How to use The 16 LED 4x4 Grid NeoPixel

The 16 LED 4x4 Grid NeoPixel is a version of the NeoPixel series that includes 16 LEDs in a 4x4 grid format. In this guide, we will be using the NeoPixel Compatible WS2812 5050 RGB LED (16 LED 4x4 Grid) from our store.

Parts

Wiring Guide

NeoPixel	Arduino
VCC	5V
GND	GND
IN	Pin 6

Soldering is required to wire everything properly. Use jumper wires to connect the NeoPixel with the Arduino.

Programming

Step 1: Before we start coding, we first have to download the needed libraries.

Step 2: Enter NeoPixel and install the highlighted search.

Step 3: Declare your libraries

#include "Adafruit_NeoPixel.h"

Step 4: Declare an object using Adafruit_NeoPixel.

Adafruit_NeoPixel pixels(16, 6, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

Adafruit_NeoPixel pixels(# of LEDS, digital pin #, LED type + LED type);

Step 5: Initialize the NeoPixel project.

void setup(){
    pixels.begin();
}

Now that everything has been initialized, you can code whatever you want.

Example

Here are a few commands you can use to control the NeoPixel:

object.setBrightness(0-255); //sets the brightness of the NeoPixels

object.clear(); //clears all the pixels

object.setPixelColor(pixel#, object.Color(R, G, B)); //sets a color for a specific pixel

The (R, G, B) can go from (0, 0, 0) to (255, 255, 255)

object.show(); //shows whatever pixel you have updated with setPixelColor

Here is an example of how to use the 16 LED 4x4 Grid NeoPixel.

Step 1: Initialize the NeoPixel.

#include "Adafruit_NeoPixel.h"
#ifdef __AVR__
    #include <avr/power.h> // this is required for 16 MHz Adafruit Trinket
#endif

int PIN = 6;
int NUMPIXELS = 16;

Adafruit_NeoPixel pixels(NUMPIXELS, PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

void setup(){
    pixels.begin();
    pixels.setBrightness(10);
}

Step 2: Let's start by clearing the NeoPixel to make sure there is nothing on the LEDs.

void loop(){
    pixels.clear();
}

Step 3: Let's create a for loop that makes one LED light up after the other every second.

for(int i = NUMPIXELS; i >= 0; i--){
    pixels.setPixelColor(i, pixels.Color(255, 255, i*10)); //this should cause a white color to slowly turn into green
    pixels.show();
    delay(100);
}

Full Code

#include "Adafruit_NeoPixel.h"
#ifdef __AVR__
    #include <avr/power.h> // this is required for 16 MHz Adafruit Trinket
#endif

int PIN = 6;
int NUMPIXELS = 16;

Adafruit_NeoPixel pixels(NUMPIXELS, PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

void setup(){
    pixels.begin();
    pixels.setBrightness(10); //to not ruin my eyes
}

void loop(){
    pixels.clear();
    for(int i = NUMPIXELS; i >= 0; i--){
        pixels.setPixelColor(i, pixels.Color(255, 255, i*10)); //this should cause a white color to slowly turn into green
        pixels.show();
        delay(100);
    }
}