Which Adafruit Microcontroller?

Wayne141854 · 22 October 2020 02:57

Hi. I am a newbie here and would like to try something simple like the “How To Get Started with Programmable RGB LED Strip Lighting” project. (https://www.tested.com/making/453665-how-get-started-programmable-rgb-led-strip-lighting/) My questions are as follows:

Can I use the Adafruit METRO Mini instead of the Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled, or would I be losing out on certain functions. Would the instructions be the same, or is there somewhere that I can find instructions more for it. Ideally i’m just trying to see if I can build a controllable led strip to run though my USB port without having to attach extra power.

I Think I need the following, but any guidance will help:
Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED - WHITE + power supply
9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter - UL listed
Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled - Arduino IDE compatible - ATmega328 + power supply

Any help would be appreciated as a starting point.

Thanks

Oliver · 22 October 2020 06:42

Hi Wayne,

Welcome to the forum!

You can definitely use a Metro Mini instead of the full-size Metro 328. I’d also recommend checking out our tutorials on controlling addressable LEDs with an Arduino:

FYI, here’s the pinout of the Metro Mini for reference:

(from: https://forums.adafruit.com/download/file.php?id=26350&sid=8bfa000fc974f9bd87cca9f1a4546c23 )

And here’s the Metro 328:

( from: https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-files/2488/Adafruit+Metrol_v2_0.pdf )

Regards,
Oliver
Support | Core Electronics

Wayne141854 · 22 October 2020 08:01

Hi Oliver

Thank you very much for this information. Is it better for me to ask other questions on the board, or directly here with you. I’ll await your reply before asking the questions where you direct me.

Thanks

Wayne Wood

Oliver33 · 22 October 2020 08:30

When you reply to the forum email chain it creates a post on the forum, and when you post on the forum it creates a reply via email. They’re both the same, but you get better formatting tools on the forum.