LED Lighting (12V) - quasics/quasics-frc-sw-2015 GitHub Wiki
Sample wiring instructions for 12V LED strips
Addressable LEDs (like the WS2811) allow us to control every single light individually. This is perfect for signaling robot statesโlike changing color when a vision target is locked or flashing red if a motor temp is too high.
[!CAUTION] CRITICAL SAFETY: We are using 12V LEDs. The RoboRIO PWM ports are designed for 5V. If 12V touches the RoboRIO signal or power pins, the RoboRIO will likely be destroyed. Always have a mentor double-check your wiring before powering on.
๐ Wiring Procedure
๐ Step 1: Identify Your Strip
| Feature | Legacy 12V (WS2811) | Modern 12V (REV/GS8208) |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Points | Every 3 LEDs (approx. 2 inches) | Every 1 LED |
| Granularity | 3 LEDs = 1 Pixel (Grouped) | 1 LED = 1 Pixel (Individual) |
| Appearance | Large black IC chips every 3 LEDs | Tiny ICs inside or next to every LED |
๐ ๏ธ Required Components
- 12V LED Strip (Identify type above).
- REV Power Distribution Hub (PDH).
- RoboRIO 2.0 (Any PWM port).
- 5A ATO Fuse.
- Sacrificed PWM Cable (3-wire).
๐ Wiring Procedure
1. PDH Power
- Connect 12V (Red): Insert the strip's 12V wire into a positive WAGO terminal on the PDH.
- Connect GND (Black): Insert the strip's Ground wire into the negative WAGO terminal.
- Fuse: Insert a 5A fuse into the corresponding PDH slot.
2. RoboRIO Data (The "Brain")
- The Safety Cut: Take your PWM cable and CUT THE RED (5V) WIRE. Tape it back or heat-shrink it. Do not connect this to the 12V strip.
- Signal: Connect the White/Yellow PWM wire to the DI (Data In) pad on the strip.
- Common Ground: Splice the Black PWM wire into the GND line of the LED strip.
- Note: The strip GND is now shared between the PDH and the RoboRIO.
โ๏ธ Cutting & Sizing
For Legacy 12V (3-LED Groups):
- You MUST only cut on the copper pads located every three LEDs.
- If you cut between LEDs within a group, that entire 3-LED segment will die.
For Modern 12V (Individual Pixels):
- You can cut on the copper pads between any two LEDs.
- This allows for much more precise lengths for mounting on robot frames.
๐ Wiring Reference Table
| LED Strip Wire | Connects To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12V (V+) | PDH Positive (+) | Power source. |
| GND (-) | PDH Negative (-) AND PWM Black | Crucial for signal stability. |
| Data (DI) | RoboRIO PWM Signal (White) | High-resolution instructions. |
| CUT & SEAL | RoboRIO PWM 5V (Red) | PREVENTS ROBORIO DESTRUCTION. |
โ Pre-Flight Checklist
- Identify: Did you confirm if your strip is 1-LED or 3-LED granularity?
- Isolation: Is the Red PWM wire cut and unable to touch any metal?
- Direction: Is the data entering at the "Tail" of the arrow on the strip?
- Tug Test: Give every wire a gentle pull to ensure itโs secure in the WAGO or crimp.