Direct connection ws2812b to RPI3 or use Arduino pro mini

well it worked once, somehow, but not working again anymore, was some luck, I was restarting the pi while I was sending with hypercon some colors to it, and somehow it worked.. but now not anymore.. it feels something happens wrong

ssh out: hyperion-remote -c bfff5e
ssh in: hyperion-remote:
ssh in: version : V1.03.4 (brindosch-c750c41/dc6a602-1522918225
ssh in: build time: Apr 5 2018 01:57:05
ssh in: Connected to localhost:19444
ssh in: Set color to 191 255 94
ssh out: Error while reading data from host

That error usually means hyperion isn't running anymore for some reason.

ssh in: version : V1.03.4 (brindosch-c750c41/dc6a602-1522918225
ssh in: build time: Apr 5 2018 01:57:05
ssh in: Connected to localhost:19444
ssh in: Set color to 137 255 140
ssh out: hyperion-remote -c ffb897
ssh in: hyperion-remote:
ssh in: version : V1.03.4 (brindosch-c750c41/dc6a602-1522918225
ssh in: build time: Apr 5 2018 01:57:05
ssh in: Connected to localhost:19444
ssh in: Set color to 255 184 151

Now it works, somehow I have to be lucky and send the colors before the raspberry pi loads fully and then it works.. but not always, what could be the issue? what ca be wrong? I am using same as you everything. Why sometimes it works and sometimes not.

What tests should I do, any idea? to figure out exact issue?

"Now I pressed "stop" and "start", and its over, won't work anymore.

pi@raspberrypi:~ $ pidof hyperiond
1003

Then you may need a level converter, like here:
https://www.thegeekpub.com/159…-leds-to-the-raspbery-pi/

Alternatively, you can try to adjust the voltage that the strips gets to 4.7V (if your power supply has a pot for that) and see if that helps.

Or just stick to a 2€ Arduino Nano..

With Arduino Nano it works, but I don't want to use that. I'll try the level converter solution, and see if this solves the issue, you think that's the reason why after boot is not working anymore? if I restart the hyperion?

No idea. I only tried it on my desk for experimentation's sake, and it seemed to work fine, I was able to send color changes and got the rainbow at any time, even without the shifter.

I have new updates, the thing acts exactly like this:

When I first boot PI, I can send colors from HyperCon without problems and it changes.

If I press "stop" and then "start" in HyperCon, then its over, won't work and connection to host will fail.

It feels that if rasp fully boot and I start hyperion it doesn't work anymore, but if it boot and meanwhile hyperion loads then it works..

Can you try stop/start? and change oclors?

I can in the evening, I'm about to leave for work.

Ok great, let me know when you get home what result you got, just "stop" hyperion from HyperCon and then "start" and try change leds colors again and see if it works

Works for me.

unbeliveble.. then I don't know what I am doing wrong..

it does clearly not work for me if I stop/start

ws2812b leds you have?

and rpi 3 b vi 2

That's some generic 144 LEDs strip I had gotten off aliexpress at some point, originally to put on my drones.. nothing special or specific.
The Pi is a normal 3B (not plus).