[SOLVED] How to use external LEDs (WS2812B) with Crazyflie Bolt

Firmware/software/electronics/mechanics
Post Reply
t.yoneda
Beginner
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon May 17, 2021 3:03 am

[SOLVED] How to use external LEDs (WS2812B) with Crazyflie Bolt

Post by t.yoneda »

Hello!

After reading this blog, I wanted to use WS2812B as LED with Crazyfliebolt.
I currently don't have the breakout deck like above article, so I directly tried to get VCC, GND and LED signal pins like attached.
However I noticed that we cannot get 5V from the pin of crazyflie Bolt (only 4.5~4.8V).

My questions are:
1. Do we need the breakout board for using external LEDs?
2. If we purchase the breakout board, wiring approach following will work property?
wiring.png
DSC_0036.png

Regards,
Last edited by t.yoneda on Tue Sep 21, 2021 6:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
tobias
Bitcraze
Posts: 2339
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 7:17 pm
Location: Sweden

Re: How to use external LEDs (WS2812B) with Crazyflie Bolt

Post by tobias »

The VCOM on the Bolt is powered using a step-down DC-DC converter set at ~4.9V. The output power from this is maximum 500mA and the system consumes ~100mA so at maximum 400mA left over for the WS2812B. Since it is a step-down it can only convert voltage down so at least 2 LiPo cells are needed for 5V output. In the picture you only have 1 cell but I think the WS2812B works with lower voltage as well so might still work, maybe with a bit uneven brightness though.

You do not need the breakout board. You should connect it to VCOM though and not VCC which is 3V and only 100mA max.
t.yoneda
Beginner
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon May 17, 2021 3:03 am

Re: How to use external LEDs (WS2812B) with Crazyflie Bolt

Post by t.yoneda »

Thank you.

I connected it to VCOM and it lit up.
It's bright enough :D
DSC_0039.png
Post Reply