 1 meter strip I need THREE of these board (and I should program, etc. all three of them) @ the modest price of $19 each......about $60 of boards for every meter of LEDs strip + the hassle to program them all and to put a whole bunch of them somewhere into the CP.

Also note that NONE of Ultimarc's product can drive the GGG's RGB modules (which certainly are not an alien technology, just a moderately powerful and common led modules......).

The paradox is that Ultimarc seems to have designed its products so that you have all the features you could think of/need.....scattered between an half dozen boards, NONE of them being able to do the job alone. Why not a single decent product that includes all these features? Ok price could be a bit higher than your average board but at least you covers every possible needs and everyone should be happy. The final price of such an ideal  board cannot be used as excuse here: if I'm forced to buy 2 or 3 (or more!) different products, furthermore each comes with limitations, I still will spend more and will get a solution which is FAR from ideal.

So far, the best choice is still the GGG's LEDWiz for the RGB modules and NINE Ultimarc's NanoLED for the addressable strips....in both cases there are still limitations/problems and above all the cost would be unreasonable.

Arcade Paradise Shop:

premise:

I looked at lot of Arduino boards (or clones) that are actually the main choice for managing leds as they should be. Even on professional level. This is particularly true for RGB and RGB-W addressable strips.


But here, too, we get problems:

1) I didn't found a SINGLE add-on for Arduino that can drive those damn RGB modules (GGG's Helio9, see above), just tons of boards that can manage 1 km of addressable strips if you want, but 0 (ZERO) led (or led module) that use a little bit of current......

2) they are a pain in the ass to program.....I can't waste time to program them myself or to look at partial, bugged libraries written by your average dude. I want a decent ready-to-go software that does the damn job, like LEDBlinky.

Back to Arcade Paradise: they sell the "Kaimana" board that basically is a modified Arduino board.

Now, there are really few info about it, just a couple of threads here and in another forum.

Absurdly, there is no technical description of the features on the website and the link to a "wiki" that should have provided these data points to a non existent page, as if it was DELETED........

Also, this "Kaimana" board is out of stock for quite some time already..........

For what * I think * I understood, this board * should * be able to manage both the RGB addressable strips AND common RGB led (modules).....but I don't know the current limits per channel nor other technical limitations because those data are simply nowhere to be found.

Also, Arcade Paradise * seems *  to provide some sort of software assistance for this board but, again, no links, no clear details, nothing.


Now, there is someone that can suggest valid alternative products / solutions which I'm not aware of?

Thank you!

[keilmillerjr]

KAmana board is currently in stock. It was out of stock for a little while when as they recently moved locations and were getting ready to release the kaimana mini. Buy one and try it out. You make it sound like they are trying to keep the project locked in area 51.

[OTT]

KAmana board is currently in stock. It was out of stock for a little while when as they recently moved locations and were getting ready to release the kaimana mini. Buy one and try it out. You make it sound like they are trying to keep the project locked in area 51.

Not really. What I wrote is simply the truth of facts: it was out of stock for a while and there are NO official data on specs anywhere.

I'm interested in the product so I hope it exists and is still sold, not the other way around.

Thanks for the info: by the way you didn't told me if the Kaimana can do the job for my project. So far I can only guess/hope.

[OTT]

KAmana board is currently in stock. It was out of stock for a little ......

On the website, the Kaimana is STILL out of stock: http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/control-pcbs/1050-paradise-kaimana-led-controller-pcb-85574200312.html?search_query=kaimana&results=40

And STILL the link to official specs redirects to a non-existent webpage: http://support.paradisearcadeshop.net/doku.php?id=kaimana_led_controller


So I'm not sure what you were talking about: note that I'm referring to "Kaimana" board (the first and original model) NOT "Kaimana mini" or "Kaimana Jasen", which does not fit to my project.

[JudgeRob]

Hi OTT,

I was in your boat a couple months ago.  It seems the arcade hobby is a little behind the times when it comes to RGB LEDs.  Indeed, if all of the control boards used addressable strips or chains, the boards would be a lot smaller and the wiring in our CPs would be much less. 

Ultimately, I gave up on the addressable LEDs because the support just isn't there yet.  I might still incorporate them, but not in my CP.

That said, I do have some experience with the Adafruit strips.  Not the Neopixels, which I hear are picky with timing requirements, but with the older LPD8806.  https://www.adafruit.com/products/306 I have a bunch of these in my house, controlled by an Arduino Mega.

I have no idea how to integrate them with MAME or other emulators, but if you are just looking to run some custom LED patterns, I do have some C++ code I can give you to control them.

[OTT]

First, let me thank you!

Your opinion is very appreciated.

Maybe I found something that can manage the addressable RGB-W strips AND that can be easily programmed (via USB!).

Not quite sure yet, I'm waiting for a confirmation.

I will let you know, maybe you can be interested.

At the moment, my main problem are the Helio9 modules: I need THREE LEDWiz to drive 24 modules and this cost a LOT. Also there will be lot of unused outputs, that is a waste. In addition with LEDWiz I get "only" 48 PWM levels: a minor issue but still....

I really hope that Kaimana can drive them. It will be far cheaper and I get the 256 PWM levels, too. Only problem in this case is the programming: I think that your code will come in handy here!

[keilmillerjr]

KAmana board is currently in stock. It was out of stock for a little ......

On the website, the Kaimana is STILL out of stock: http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/control-pcbs/1050-paradise-kaimana-led-controller-pcb-85574200312.html?search_query=kaimana&results=40

And STILL the link to official specs redirects to a non-existent webpage: http://support.paradisearcadeshop.net/doku.php?id=kaimana_led_controller


So I'm not sure what you were talking about: note that I'm referring to "Kaimana" board (the first and original model) NOT "Kaimana mini" or "Kaimana Jasen", which does not fit to my project.

In Stock - mini form. http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/leds/1628-paradise-kaimana-led-controller-pcb.html?search_query=kaimana+mini&results=3

See this thread http://forums.shoryuken.com/discussion/185316/kaimana-rgb-led-board-thread-rgb-animations-and-more-srk-tech-talk-2013-product-of-the-year

armi0024 wrote: »
Sorry we moved servers I can get the wiki back up in a few days. Susan is trying to keep up with emails and orders but things have been a bit insane with the brook board and sf5. We have had 5 to 6 times the regular order load for 4 weeks, two full time people are helping now. I am heading into a case but if I can answer between cases later I will.

[JudgeRob]

So... the Kaimana might be your best bet if you ever find adequate documentation on it.  And if it is supported by LEDBlinky or some other way to interface with your cab.

[OTT]

KAmana board is currently in stock. It was out of stock for a little ......

On the website, the Kaimana is STILL out of stock: http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/control-pcbs/1050-paradise-kaimana-led-controller-pcb-85574200312.html?search_query=kaimana&results=40

And STILL the link to official specs redirects to a non-existent webpage: http://support.paradisearcadeshop.net/doku.php?id=kaimana_led_controller


So I'm not sure what you were talking about: note that I'm referring to "Kaimana" board (the first and original model) NOT "Kaimana mini" or "Kaimana Jasen", which does not fit to my project.

In Stock - mini form. http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/leds/1628-paradise-kaimana-led-controller-pcb.html?search_query=kaimana+mini&results=3

Yes, as I wrote, I know that.

But the "mini" version probably is not good for my needs. I can be sure only after I read the official documentation.

See this thread http://forums.shoryuken.com/discussion/185316/kaimana-rgb-led-board-thread-rgb-animations-and-more-srk-tech-talk-2013-product-of-the-year

I know this thread,too. See my first post when I wrote about "a couple of threads here and in another forum".

Ok?

Anyway thanks for the help. Finger crossed about Kaimana 

[OTT]

So... the Kaimana might be your best bet if you ever find adequate documentation on it.  And if it is supported by LEDBlinky or some other way to interface with your cab.

Yes, I really hope so. I wrote a mail and a PM to Armi but so far no reply......we will see.

Thanks, stay tuned for more info about the best board for RGB and RGB +W strips!

[JudgeRob]

I can't understand why the nano has a finite number of leds it can control.  Unless it has a tiny little amount of memory and can't store the information.

[OTT]

I can't understand why the nano has a finite number of leds it can control.  Unless it has a tiny little amount of memory and can't store the information.

Well, I don't know either. The only thing that's for sure is that $60 to manage 1 meter leds strips is not a price I'm willing to pay (not considering the absurd quantity of Nano-boards you need to program,etc.)

[JudgeRob]

Addressable LEDS just make so much sense.  You don't have to worry about how much current drives each color of each LED.  You just get one beefy ATX power supply to power the whole chain and you're done with it!  The control board doesn't have to power anything, just ram a serial signal down a couple of wires.

[matsadona]

If there isn't one board doing everything, make a combination.
You could have a LedWiz as the master controller for fixed LED's and then one or several Arduinos to control the addressable LED's.
Then connect some of the outputs from the LedWiz to the Arduino(s) input so it can be controlled (i.e starting a sequence if you get an input signal). If you have several connections you can swap between different sequences.

There are a lot of libraries etc for Arduino. Personally I only use WS2811/WS2812, but there are probably others as well.

I also use the ULN2803 circuit when I need to control LED's with some more current (It is rated for 500mA per output). It's cheap and doesn't require any additional components.

By the way, didn't know there are any RGB+W addressable LED's available. Need to buy some for test

[JudgeRob]

Then connect some of the outputs from the LedWiz to the Arduino(s) input so it can be controlled (i.e starting a sequence if you get an input signal).

That is an interesting idea I hadn't thought of.    Just be careful not to hit an input with too much voltage. I can't remember if the LEDwiz outputs at 12v or 5v.

Now I have to reconsider my LED strip lighting again...

I still need to download and play around with LEDBlinky.  I wonder how a strip of lights could be used with particular games... other than eye candy.

[matsadona]

Then connect some of the outputs from the LedWiz to the Arduino(s) input so it can be controlled (i.e starting a sequence if you get an input signal).

That is an interesting idea I hadn't thought of.    Just be careful not to hit an input with too much voltage. I can't remember if the LEDwiz outputs at 12v or 5v.

Now I have to reconsider my LED strip lighting again...

I still need to download and play around with LEDBlinky.  I wonder how a strip of lights could be used with particular games... other than eye candy.

Regarding the utilization of the led strips you can have them as a VU-meter (https://learn.adafruit.com/led-ampli-tie/overview) or ambient lighting () that will interact whit the game played.

[JudgeRob]

Yeah, true.  That is sort of how I set up the ones in my living room.  Instead of a microphone, I used a frequency spectrum analyzer. It works good, but it is better with music.  With games, you sort of get more (or different light), like red with a lot of gunfire.  It's cool, but gets a little annoying after a while. 

I'm thinking there might be a creative way to use them with LEDBlinky, but I'll have to DL it and see what the options are.

BTW, I have a iPac Ultimate.  Does anyone know off hand if the iPacs (or even the GGG boards) use analog outputs to the LEDS, or are they done digitally with PMW?

An Arduino would set you back about $20-25, but if the strip is short enough, a pro mini (at $10) might do the trick.

[dkersten]

IIRC you can use an output from something like an LEDWiz to trigger an event rather than power an LED.. I imagine you could use an arduino that is programmed with some animations and trigger it with the LEDWiz output, hence being able to trigger different animations on the addressable strips with LEDBlinky.  This wouldn't be direct control from LEDBlinky but it would be something that could interface with MAME.  Perhaps you could even take it further and use mamehooker to trigger a serial output that tells an arduino to run an animation on the addressable LED's?  I am just throwing out ideas, none of this would be simple or even close to refined, but I think you could do it. 

Keep in mind, while there are some cool addressable LEDs out there, the market for addressable LEDs in DIY arcade controls is miniscule.. anyone making hardware for it might expect a few dozen sales, maybe a few hundred at most.  They would probably never recover development costs, which is why there aren't any controllers out there for it.  And to have a program made to interface MAME with the controller for the few people who would use it is another major waste of time for any commercial programmer.  But this is why things like the arduino exist - so you can develop one-off solutions for your project without having to go through the development costs.  So find some people with knowledge of programming the arduino, experiment with ways to trigger it out of MAME, and then share what you found with the community. 

[OTT]

Sorry for the delay, guys. Life kinda got in the way.

Meanwhile I received the answers I expected, therefore I will explain my idea.

A couple of weeks ago, after lot of effort searching through dozen of sites, I found this: http://www.nledshop.com/pixelion/

As you can see, this product is simply fantastic: 512 channels (!!!) that translate in 170 for RGB or 128 for RGB-W leds/modules.

In addition, it can be programmed via usb to run stand-alone sequences. You can also program it in realtime.

It is compatible with basically any "pixel" chipset out there (see the latest documentation on the website).

This mean that you can manage any type of leds strip, from the cheapest monocolor to the "Neo Pixel" addressable RGB-W.

It has a integrated 3-axis accelerometer, too!

In top of all this, it comes with a FREE software  that provides a complete set of tools for make your custom "attract" sequence.

Can be interfaced to a normal PC or an Arduino board / other devices.

Ah, I did mentioned the dimensions? 0.6" x 1.25" x 0.25 , see the comparison with the penny![img]


The price is good, also: $25. For what I saw, this is by far the most featured, complete and economical solution to manage leds strips, especially RGB-W addressable ones.

So far so simple. Now the second half of my idea.

For my project I need an incredible number of " led outputs" because I have 25+ lighted buttons to which are added the leds module for lighting the trackball, a custom-lighted spinner, a custom-lighted pinball plunger and many other things.

At the moment, besides the leds strips, I need 75 RGB channels + 16 RGB-W channels. Please don't ask why...... 

It is obvious that LEDWiz is not an option here, because I'll need NINE of them for the job - that is of course out of question. Furthermore, LEDWiz cannot manage RGB-W addressable pixel / modules.

Ah, in addition, for the RGB leds I want to use Helio9 modules from GGG, that need 165 mA each: apart from LEDWiz there is apparently no other board that can sustain such a demanding led module (see my first post here).

Solution:

https://www.nledshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=46&zenid=p86r18a0thd6bt03ung2fq6sq5

I can use the Pixelion in combo with this monster mosfet driver!

It "transforms" a common led / led module in an "addressable pixel" that can be easily managed by the Pixelion board (and its software). This way one get virtually hundreds of led outputs!

It sustains 10A per channel!!!!! Actually, it's way overkill for the Helio9 module but whatever.....I didn't found a single alternative on the market. At least not one available. Just some custom project.

I must report that if one is satisfied by a conventional led, like for ex. the DriveII or anything that does not use more than 20mA per channel, there is another way that save lot of $$: http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/paradise-kaimana-led-controller-and-accessories/1057-paradise-kaimana-adapter.html

Basically, it works like the same monster mosfet above, with the important difference that it can drive only 20mA/channels leds (or modules). So you can't use these with Helio9 but are fine with DriveII.

The Pixelion board is fully compatible with these "Kaimana Adapters"!!!

In summary, with a single Pixelion I get 170 RGB channels for 170 arcade buttons (that should be sufficient, I think  ). Another one can take care of the RGB-W leds strips and I can reserve 16 RGB-W channels for other jobs. 

As a side note, I must say that Mr. Jeffrey Nygaard, the President of the company that sells the Pixelion, is a very courteous and helpful person. He endured my continuous flow of questions unflinchingly, providing fast and accurate answers.

One policy of the company is to be open to suggestions for improvements on their products / software: this mean that we can * hope * that in the future the software they distribute can integrate more specific and advanced features for arcade projects. That is if there will be enough demand, of course.


What do you think guys?

[dkersten]

That's great and all, but what goal do you have in relation to an arcade cab?  Super bright LED's are cool if you are trying to attract attention, but while playing you don't want a button that is so bright it pulls your eyes from the screen.  Addressable LED's are cool but if your game or FE isn't triggering something on it, then what is the point? 

I'm just wondering, not criticizing.  If you have something cool and unique in mind (outside of just fancy lights on the cab), then by all means, share.

[OTT]

That's great and all, but what goal do you have in relation to an arcade cab?  Super bright LED's are cool if you are trying to attract attention, but while playing you don't want a button that is so bright it pulls your eyes from the screen. 

Agree. Of course Helio9 are great for "attract" sequences. And, while playing, If I feel them distracting I can simply lower the brightness. They are sold not just for show, as you can guess being GGG's top product for button lighting.....

Addressable LED's are cool but if your game or FE isn't triggering something on it, then what is the point? 

I'm just wondering, not criticizing.  If you have something cool and unique in mind (outside of just fancy lights on the cab), then by all means, share.

Addressable leds strips are meant for a precise purpose in my project. They will take care of side-lighting the CP and will execute mostly sequences in stand-alone. Sure, I can even create a specific sequence for a specific game If I want. It's no needed that the FE "triggers something on it".

By the way, I'm still in design phase so it is too early to discuss an actual project.

My main concern for now was to try and found a solution for managing a great number of RGB leds. And this should work.

[JudgeRob]

I'm glad you found something to work for you, but I'm not sure what it does beyond an Arduino Pro Mini and costs triple:

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11113

The Pro Mini has many more inputs and outputs and will be more versatile.  I guess it is less ready right out of the box though...

"Channels" are sort of an inaccurate way to describe the LED string.  The only limit should be the memory available to store the total information. 

FYI, here is a video of half my string running off of an Arduino Mega.

[OTT]

I'm glad you found something to work for you, but I'm not sure what it does beyond an Arduino Pro Mini and costs triple:

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11113

Well, if "costs triple" you mean that Arduino Pro Mini cost $10 and Pixelion $25 then I guess you are right (actually, is 2.5 the price not triple  ).

But, again, Pixelion comes with complete and powerful software. Moreover, easy to use right out the box. As I explained earlier, I have no time nor will to program an Arduino board or try and find out usable code that someone somewhere has written before.

The Pro Mini has many more inputs and outputs and will be more versatile.  I guess it is less ready right out of the box though...

Again, not sure about "more inputs and outputs" and "more versatile". For what purpose? About inputs, I get plenty from 2 x I-PAC + some dedicated encoders (as for the pinball). About "outputs", for what I saw none of the Arduino board can manage the strips (much less the powerful Helio9 modules) as they are "out of the box". You need some dedicated board like this:  https://www.adafruit.com/products/1429 for the strips (Sparkfun and another 20+ similar websites sells semi-identical products at nearly identical price). And let's see: $15 for just 24 channels. Also, if you read the docs, you find out that it has a current limit of merely 15mA per channel (less than Ultimarc's Ultimate or PACLed64) . You can do some modding and raise this limit to about 30mA per channel (see docs), that is still useless for my project. It should be compatible with the mosfet drivers I linked above, but if you do that in fact you have no advantage whatsoever from these Arduino boards over the Pixelion. Also, as clearly stated on the description, you need to meddle with "libraries" just to "getting started to blinking LEDs".....all this compared to $25 for 512 channels + complete software ready-to-go and verified compatibility with both "Kaimana adapter" and the "monster mosfet" (see my previous post). Also the sequences can be executed in stand-alone.

"Channels" are sort of an inaccurate way to describe the LED string.  The only limit should be the memory available to store the total information.

That if you don't do addressable RGB-W strips....... Also, I need the board for a lot of buttons outputs, too, and the 14 I/O that Arduino Mini provides are totally useless in this regard. If we want to talk about a more versatile and featured Arduino-like board, then the "Kaimana" is the only one worth discussing. I considered it for a long time but - apart that it is still "Out of stock" for a lifetime already - still for my needs I think that the Pixelion route offers a LOT more and for much less cost.

[dkersten]

Curious how you will take a controller like that and interface button colors with your FE or with MAME, particularly if you aren't interested in programming things yourself.

[OTT]

Curious how you will take a controller like that and interface button colors with your FE or with MAME, particularly if you aren't interested in programming things yourself.

It seems that many people here are very curious, indeed.....this curiosity is specially addressed to look for alleged problems in a project that, as specified, is still at an early stage and moreover, about which know nothing.

The fact that I don't want to program an Arduino board myself did not mean that IF I will ever need some code (for MAME or whatever) I cannot do it. Or that some other guy that works with me in this project can't do it.

I created this thread in order to seek a viable and smart solution for managing RGB addressable strips.

Some people intervened in a constructive manner: talking about their own experiences, difficulties and solutions.

I really appreciate that.

Meanwhile it happen that I discovered a board that - guess what? - is especially made to manage leds strips. Particularly suitable for addressable strips, that is exactly what interest me the most.

Not only that, but it comes with a complete software specially designed for leds strips & the sequences can be executed in stand-alone. I can't ask for more.

The difference in price with an Arduino solution is - at most - $10, not talking about all the limits of Arduino in this regard, some of which I explained above.

The avoidance of pain to create from scratch (or almost) a decent software that manage the leds is worth $10?  In MY opinion YES. (and anyway your program could possibly be compared to professional software?)

All this in regard of the main point of this thread.

THEN I also thought that I can use this board for lighting the buttons. In order to verify my idea, I asked many questions to the guy that designed the board: it can be done.

Therefore, I thought that it was appropriate, for me:

- tell to all those who follow this thread that I think I've found the solution to the problem which is the subject of the thread itself

- expose a possibility (that I think is very interesting) that came up unexpectedly: maybe this board can offer a real alternative to LEDWiz or similar products from Ultimarc, especially if you plan to use RGB lighted buttons.

That's all.

You're not interested? Fine.

[JudgeRob]

My bad, I thought you wanted more total control over your LEDs. 

If you want a more dedicated board with software, I would consider the FadeCandy.  I don't know much about it, but at least it is made by the same supplier of your LEDs.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/1689

[dkersten]

Curious how you will take a controller like that and interface button colors with your FE or with MAME, particularly if you aren't interested in programming things yourself.

It seems that many people here are very curious, indeed.....this curiosity is specially addressed to look for alleged problems in a project that, as specified, is still at an early stage and moreover, about which know nothing.

The fact that I don't want to program an Arduino board myself did not mean that IF I will ever need some code (for MAME or whatever) I cannot do it. Or that some other guy that works with me in this project can't do it.

If you come to an Arcade Controls forum asking questions about LED's, the assumption is you want to put them in your controls or in your cabinet.  Pretty much everyone who has commented has experience putting LEDs in arcade cabinets.  If you ask here, don't get offended when we assume you are talking about arcade controls and playing emulated games.  The "alleged problems" are very real.

I created this thread in order to seek a viable and smart solution for managing RGB addressable strips.

And several were offered up, including ways to make them work with the games you will play, which would seem to be the point in using RGB LED's in an arcade cabinet.  Somehow this offended you.

Some people intervened in a constructive manner: talking about their own experiences, difficulties and solutions.

I offered up quite a bit of good info.  Sorry if it isn't pertinent to the arcade controls you are planning to build.

Meanwhile it happen that I discovered a board that - guess what? - is especially made to manage leds strips. Particularly suitable for addressable strips, that is exactly what interest me the most.

Not only that, but it comes with a complete software specially designed for leds strips & the sequences can be executed in stand-alone. I can't ask for more.

So what are you still doing here?  Go build your controls and your cab and come back and show us all how much better your solution is than the ones offered up.  Why trash on other solutions, especially when those offering them up have actually implemented them in arcade cabs and you haven't?

The avoidance of pain to create from scratch (or almost) a decent software that manage the leds is worth $10?  In MY opinion YES. (and anyway your program could possibly be compared to professional software?)

making addressable LED's light up is easy and has been done a million times.  The scripts are out there and even one member here offered to give you his...

All this in regard of the main point of this thread.

THEN I also thought that I can use this board for lighting the buttons. In order to verify my idea, I asked many questions to the guy that designed the board: it can be done.

Therefore, I thought that it was appropriate, for me:

- tell to all those who follow this thread that I think I've found the solution to the problem which is the subject of the thread itself

- expose a possibility (that I think is very interesting) that came up unexpectedly: maybe this board can offer a real alternative to LEDWiz or similar products from Ultimarc, especially if you plan to use RGB lighted buttons.

So your main point isn't to talk about addressable LEDs, it's to talk about LEDs in arcade buttons.  Cool, so how are you going to tell the controller what color to use for the selected game?  If you can't use LEDBlinky, then the only solution I can think of is to write your own script for each game to tell the controller what to do. 

That controller sounds great, and if you can get Arzoo to make LEDBlinky work with this controller, then there might be some interest.  If I were looking to make buttons change colors per the game I am playing, I would probably choose a controller compatible with LEDBlinky first, then LEDs that work with that controller.  This controller wouldn't work.

I can appreciate thinking outside the box, but if you come in with an attitude of superiority, I am going to assume you already solved all of the above mentioned roadblocks.  I just want to know what your solution is.  Perhaps my intuition is right and you are putting the cart before the horse in coming up with a way to control the LEDs before coming up with a way to control the controller, or perhaps you do have a great solution that won't require programming.  Sounds like you want to keep it a secret though, so I await your reveal.

[OTT]

My bad, I thought you wanted more total control over your LEDs. 

If you want a more dedicated board with software, I would consider the FadeCandy.  I don't know much about it, but at least it is made by the same supplier of your LEDs.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/1689

Why you apologize?

You given me suggestions and even offered your code 

I appreciate your help!

As I explained, I need to drive multiple RGB-W addressable strips - and this is one thing.

Another thing is that I would like an "easy" solution (and - why not? maybe even cheap!) for managing a great number of powerful RGB leds.

[OTT]

If you ask here, don't get offended ......

I will keep this short: from your reply it's apparent to everyone which of us thinks he is offended here......(furthermore, absolutely with no reason)

Somehow this offended you......

This insistence on continuing to make assumptions only makes indisputably clear WHO act like an offended person......

Sorry if it isn't pertinent to the arcade controls you are planning to build.

Not only offended  but perhaps you have a guilty conscience, too?

Why trash on other solutions.......

NEVER did that. Where? How? Tell me! Ah, I see: another assumption in support of your personal conjecture.....

I can appreciate thinking outside the box, but if you come in with an attitude of superiority......

Again, the same as above: it is crystal clear WHO came here "with an attitude of superiority".

It seems that you have fun to argue over nothing, which however does not suit my style.

Also, I value my time greatly. This mean that FOR ME this discussion ends here.

If you like to continue along this line, feel free to do it alone.

Thanks

[OTT]

If you want a more dedicated board with software, I would consider the FadeCandy.  I don't know much about it, but at least it is made by the same supplier of your LEDs.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/1689

I forgot to reply on your suggestion: nice! It looks much like the Pixelion. The specs are similar.

Even the price is the same..... 

I will look more into it: I don't know if it can offer some advantages over Pixelion, but surely it's worth getting some insights.

Thanks!

[thagerty]

I just installed addressable LEDS in my virtual pinball cabinet, and boy I would LOVE to see LEDBlinky be able to support them. It would be amazing to be use these strips with arcade and pc games!

Here's some pics and a video to show what it looks like. A game changer for pinball as it offers animations and effects that are triggered by the pinball table itself (via DOF software and Visual Pinball)

The controller I'm using for the addressable LEDS is a Teensy. I also use LED-Wiz to control the other normal RGB LED strips, solenoids, beacon, strobes, and other toys in the cabinet. My control panel LEDS are NOT controlled and just connected to a switch.



















Video demo in Pinball X: