How to Use Adafruit LED Sequin - Rose Pink: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit LED Sequin - Rose Pink is a compact, sewable electronic component that integrates a single LED with a built-in resistor. This component is specifically designed for wearable projects, allowing designers and hobbyists to add light and color to textiles and clothing. The LED Sequin can be controlled by a microcontroller, such as an Arduino, to create various lighting effects including blinking, fading, or color-changing patterns.

• Wearable electronics (e.g., costumes, fashion accessories)
• E-textiles and smart garments
• Decorative lighting for fabric-based projects
• Educational projects to teach electronics and sewing

• Color: Rose Pink
• Operating Voltage: 3.0V - 6.0V
• Current Draw: ~5mA (at 3.3V)
• Brightness: Typical
• Diameter: 12.5mm / 0.5"
• Height: 2.7mm / 0.1"
• Weight: 0.4g

1. Power Supply: Connect the '+' pin to a power supply between 3.0V and 6.0V. For use with an Arduino, connect to one of the digital I/O pins.
2. Ground Connection: Connect the '-' pin to the ground (GND) of your power source or microcontroller.
3. Sewing: Use conductive thread to sew the LED Sequin into your textile project, ensuring that the connections are secure and insulated from each other to prevent short circuits.
4. Microcontroller Control: To control the LED Sequin with an Arduino, use a digital output pin to turn the LED on and off.

• Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed 6.0V to prevent damaging the LED.
• When sewing, make sure that the conductive threads do not touch each other as this can create a short circuit.
• If multiple LED Sequins are used, ensure that they are connected correctly in parallel, with all '+' pins and all '-' pins connected to their respective lines.
• To diffuse the light from the LED Sequin, consider using a layer of translucent fabric over the LED.

// Define the pin connected to the LED Sequin
const int ledPin = 9; // PWM pin for dimming capability

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // Set the LED pin as an output
}

void loop() {
  analogWrite(ledPin, 127); // Set the brightness to 50%
  delay(1000);              // Wait for 1 second
  analogWrite(ledPin, 255); // Set the brightness to 100%
  delay(1000);              // Wait for 1 second
}

• LED Not Lighting Up: Ensure that the power supply is correctly connected and within the specified voltage range. Check for any loose threads or poor connections.
• LED Too Dim: Verify that the power supply voltage is sufficient and that the microcontroller's output pin is providing the correct signal.
• Short Circuit: If the LED Sequin is not functioning and the power supply is correct, inspect the sewn connections for any shorts caused by overlapping conductive threads.

• Double-check all connections, especially if the LED Sequin is not lighting up.
• Use a multimeter to verify the voltage at the LED Sequin's pins.
• If using multiple LED Sequins, ensure they are not drawing more current than the power supply or microcontroller pin can handle.
• Consider adding a small switch to the circuit to easily turn the LED Sequin on and off.

Q: Can I wash garments with LED Sequins sewn in? A: Yes, but hand washing is recommended, and the power supply should be removed before washing. Ensure the garment is completely dry before reconnecting the power.

Q: How many LED Sequins can I connect to a single Arduino pin? A: It depends on the current limit of the Arduino pin (typically 20-40mA). As each LED Sequin draws approximately 5mA, you can connect up to 4-8 LED Sequins in parallel to a single pin without exceeding the current limit.