27 replies to this topic

[JasonLyvers]

I really like TerryReds LED strips on the back of his playfield, beneith the backbox. I want that, but Im wondering if the LED matrix below is a good alternative for the 8 individual LED strips. Id need 2 of the matrices, but it is a little simpler to install - less wiring and soldering. The matrices appear to be a little cheaper too vs 8 strips.

Has anyone tried to use these? Any reasons why the matrix wouldnt give me the same result as strips? Is the setup (in DOF, or elsewhere) of a matrix any more complicated than the strips?

CHINLY 8x32 256 Pixels WS2812B Digital Flexible LED Panel Individually addressable Full Dream color lighting DC5V https://www.amazon.c...i_WYi6zb3ABXJJ9

[NailBuster]

I recently got one of these delivered not too long ago....Once I get some time I'm planning on implementing it within my vpin as well.

 

Are you sure you'd need TWO of them?  that's a LOT of light...512 ws2812bs are going to take a lot of AMPS at 5V.  I was thinking of getting two smaller ones 8x8s to go with the large one (making a total 48 leds across).  You can look at my build photo gallery to get an idea of how wide one of those are.

 

I got mine for about $25 USD from China.

 

Let me know if you plan on getting one as well.  Whoever figures it out first can help the other

[tthurman]

Looks like a lot less work for sure.
 
https://www.youtube....h?v=1k2-Tx5zeUc

[NailBuster]

Had some time to 'play' with the matrix LEDs last night.  WORKS!!! 

 

I used an esp8266/(wemos d1) as the ledstrip driver (got the info from 'another' pinball board about using the esp8266 emulating the teensy strip controller).

 

Tried a few VPX/DOF games on my desktop and the matrix works.  It is really bright (have to tone down the brightness level)!

 

If you need any help let me know....btw heres the cabinet.xml section that works for my matrix.  (btw:  I have no idea what fadingcurvename does)

<LedStrip>
<Name>PF Back</Name>
<Width>32</Width>
<Height>8</Height>
<LedStripArrangement>BottomUpAlternateRightLeft</LedStripArrangement>
<ColorOrder>GRB</ColorOrder>
<FirstLedNumber>1</FirstLedNumber>
<FadingCurveName>Linear0To224</FadingCurveName>
<OutputControllerName>TeensyStripController</OutputControllerName>
</LedStrip>

[Outhere]

Nice

I wonder how that will work if a person adds two of the 8x8 will this Simply Be

<Width>48</Width>
<Height>8</Height>

[tthurman]

Wow, this looks like the way to go.

Never mind, one of the pictures clears up any confusion.

 

Anyone really know how big this is?

 

8x32 256

Size: L6.3in*W3.1in*H0.1in

 

Product Dimensions 4 x 0.7 x 13 inches

 

???

Edited by tthurman, 24 October 2017 - 03:51 PM.

[JasonLyvers]

I went ahead and ordered 3 8x32 matrices. My interior playfield width is 28.5 inches, this will give me 19 inches of lights. Any obvious reason it wont work with Teensy 3.2? Everything gets delivered tomorrow -looking forward to testing it out.

Edited by JasonLyvers, 24 October 2017 - 03:29 PM.

[tthurman]

The third picture down on the link you provided shows each matrix at 12.6 inches, so wouldn't 3 of these give you nearly 38 inches of coverage?

 

What power supply did you go with?

[JasonLyvers]

Interesting - the description has different dimensions.
Have not purchased a PS yet. I assume I need 1 per matrix, right?

Edited by JasonLyvers, 24 October 2017 - 05:27 PM.

[tthurman]

Matching power supplies are down in the description area, with a promotional 5% discount when purchased together. 

I'm trying to figure which one though as it indicates:

 

Type:WS2812b led digital flexible panel light,Work voltage: DC 5V,Power:76.8W,Highly smart. Each LED is individually addressable. You can set each LED as you wish to scroll messages or draw little images.

 

Which in layman translates into you need at least 200w to run two of these panels.  256 pixel at .3 each = 76.8W

 

I have no idea if that's correct, because the 25w shows compatibility with this matrix, which doesn't jive with 76.8W.

Edited by tthurman, 24 October 2017 - 05:35 PM.

[JasonLyvers]

This should do it, right?

Mean Well RSP-320-5 300W 5 Volt Power Supply with PFC for LED Signs https://www.amazon.c...i_HK37zbA20DQ9K

[tthurman]

I believe it would be overkill, and that my logic above is incorrect.

 

Keeping in mind that TerryRed purchased 144 per meter LEDs, and has 6 rows (I believe) he is over 700 LEDs at 5v, and running that with a 60A power supply.

 

At 32 across a 12.6 inch span on this matrix, these are give or take ~ 96 per meter, so the density is actually lower buy roughly 1/3 than that you see in Terry's setup.

 

Based on one I was just reading about, that power supply would light up about 15' of signage.

Edited by tthurman, 24 October 2017 - 05:59 PM.

[JasonLyvers]

Maybe this is a better fit?

Mean Well LRS-350-5 Switching Power Supply 300W 5V 60A 115Vac or 230Vac https://www.amazon.c...i_Uj47zbV7CTTNE

[NailBuster]

it's my understanding that each led/pixel will need 60ma when showing 'white' (RGB 100%).   

 

So if my math is right an 8x32 matrix would need 15.4A at 5V full white/brightness (always good to plan for more)...make sure you wear shades though   

Nice

I wonder how that will work if a person adds two of the 8x8 will this Simply Be

<Width>48</Width>
<Height>8</Height>

as long as the LedStripArrangement is the same on all parts then it should be that simple....

[NailBuster]

this is how I'm planning my back light-bar:

 

[JasonLyvers]

NailBuster - what is the length/width of your matrix? Your pixel density looks good - Tthurman made me paranoid about the ones I ordered.

[tthurman]

Sorry Jason, I'm trying to learn about this aspect myself, and my intention wasn't to create undue stress.  The specs seem to be vague on those matrix panels, I could easily (and often am) be wrong!

[NailBuster]

NailBuster - what is the length/width of your matrix? Your pixel density looks good - Tthurman made me paranoid about the ones I ordered.

My 32x8 led matrix is approx 12.5" wide x 3.25" high

[Outhere]

My Addressable setup

-

This is my Cabinet.xml

https://www.vpforums...=41358&p=418818

 

For the back

I bought 2 of the 8x8 an one 8x32 and Hooked them together, Used three spots for power and it is very bright

The 8x32 led matrix is approx 12.5" x 3.25" and the 8x8 approx 3.25" Square

And it Looks Great

8x8

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

8x32

https://www.amazon.c...i_WYi6zb3ABXJJ9

-

http://www.vpforums....093#entry393762

For the sides

144 led / meter strips      https://www.ebay.com...=item23591931a0

 

How to Set Up Addressable LED Strips    http://www.vpforums....showtopic=36156

LED Matrix    http://www.vpforums....topic=38892&hl=

Edited by Outhere, 25 December 2018 - 04:18 PM.

[bluejy2]

I have 2 of the 8x32 side by side for one continuous martix---works well.   One question---with two of  them side by side, I have about an extra 3 inches of matrix that slightly curls aroudn the side of the backbox.  Anyone ever entertains cutting the matrix--thinking about removing about 4 columns to get one nice flush display across the back.   Might be a 35$ risk but certianly someone has tried to cut one of these before right?