What is it?

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

• Source voltage input (7-36Vin) supplies power to both the attached LEDs and the Raspberry Pi (through regulated 5V, 1.5A DC/DC converter)
• Six 3-terminal ports (Vout, Data and GND) for six buffered (74AHCT125/33R) WS281x data and power outputs
• All six Vout ports independently fused at 5A
• Compact footprint matching the PiB+ (65mmx55mm), yet works with multiple Raspberry Pi models (Zero/2B/3B/3B+). Not recommended for Pi 4.

How is it different than the PiZ Cape 2P

The PiZ Cape 2P provides two separate WS281x data-strands (GPIO18 and GPIO19). The PiZ Cape 6P uses these two data-streams, but splits each output generating two additional data-streams (per output). The two new outputs are offset by 200 and 400 pixels (from the initial output).

For example: if GPIO18 (Port 1A) is set to output starting at pixel 1, then Port 1B will start outputting at pixel 201, and Port 1C will start outputting at pixel 401. GPIO19 (Port 2A) can be set independently, with 2B and 2C following.

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.