Help with coding Arduino for Adafruit Neopixels

Ok, I got it

I did a lot of research and learning last night.

I wrote my own functions to do what I am looking for.

It is up and working well.

fadeOut(t); is for a normal speed fade out

ffadeOut(t); is for a faster fadeout by a factor of 4

the blackout() function is to make sure all pixels are set back to 0, 0, 0 instead of hanging on to their previous color setting and I use the blackout() by itself at points.

This is working great for what I need.

void fadeOut(int time) {
  for (int ii = 0; ii < 255; ++ii) {
    strip.setBrightness(255-ii);
    strip.show();
    delay (time);
  }
  blackout();
}

void ffadeOut(int time) {
  for (int ii = 0; ii < 64; ++ii) {
    int hh = ii*4;
    strip.setBrightness(255-hh);
    strip.show();
    delay (time);
  }
  blackout();
}
  
  void blackout() {
    strip.setPixelColor(0, 0, 0, 0);
    strip.setPixelColor(1, 0, 0, 0);
    strip.setPixelColor(2, 0, 0, 0);
    strip.setPixelColor(3, 0, 0, 0);
    strip.setBrightness(255);
    strip.show();
  }

Yes I agree Peter, It is always more fulfilling to problem solve yourself.

It turned out that one of the problems I had was that I was writing my function repeat line incorrectly.

A simple mistake like using a ( instead of a { can really jack you up.

For this project I am going to leave the blackout code alone but I have another upcoming project using a LOT more pixels where your idea for that function will certainly come in handy.

Thank you for that.

I spent a couple hours last night trimming some of the fat out of my sketch to make it fit the space available on an ATtiny85 chip.

I got it loaded and working on my prototype, now I just need to wait for the rest of the parts to arrive so I can finish making the final project for my wife.

I wish someone made an ultra small board or chip that only had a few pins like the ATtiny85 but had a lot more code room.

I usually only need 2-3 pins for my projects but having more than 8k flash would be nice and not have to step up to a ATmega chip.

Oh, I have so been there and feel you pain, it seems the manufacturers don't agree with us at this point in time. More RAM/FLASH in their books must mean you need more pins. I have done so many projects like yours where only a few pins are needed but have had to use chips with 40 to 100 pins or more just to get the flash and ram space. The irony is a significant part of the cost of chips is packaging and therefor it would make sense you and I that a big slice of silicon in a small package make perfect sense.... In a perfect world....Ah well.

Peter,

I was doing some searching for information on an Ethernet module and I found a thread of yours about using a DHT22 over internet.

I have a similar project in use that uses 2 DS18B20 sensors. Unfortunately the DHT11 and 22 modules will not work up here other than indoors.

Your thread gave me a couple ideas on improving my project.

Currently mine is only accessible on my local net not on the internet, that is one improvement I would like to make.

I am also looking to downsize the footprint. Currently it is an Uno with 2 shields on it (Ethernet and LCD) I am looking into one of the Nokia graphic LCD modules and using a nano and ENC28J60 module instead of the Ethernet shield.

I am looking at this module: http://www.ebay.com/itm/400670277069

Any experience with this?

One day i do hope to see an ATtiny85 size package with 32K flash, But I am just dreaming I am sure.

No experience with that specific module but I have used the 328 in many custom boards and extensive use of the ENC chip, if you use the library i linked to in the other article you should have no issues converting from Wiz net to it.

The DHT22 does have a wider temp range than the 11, not sure why you would not be able to use it. the DS18B20 are also very capable devices, just no humidity sensor.

you should have no issues with this combination. Some of my projects actually have both the DS18B20 and DHt22/11 devices, so long as there are pins and memory available, there should be no problems,

As for extra flash, it is possible that Texas MSP430 range may have something and the nice thing is they have an IDE that is 99.9% same as Arduino (Color is different ), just google Launch pad and MSP430 for loads of info

I've just had a read through all of this and it was incredibly helpful as I'm doing something with neopixels that is very similar. Many thanks!

Thank you for this information, it has helped me as well.

I wish to try something slightly different however.

I have 7 Neopixels in a row, and currently they run as an individual LED, I want them to run as a group, so all light the same colour at the same time, stay up on that colour for around 20secs (adjustable), then fade out and in to the next colour.

I don't seem to be able to make it work, and have been looking for help for a few weeks now.

It might be nice to have a group colour, slide through some RGB colours then lock onto another group colour, or something like that.

I am open to ideas. This is for a desktop display in my radio shack.

Look forward to any help and replies.

Regards Kevin.

Hey,

terribly sorry for dragging up an old post!!

im trying to use neo pixels my self for a project and ive run into an issue that i think is associated with the " delay(wait); " bit at the end. does any body know how to use milis() for example to get rid of the delay.

or if its even possible to do so?

thanks in advance!, Brett.

Not exactly sure what you mean, but for a use of "millis()", check the debounce example: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Debounce