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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​

NeoPixelArduino
VCC5V
GNDGND
INPin 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();

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
RGB

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);
    }
}

Output​