Powering off LEDs while still connected to a Rpi4

    Hello all,

    Just getting into RPi & Hyperion; currently setting up all the required hardware.

    I wish to turn off the LEDs via Google Assistant/Alexa; as I wanted to only use one Pi I'm trying to stay away from Home Assistant.

    My thought was to use a TUYA Smart Plug to turn off power to the LEDs PSU (probably separate from the Pi's PSU).

    However, on Adafruits "Best Practice" it states:

    Quote from Adafruit
    • Avoid connecting NeoPixels to a live circuit. If you simply must, always connect ground first, then +5V, then data. Disconnect in the reverse order.
    • If powering the pixels with a separate supply, apply power to the pixels before applying power to the microcontroller.

    ...does this stay true for a RPi Hyperion setup? What issues could using a Smart Plug cause?

    If ill-advised, what other suggestions do you have to integrate smart control?

    Any assistance is greatly appreciated!

    • Best Answer

    I just discovered that I can use a SmartThings DTH to control Hyperion/Hyperbian, so my issue is resolved;

    However, I am still curious the reason that Adafruit give that warning...

    Quote from rcarmichael

    My thought was to use a TUYA Smart Plug to turn off power to the LEDs PSU (probably separate from the Pi's PSU



    i have them switched by relais, 5 volt line on ledstrip is switched by press on the button.

    GND and SPI bus stay connected, no problems whatsoever.

    rcarmichael , you mentioned an ST device handler. Are you referring to an older one? Bc I've been searching high and dry for either an alexa or Smartthings option for Hyperion and I've got nothing. There was something really old that no longer works. Can you share the working ST DTH? Have you tested it?


    Fingers crossed bc this will change the game for me!

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