ive watched a lot of videos on how to connect leds to the wled controller (im using a plug and play model) but my 12v ws2811 leds just wont turn on.
We would need a lot more info than that. Sorry we can’t read minds.
What controller?
What LEDs?
How are they wired?
What size power supply?
What do you have configured in LED Preferences?
Do the LEDs do anything?
Hello everyone,
I am a new to WLED but have been watching videos for a long time and this is an amazing thing that has been created. THANK YOU!!
Anyways, I am using an ESP WROOM 32 dev board and I have been able to install WLED (the last released). I am able to access it on my PC and my smartphone with the app, but the effects are not working nor the light are turning on. I have tried using GPIO 16 & 17. But it just doesn’t work.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks!
Hi @at_sclh and @umr Welcome
the WS2811 are pretty simple and shouidt work aout of the box perfect
to check the ESP see the pinout on wikipedia of your ESP as offen the PIN number isent the GPIO Wled is refering the Signal
USE the Strip directly on the Port GPIO-> DATA max 20cm cable see the correct DATA Direction on the Stripe Longer needs a levelshifter 74HCT
THE 5V for the LED needs to be deivided into 3.3 for the ESP is there a Board involved like LM2596
If you are only working on LEDS below 400Nodes you are better up on a OLD ESP8266
as it needs no extra components just plug and play
Incorrect. It does not matter if you are using an Esp8266, Esp32, Esp32 C2, c3 or whatever one they come out with next. You should still have a level shifter. You may get away without one at short distances (with any Esp), but still better to use one then to chase issues due to poor data if they show up. Esp’s ALL output 3.3v at the GPIO’s and addressable LEDs are spec’ed for 5v data.
There is no reason to bother with an Esp8266 if you are just starting out. The Esp32 is better in every way and is much more capable with it’s faster processor(s) ram/memory. Things are becoming more and more give and take when using an 8266.
Hello,
@Jinx
WS2812b
5v 20Amp SMPS → plus minus direct into the strip
ESP32 is plugged into a power bank and does show online on my mobile app.
GPIO17 is connected to the data port in the strip using a small jumper cable. I have tried multiple GPIO pins in case if the data is going through a different pin.
In LED Preferences, I have set 300 LEDs/Offset X,Y, 0,0. 1D strip.
LEDs do not do anything.
Thanks!
Did you set GPIO 17 in LED Preferences?
You also need to have common ground between the Esp, LEDs, and LEDs power supply. So you need to add a ground wire from the Esp’s ground to the LEDs
Try setting a smaller # of LEDs till you get them working. If only applying power to the beginning of the strip, I doubt you will be able to power 300 LEDs. You will likely need to inject more power further down and or at the far end of the strip.
If your 12V WS2811 LEDs aren’t turning on with the WLED controller, here are a few troubleshooting steps:
-
Power Supply: Ensure your power supply is sufficient for the LED strip’s requirements. For WS2811, check that it’s 12V and can provide enough current.
-
Wiring: Double-check your wiring connections. Make sure:
- The positive and negative wires from the power supply are correctly connected to the LED strip.
- The data line from the WLED controller is connected to the correct data input on the LED strip.
-
Configuration: In the WLED app or web interface, make sure the LED type is set to WS2811 and the correct voltage is selected.
-
Data Signal: If you’re using a long run of LEDs, consider using a level shifter to boost the data signal to ensure it’s strong enough to reach the end of the strip.
-
Testing: Test the LED strip directly with a simple Arduino setup or another controller to verify that the strip itself is functioning. https://www.zouser.com/
If everything checks out and they still won’t light up, it might be helpful to recheck the connections and configurations or consult the WLED community for more specific guidance.
its all good now… turns out the data line wasnt in 
Hello guys, Thank you for the help. I was able to make it work by using another jumper cable. I think that cable was faulty.
It is working well.
Now I need help with Segmentation.
I have a Panel which is 16 X 32(H,W). I want to try making 4 segments of 4x32 each. Any links to the documentation would be great. or any tips or suggestions?
I am getting confused at the part where is says “Start X; Stop X” & “Start Y; Stop y”. What values are supposed to be entered?
Many thanks,
@at_sclh