What is it?

A DIY Raspberry Pi Cape PCB, that provides control of two separate WS281x LED strands.

• Source voltage input (max 36Vin) powers both the Raspberry Pi (through regulated 5V, 1.5A DC/DC converter) and attached LEDs
• Two 3-terminal ports (VDC, Data and GND) for two buffered (74AHCT125/33R) WS281x data and power outputs
• Two 2-terminal ports (VDC and GND) for additional power-output/power-injection
• All 4 VDC ports independently fused at 5A
• On-board EEPROM
• Compact footprint matching the Pi Zero (65mmx30mm), yet works with multiple Raspberry Pi models (2B/3B/3B+). Not recommended for Pi 4.

What makes it special?

Great entry-level product for those interested in a simple, efficient method to power and control WS281x LEDs from a Raspberry Pi (800+ pixels per output at 40fps). Easy to expand with multiple controllers (PiZ Cape and Raspberry Pi), synchronized wirelessly.

Buffered data-signal and fused power are all routed to a convenient terminal-block for LED connections.

Some Assembly Required

Sold as PCB (only) or kit (PCB with the following through-hole components). However, it is highly recommended ($$) to purchase the additional components directly from an electronics supplier.