[Newbie] Working with SK6812 led strips and Raspberry Pi Zero 2W

  • Hi everyone.

    I am building my first hyperion setup. I am a complete newbie.

    I already have all the parts and have configured the software grabber (got picture, right colors).

    I am using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and a 5v SK6812 led strip and a 10A 5v psu.

    Can you help me understanding some stuff?

    1 - Can I connect the SK6812 directly to the rasp? I have seen some people doing it but others add an ESP32 in the middle. Why? Do I need it?

    2 - If I connect it to the rasp, I must use GPIO18 and also wire several grounds, right? I am using a rasp without pin headers so I must solder the wires. I need to get them right :)

    3 - It will we an aprox. 4 meters led strip. Do I need to power it from both sides?

    4 - I was thinking in having the controller stuff (rasp and psu) on the floor (not behind the tv) but that means that it will add an extra 1, 1.5 meters of cable from the psu and rasp to led strips. Is this ok? I have read somewhere that cable length is a factor to mind.

    5 - The raspberry will have it's own power, so I must connect both grounds (rasp and psu), right?

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    Regards,

    Mike

  • 1. Yes directly to rpi is possible

    ESP with WLED offers several additional options. The ESP can be installed directly on the strip (short wires).

    2. Use SPI - GPIO 10

    3. Yes

    LED power calculator

    4. see 1 and 3

    5. Yes

    regards pclin

    Dreambox ONE / TWO

    dreamOS OE2.6

    Amlogic S922X - 53.000 DMIPS - 2 GB RAM - 16 GB Flash - Twin-DVB-S2X Tuner - HDR10 - HLG
    -
    AudioDSP: miniDSP 2x4HD - Amp: Pentagon - Lautsprecher ELAC / ARENDAL
    LG OLED65BX9LB (PicCap, hyperion.NG webOS)

    FireTV 4K max

    -
    hyperion (classic) & Plugin HyperionControl | hyperion-ng 2.0.16-beta.1 (dreamOS)
    Hyperion-ng (Debian bullseye)
    -
    6 x ESP32/Wemos D1 mini - WLED - SK6812 RGBW-NW 60 LEDs/m
    FeinTech VSP01201 - Grabber Macrosilicon

    LG TV Hyperion webOS & PicCap

    Ambilight for ever

  • Calculated for 4m 60LED/m

    The data cable should be shielded at this length.

    2.5 mm2 for +5V and GND, injections: min. 2 best 3

    The power supply should be adjustable for the voltage drop, measure on the stripe and set to 5V.

    regards pclin

    Dreambox ONE / TWO

    dreamOS OE2.6

    Amlogic S922X - 53.000 DMIPS - 2 GB RAM - 16 GB Flash - Twin-DVB-S2X Tuner - HDR10 - HLG
    -
    AudioDSP: miniDSP 2x4HD - Amp: Pentagon - Lautsprecher ELAC / ARENDAL
    LG OLED65BX9LB (PicCap, hyperion.NG webOS)

    FireTV 4K max

    -
    hyperion (classic) & Plugin HyperionControl | hyperion-ng 2.0.16-beta.1 (dreamOS)
    Hyperion-ng (Debian bullseye)
    -
    6 x ESP32/Wemos D1 mini - WLED - SK6812 RGBW-NW 60 LEDs/m
    FeinTech VSP01201 - Grabber Macrosilicon

    LG TV Hyperion webOS & PicCap

    Ambilight for ever

    Edited 2 times, last by pclin (September 17, 2025 at 8:55 PM).

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