12V WS2811 LED strip not working

Issues
1

I’m having trouble getting my 12V WS2811 LED strip to respond to my ESP32 running WLED (v0.15.1)

Here’s my setup:

  • ESP32 NodeMCU connected via USB to my laptop (WLED successfully installed).

  • Power supply: 12V, 150W (12.5A) powering the LED strip.

  • Common ground between ESP32, power supply, and LED strip.

  • Data pin: GPIO16 (also tested GPIO18 and GPIO23).

  • Logic level shifter: tried a small MOSFET-based one (HV/LV type) and a 74HCT245 (HW-221).

  • Connections:

    • ESP32 3.3V → LV (on shifter)

    • ESP32 5V → HV (on shifter)

    • ESP32 GND → GND (shared with LED power supply)

    • ESP32 GPIO16 → LV1

    • Shifter HV1 → LED strip DIN

    • LED +12V and GND → power supply

The strip powers on (it lights up in a solid color — usually blue), so power and ground seem fine.
WLED runs correctly and I can control it from the app or web interface.

When I change the color order setting from GRB to RGB, the LEDs do change color — so it’s receiving something, but no other effects, brightness, or color commands work.

We tried multiple GPIO pins, confirmed correct direction of the strip (DIN side), and also tested both with and without the level shifter, but still no response.

Any ideas on what could cause the WS2811 to stay lit but ignore WLED data?
Thanks in advance for any help!

1 Like
2

I have a similar case with mine. I am running rope lighting and could not find out what lights they were other than the marking on the : 12v 720 leds/m-rgb. I wasn’t sure what drop down to use in the leds drop tried all of them but nothing but a blue rope. Maybe someone will have an idea..?

Dale Se

3

use proper levelshifters, see docs and wiring guides