How to Use NeoPixel / WS2812 16-bit Ring Using Arduino Nano

WS2812 is an LED Module which consists of RGB LEDs and its control chip integrated in a 5050 component package.

Features and Benefits:

• Control circuit and RGB chip are integrated in a package of 5050 components.
• Built-in signal reshaping circuit.
• Built-in electric reset circuit and power lost reset circuit.
• Cascading port transmission signal by single line.

• Send data at speeds of 800Kbps.

See the datasheet for more info WS2812

The components you need for this tutorial :

• 16 Bit WS2812 RGB LED.
• Arduino Nano V.3
• Jumper wire
• Mini USB

Required Library :

• Adafruit NeoPixel

To add a library to Arduino, see this article "How to Add an External Library to Arduino"

Follow the instructions below to connect WS2812 to Arduino Nano :

WS2812 to Arduino

IN ==> D6

VCC ==> +5V

GND ==> GND

Open Arduino IDE

Click File > Examples > Adafruit NeoPixel > strandtest

You must change some values from this sketch,

What must be changed is as follows:

• Pin used

#define LED_PIN    6

• Number of LEDs

#define LED_COUNT 16

• Set Brightness

strip.setBrightness(10);

Set the values above according to your needs

After that, upload the sketch to Arduino.

You can see the results on the video