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Unboxing

Adam Haile edited this page May 13, 2017 · 32 revisions

Which Version?

The AllPixel and AllPixelMini provides easy USB control of all the major programmable LED strip types. It is compatible with Linux (including the Raspberry Pi), Mac, and Windows platforms, and is capable of driving up to 700 LEDs at high frame rates.

There are currently two versions of the AllPixel.

The original AllPixel comes with the main PCB and a bagful of optional parts:

And the newer AllPixelMini which is smaller and is fully assembled:

If you have the newer AllPixelMini as shown above, congratulations! You can skip directly to connecting the AllPixelMini to your computer. Otherwise, continue below.

Original AllPixel Kit Parts

The kit comes with the AllPixel board with all surface-mount components pre-soldered. A handful of through-hole parts are included and can be installed based on the LED type you intend to use and how you want to connect the LEDs and external power. A USB cable is also included.

Check that you have the following parts:

  • 1 - AllPixel PCB
  • 1 - USB cable
  • 1 - 2.1mm DC barrel jack
  • 1 - 4-pin 0.1" male header (for use on breadboards)
  • 1 - 4-pin screw terminal block (for easy LED hook-up)
  • 1 - 1000uF capacitor (recommended for some LED types, but can be installed regardless of LED type)
  • 2 - 300 Ohm 1/8W DATA and CLK resistors (recommended for some LED types, but can be installed regardless of LED type)
  • 1 - 1N5817 Schottky diode (for USB power mode)

The PowerTap

The PowerTap is a small board that allows for easy linking of LED strips. There are input and output 4-pin screw terminals, along with a DC barrel jack for easy insertion of additional power and a 1000uF capacitor for power line noise control.

Note that the GND, CLK, and DATA pins are connected from input to output, but the V+ lines are not. The PowerTap will only output power to the "Output" screw terminal. This way, if you're using multiple different power supplies across a long run of LEDs, the power supplies are isolated such that small voltage differences won't cause potentially damaging interference (I.E. a slightly higher output supply won't try and "charge" a slightly lower output supply).

Check that you have the following parts:

  • 1 - PowerTap PCB
  • 1 - 2.1mm DC barrel jack
  • 2 - 4-pin screw terminal blocks (for easy LED hook-up)
  • 1 - 1000uF capacitor (recommended for some LED types, but can be installed regardless of LED type)

Home | Installing Optional Components