# Neo Pixel Rings **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [15 November 2021 02:16 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119 "2021-11-15T02:16:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Scott183194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Scott183194](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Scott183194)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 02:16 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/1 "2021-11-15T02:16:44Z")
I am wanting to put some neo pixel rings on my sons gaming desk What will I need to do this and how do I run them ---
**Author:** ![Oliver](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/oliver/32/3315_2.png) [@Oliver](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Oliver)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 02:26 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/2 "2021-11-15T02:26:58Z")
Hi Scott, Welcome to the forums! 🙂 You’ll need: - the neo-pixels themselves, - a power source, - a way to control them, and, - some wiring and tools to connect it all up. If you’re just starting out with Maker gear, I’d recommend going with either a [Raspberry Pi Pico](https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-pico.html) (Also [available with Headers](https://core-electronics.com.au/catalog/product/view/sku/CE07589) once we do another run of soldering), or the classic [Uno](https://core-electronics.com.au/uno-r3.html). Alternatively, a Raspberry Pi might be another great option. We’ve got some tutorials on using WS2812 Leds (or Neopixels as Adafruit call them. Our Tradename is [Glowbit](https://core-electronics.com.au/glowbit.html), which are the latest WS2812 v5 LEDs) > **[WS2812 / NeoPixel Addressable LEDs: Arduino Quickstart Guide - Tutorial](https://core-electronics.com.au/tutorials/ws2812-addressable-leds-arduino-quickstart-guide.html)** > > This tutorial is aimed at getting some instant gratification from your WS2812 LEDs (also known as NeoPixels). I'll briefly cover a bare-bones setup for Arduino. > If you've never used an Arduino before, we've got you covered with our free, online... > **[How to use WS2812B RGB LEDs with Raspberry Pi Pico - Tutorial](https://core-electronics.com.au/tutorials/how-to-use-ws2812b-rgb-leds-with-raspberry-pi-pico.html)** > > In this tutorial, we'll get some WS2812B LEDs (also known as GlowBits and NeoPixels) working with a Raspberry Pi Pico. If you haven't already set up Thonny for programming your Pico, follow our guide on that first. > > To follow along you'll need: > > A... > **[WS2812 / NeoPixel Addressable LEDs: Raspberry Pi Quickstart Guide - Tutorial](https://core-electronics.com.au/tutorials/ws2812-addressable-leds-raspberry-pi-quickstart-guide.html)** > > This tutorial is aimed at getting some instant gratification from your WS2812 LEDs (also known as NeoPixels). We'll briefly cover a bare-bones setup for Raspberry Pi. This tutorial will work with ANY model Raspberry Pi, the Zero WH, 3B+ or 3A+ (as... We’ve got a few different addressable LED rings available which you can find on our site by doing a quick search for [‘ws2812 ring’](https://core-electronics.com.au/search/?q=ws2812+ring). I hope that info helps, and let us know if you’ve got any further questions. ---
**Author:** ![Scott183194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Scott183194](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Scott183194)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 04:02 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/3 "2021-11-15T04:02:41Z")
Thanks for that, can I run multiple rings from one or will I need one for each ring ---
**Author:** ![Trent5487676](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/trent5487676/32/4583_2.png) [@Trent5487676](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Trent5487676)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 04:07 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/4 "2021-11-15T04:07:39Z")
Hi Scott, Welcome to the forum 😃 One microcontroller should be able to drive the control signals for quite a few Neopixel rings, but the power supply is normally separate as they draw quite a bit of current. If you want them to do the same thing you can connect the NeoPixel rings all to the same digital output, or control them all individually with separate outputs. ---
**Author:** ![Scott183194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Scott183194](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Scott183194)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 04:11 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/5 "2021-11-15T04:11:14Z")
And once programmed I can disconnect from the PC is this correct ---
**Author:** ![Trent5487676](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/trent5487676/32/4583_2.png) [@Trent5487676](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Trent5487676)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 04:24 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/6 "2021-11-15T04:24:43Z")
Once programmed a microcontroller will hold its main program in non-volatile flash memory. So the microcontroller will need to be powered on but you don’t need to reconnect it to the computer while it runs or after each time it gets powered off. The microcontroller will need to feed instructions to the NeoPixels continuously to make them come on and stay on. ---
**Author:** ![Scott183194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Scott183194](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Scott183194)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 04:25 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/7 "2021-11-15T04:25:56Z")
Thanks, I think this will be a fun learning experience ---
**Author:** ![Trent5487676](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/trent5487676/32/4583_2.png) [@Trent5487676](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Trent5487676)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 04:31 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/8 "2021-11-15T04:31:30Z")
Hi Scott, That’s a great attitude to have and will go a long way to making sure any electronics project is a success. Not to complicate things too much but I have one more suggestion for getting NeoPixels to run in a simple, learner-friendly way. The [Micro:bit](https://core-electronics.com.au/micro-bit-v2-go-kit-australia.html) microcontroller is very popular in schools as the barrier to entry is the lowest and works well with alligator clips, but can still support multiple programming languages once you’ve built up your skills. Our [GlowBit Rainbow](https://core-electronics.com.au/glowbit-rainbow.html) uses the same WS2812 (NeoPixel) LEDs and has a great beginners guide with videos you can find here: > **[GlowBit™ rainbow Quickstart Guide for micro:bit - Tutorial](https://core-electronics.com.au/tutorials/glowbit-rainbow-quickstart-guide-for-micro-bit.html)** > > Let's do some creative projects to get familiar with the GlowBit™ rainbow and micro:bit. > In this guide we will: > > Wire a rainbow to a micro:bit, > Upload an example program to make sure everything works, and > Create several interesting projects from... ---
**Author:** ![Scott183194](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Scott183194](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Scott183194)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 04:35 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/9 "2021-11-15T04:35:50Z")
Thanks again, what power source do you recommend for the neo pixel rings ---
**Author:** ![Trent5487676](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/trent5487676/32/4583_2.png) [@Trent5487676](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Trent5487676)\ **Post date:** [15 November 2021 04:43 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/10 "2021-11-15T04:43:15Z")
I’d typically use a 5V plugpack as they are simple, cost effective, and it’s not too hard to connect some wires to a barrel jack adapter. > **[5V DC 2A Fixed 2.1mm Tip Appliance Plugpack](https://core-electronics.com.au/5v-dc-2a-fixed-2-1mm-tip-appliance-plugpack.html)** > > 5V DC Switchmode Plugpack Supplied with a fixed positive to tip 2.1mm DC jack. Compact design with high current regulated output. Energy authority approved. MEPS approved. 5V DC @ 2A Dimensions: 75L x 42W x 40D mm Be sure to estimate your current use based on the full power load of all LEDs in your project so that you know you won’t max out the power supply. ---
**Author:** ![Matt](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/matt/32/5404_2.png) [@Matt](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Matt)\ **Post date:** [19 November 2021 01:59 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/neo-pixel-rings/12119/11 "2021-11-19T01:59:50Z")
Barrel Jack adaptor here: > **[DC Barrel Jack Adapter - Female](https://core-electronics.com.au/dc-barrel-jack-adapter-female.html)** > > This adapter allows you to connect a barrel jack connector to bare wires. One end has screw terminals and the other has a 5.5x2.1mm, center-positive female barrel jack. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/b/b2ba485165ce6d1c32ab93b29b0efc88d109ae53.jpeg)