What is it?

A DIY RGBWA WS281x driver.

• Regulated 833mA constant-current to each RGBWA channel
• WS281x data-in
• Buffered (74AHCT125/33R) WS281x data-out

What makes it special?

This board provides the standard RED, GREEN, and BLUE channels, with the added benefit of a discrete WHITE and AMBER channel.

The layout is designed to fit into smaller props (globes, RBL, etc.) where space is limited. Light-output of Cree LEDs far exceeds other methods generally used for these props (even at significantly reduced intensity), utilizing the wide selection of Cree XLamps XP-E2 series of LEDs (link below).

SMT/Hot-Plate Assembly Required

Cree XLamps XP-E2 series of LEDs and Heatsink not included. As with all high-powered LEDs, proper use of a heatsink (and thermal paste/pad) is required. Assembled photo shown with 65mm x 15 mm aluminum heatsink (but other heatsinks can be used).

Experience with SMT/hot-plate soldering is necessary. Cree LEDs cannot be soldered with a soldering iron, nor would hot-air flow be sufficient (as each disk is designed to be a heat-sink).

When assembling the LEDs, it's critical that the polarity of the LED aligns with the PCB, as determined by a grey dot on the LED, aligned with the black dot on the PCB (as shown in the pictures above). Location of each LED is marked on the PCB: R=Red, G=Green, B=Blue, W=White, A=Amber.

For the WS281x data-signal, each driver consumes 6 channels: 5 for RGBWA and 1 unused (null).