Ultimate Guide to Programming LED Strips with Arduino | Wiring, Powering & Code with FastLED

Welcome to my comprehensive beginner's tutorial on how to program LED strips using an Arduino Uno and the FastLED library. This Arduino tutorial is perfect for beginners and hobbyists interested in adding colorful animations to their projects like props, wearables, attractions and exhibits. This guide will walk you through all the steps to bring your LED strips to life!

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BUILD YOUR OWN LED Strip Animations with Arduino:

In this LED Strips with Arduino tutorial, you'll learn:

▶︎ LED strip types and their specifications.
▶︎ Step-by-step instructions on how to correctly connect your LED strip to the Arduino Uno.
▶︎ How to choose the right power supply for your LED strip.
▶︎ How to install the FastLED library via the Library Manager.
▶︎ Explanation of the basic principles of programming with the FastLED library.
▶︎ Writing your first simple code to control the LED strip.
▶︎ Creating Animations like scanner, chaser, solid colors, gradient colors and rainbows.

🎬 VIDEO CHAPTERS: Program LED Strips with Arduino and FastLED
0:00 Welcome
0:32 LED Strip Basics
0:46 LED Strip Wires
1:47 5V vs 12V LED Strips
2:07 How to Power LED Strips
2:29 How to Wire an LED Strip to Arduino & Power Supply
3:51 Installing the FastLED library
4:30 Arduino Code: FastLED library setup code
6:33 Arduino Code: Check LED Strip Color Order
7:53 Arduino Code: Blink Single Pixel
8:50 Arduino Code: Move Pixel Along Strip
12:53 Arduino Code: Color Chaser
13:53 Arduino Code: Solid Colors
15:03 Arduino Code: Gradient Colors
16:30 Arduino Code: Rainbow
17:46 Arduino Code: Animate Start Hue of Rainbow
19:51 Arduino Code: Animate Delta of Rainbow
20:41 Wrap Up: Create Your Own Animations
20:48: Get Full Tutorial with Code
20:55: Join the Community

💬 Have any questions or want to share your own experiences, tips and advice about programming LED strips with Arduino? Drop a comment below – I love hearing from you!

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#arduino #ledstrips #fastled #arduinotutorial

[deanallenjones]

okay, i've seen you tubers give a V V V basic guide, or just go "find a sketch, and run it" this is the first time I can honestly say I understand what is going on. Thank you so very much

[jacquesdubord]

Hi. I just want to say that I really like the way you demonstrate (with a touch of humour) the content of your video. You aren't boring like many on YouTube. Thanks

[MattTheMouth]

Thanks so much for this amazing tutorial! Interested in learning to use arduinos with LED and this gave me a lot of confidence to take my project up a notch!

[rufustoad]

WOW just found you. I have been trying to learn Arduino for a year now and still learning. You seem to be a great teacher so I am gonna lock in and see how we do. I will look for your community as well. Thankyou.

[larrygoodman]

Hey, Rachel. Thanks for adding value to my life. This will definitely help me step up my LED game!!!

[dirkvanhecke]

Just found you channel and dozens of tutorials. I now know what falling in love means... ❤

[Electramasco]

This was an awesome tutorial. I haven't messed with WS2812 even though they've been out for quite some time now. This will be my starting point. I appreciate the hard work you put into this being easy to grasp, useful, and entertaining.

[razzle]

i've been trying to learn coding for a couple of years now, (part time), you nailed it in one short video. thank you. other people just assume that you know what( i ) means when in an array, your the best girl xx

[SMK]

Great topic along with great presentation. I really enjoy how you take the time to explain and modify your programs to where a new learner can follow and understand. Please keep up the great work!!! looking forward to learning more by watching more videos Thanks!!!

[avivelevovi]

A basic guide that's actually basic and understandable, and gives me the exact info I need. Thank you 😭

[djdisconap]

10/10!!! This video was exactly what I was looking for. It literally was the Ultimate Guide for Programming LEDs.

From a software developer / teacher standpoint, the content and its delivery is exceptional. The fact that you included the tip about "i" in for loops and all the other little tidbits is just 👏👏👏. That point alone is huge for non-coders jumping in at this point.

[newhoshos]

Hello, thank you for the good explanation. I would like to ask if there is a possibility to add a button that controls changing the lighting pattern.

[BaderB-lg]

EXCELLENT Rachel this lesson is truly amazing very clear just a pure pleasure to listen, watch and follow your instructions. Thank you very much !

[ViobigO]

This has been by far the easiest guide to follow for wiring as a complete electrical novice, thank you!

However, there were some parts missing details, prompting me to do extra research. For instance, the green power jack connected to the capacitor and cables (2:08) isn't mentioned in the description or video. I guess it's called a DC Female Power Plug to 2 Pin Terminal Adapter, for anyone else wondering, which you can find on Amazon.

I was curious why you chose to cut the wires and use those quick connectors and not plug the jumper cables directly from the LED header to the Arduino pins? Also, are there any advantages to using a breadboard? I see them appear frequently in similar tutorials, but here it's listed as optional.

[kevinbowker]

Yet another awesome tutorial, thank you for sharing!

[JamesConway-sq]

Keep up your good work and don't change anything, they are fantastic video as they are and your a great teacher of them, I could watch you all the time, I am glad to have found someone know so much as you. From Jim 💓 👍

[Baitmakerz]

Thank you. This is the best video I have seen for an LED project!

[terrymcdade]

I have an animatronic I'm starting to build that I'm using your tutorials on. Thanks for another great idea.

[richardgarcia]

These tutorials are fantastic! Please keep em coming! You simply make them make sense!

[stockhooks]

Thank you so much!! I own carnival games and would love to program my own chasing lights. This is the best guide I’ve found so far.