UPDATED GUIDE: 12mm LED Pixels @CircuitPython #Adafruit #AdafruitLearningSystem @Raspberry_Pi @Adafruit @MakerMelissa
The 12mm LED Pixels guide has been updated and includes setup instructions for usage through User Python code on the Raspberry Pi using Blinka as well as use with CircuitPython.
RGB Pixels are digitally-controllable lights you can set to any color, or animate. Each pixel contains an RGB LED and a controller chip molded into a ‘dot’ of silicone, with flanges so they can be pushed into holes in thin sheet material. The dots are waterproof and rugged — they’re typically used to make outdoor signs.
The display is 3V powered and 3V logic, so we placed it on a fully assembled & tested breakout board with a 3V regulator and level shifting circuitry. The display slots into a ZIF socket on board and we use a piece of double-sided tape to adhere it onto one side. There are four mounting holes so you can easily attach it to a box.
Both types use an 8mm diffused RGB LED (“12mm” refers to the size of the mounting hole for installation) — diffused pixels mix colors nicer. At 5 volts, they draw a maximum of 60 milliamps per pixel: 20 mA each for red, green and blue.