# WS281x flickering and connection issues **URL:** \ **Category:** Issues\ **Created:** [March 26, 2024, 5:06pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/ws281x-flickering-and-connection-issues/11447 "2024-03-26T17:06:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ixtends](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ixtends](https://wled.discourse.group/u/ixtends)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 5:06pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/ws281x-flickering-and-connection-issues/11447/1 "2024-03-26T17:06:35Z")
Hi There, i have some issues with the WS2811 12V LED Strip. I have connected a WS2811 12V LED strip to an ESP32. I use a 12V 3A power supply. The level shifter is a TXS0108. I operate the ESP32 with a separate USB power supply, but I have also tried a step-down module, same result. I use firmware 0.14.2. Unfortunately the strip flashes wildly in different colors. I have already replaced all the hardware to avoid defects. I have also tested the entire setup with a 5V WS2812b, with the same result. I seem to have made a mistake somewhere, but I just don’t know where. I have also attached a circuit diagram. Does anyone else have an idea? I am really desperate. Many thanks! ![wled](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/1/164b0f5502e553d4f05f9882082497e923ef64e2.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![divsys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@divsys](https://wled.discourse.group/u/divsys)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 6:10pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/ws281x-flickering-and-connection-issues/11447/2 "2024-03-26T18:10:23Z")
Various folks have had mixed reviews with the TXS devices. Some are OK, some not so much. I don’t have major experience with those devices, I prefer the 74AHCT’ stuff if only because they’re single supply. The suggestions I’d have would be: Try a dedicated pair of lighter (22-26AWG) data and gnd wires. Try a dedicated 3.3V supply for the TXS, even just a 5V-3.3V buckconverter for the TXS. Make sure you have a good 5V supply (2A) for the ESP. Verify there’s common ground between the ESP, power supply(s) and strip ---
**Author:** ![Adled](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/adled/32/6297_2.png) [@Adled](https://wled.discourse.group/u/Adled)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 6:14pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/ws281x-flickering-and-connection-issues/11447/3 "2024-03-26T18:14:21Z")
I run !2v lights on a variety of controllers. I have never needed a level shifter, my controllers are all within one metre of the first led. Try bypassing the level shifter and see if that helps. Alan ---
**Author:** ![divsys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@divsys](https://wled.discourse.group/u/divsys)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/ws281x-flickering-and-connection-issues/11447/4 "2024-03-26T18:41:16Z")
As they say: “There’s 2 types of WLED users - Those who use a level shifter, and those who will” ---
**Author:** ![Adled](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/adled/32/6297_2.png) [@Adled](https://wled.discourse.group/u/Adled)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 6:58pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/ws281x-flickering-and-connection-issues/11447/5 "2024-03-26T18:58:12Z")
Maybe I’ve just been lucky, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Alan ---
**Author:** ![kilrah](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/kilrah/32/5927_2.png) [@kilrah](https://wled.discourse.group/u/kilrah)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/ws281x-flickering-and-connection-issues/11447/6 "2024-03-26T22:21:56Z")
What’s the data wire length between shifter and first LED? For me the TXS0108 have been OK only up to a couple of meters. > [@Adled](#): > > I run !2v lights on a variety of controllers. I have never needed a level shifter Some strips work without shifter e.g. individual WS2815 pixels but typically not the “groups of 3”.