How to Use Adafruit DotStar Strip 60M_B: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit DotStar Strip 60M_B is a high-density, digitally-addressable LED strip that provides advanced control of color and brightness, enabling the creation of intricate lighting effects. This strip is ideal for a wide range of applications, from DIY projects and art installations to commercial lighting and interactive displays.

• Decorative lighting for homes and commercial spaces
• Wearable electronics and fashion accessories
• Signage and backlit displays
• Stage design and theatrical lighting
• Prototyping and educational projects

• LED Density: 60 LEDs per meter
• Voltage: 5V DC
• Current: ~18mA per LED at full brightness
• Power Ratings: ~90W for a full 5-meter strip at full brightness
• Communication: Two-wire SPI-like protocol

1. Power Supply: Connect the 5V and GND pins to a suitable 5V power supply, ensuring that it can provide sufficient current for the number of LEDs you intend to use.
2. Data Connection: Connect the CI (Clock Input) and DI (Data Input) to the microcontroller's digital output pins.
3. Microcontroller Setup: Program the microcontroller to send data to the DotStar strip using the appropriate library and protocol.

• Power Requirements: Calculate the total current requirement based on the number of LEDs and ensure the power supply can handle the load.
• Voltage Drop: For longer strips, be aware of voltage drop. Power the strip at both ends or inject power at multiple points along the strip.
• Heat Dissipation: Ensure proper heat dissipation to prevent overheating and damage to the LEDs.
• Data Signal Integrity: Keep the data and clock lines as short as possible to maintain signal integrity.

#include <Adafruit_DotStar.h>
#include <SPI.h> // Use SPI library

#define NUMPIXELS 60 // Number of LEDs in strip
#define DATAPIN    4
#define CLOCKPIN   5

// Create DotStar object:
Adafruit_DotStar strip = Adafruit_DotStar(
  NUMPIXELS, DATAPIN, CLOCKPIN, DOTSTAR_BRG);

void setup() {
  strip.begin(); // Initialize pins for output
  strip.show();  // Turn all LEDs off ASAP
}

void loop() {
  int i;
  
  // Some example procedures showing how to display to the pixels:
  for(i=0; i<strip.numPixels(); i++) { // For each pixel...
    strip.setPixelColor(i, strip.Color(0, 255, 0)); // Set pixel's color (in this case: Green)
    strip.show();   // Update strip to match
    delay(50);      // Pause for a moment
  }
}

• LEDs Not Lighting Up: Check power supply connections and ensure the microcontroller is correctly programmed and connected.
• Incorrect Colors: Verify that the data and clock pins are connected to the correct pins on the microcontroller.
• Flickering LEDs: This may be due to insufficient power or noise in the data signal. Check power supply and data line integrity.

• Power Issues: Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the start and end of the strip.
• Data and Clock Connections: Double-check the connections and ensure they are secure.
• Code Verification: Ensure that the code uploaded to the microcontroller matches the intended design and uses the correct library functions.

Q: Can I cut the strip to a shorter length? A: Yes, the strip can be cut at designated points, usually marked with a line and scissor icon.

Q: How do I attach multiple strips together? A: Strips can be soldered together at the designated solder pads for extending length.

Q: What is the maximum length I can use without experiencing voltage drop? A: This depends on the power supply and the gauge of the power wires, but typically, you should inject power every 1 to 2 meters to prevent voltage drop.

Q: Can I control the strip with a 3.3V microcontroller? A: While the strip is rated for 5V, many users have successfully driven DotStar strips with 3.3V logic. However, for reliable operation, level shifting to 5V may be necessary.