NeoPixel TCSS PCB Connector Wiring Diagram with PRIZM 5.1

[GavilanOrd]

Hey all,

I'm doing my first NeoPixel build with the TCSS Blade PCB Connectors and I wanted to get a few eyes on it to make sure I've got it right. Original credit goes to Devin Clark for the diagram. Would some of you guys look it over and make sure I've got things lined up correctly? I know there are multiple ways to wire this up but I wanted to use all the options from the TCSS Connectors to spread the power load. 

I may also post a wiring diagram with capacitors but to be honest, I'm not sure how they wire in.  Do you put one on the negative and one on the positive - hilt side?

Thank you!

UPDATE: Diagram corrected based on feedback below.

[bill_fimm]

I am doing my first neopixel build also, using that connector.  That looks pretty much how I was going to set mine up too. 

Except on the blade side, instead of multing the data wire together and going to one data pad, I was going to put each strip’s data wire to its own data pad (since there are 2).  I was thinking this just might make it easier for me not having to splice and mult a wire in the blade.  But that shouldn’t make a difference, correct?

The other question I was going to ask is on the hilt side. The negative wires for L1 and L2  join together, then split apart to the 2 negative pads of the connector.  Could you just directly wire L1 to one negative pad of the connector, and L2 to the other?  I am new to this too, and was just wondering if there is a reason they are multed together then split apart again. It would be easier to have less splices in my hilt if they are not necessary.

[3251bimmer]

A couple of things

1) yes you wire 1 negative to L1 and the second to L2 independently

2) if you are doing the resistor in-line or on the blade PCB you also need to bridge the resistor footprint for the LS pad on the Board

Hope this helps!

[bill_fimm]

Yes. Definitelty helps. Thanks for the info.

[GavilanOrd]

Thanks for the additional information - I've updated the wiring diagram to reflect those corrections.  If anyone else sees anything more that should be changed or corrected, please speak up so that the community can benefit.

Thank you!

[3251bimmer]

Hi Gavilan!

You also do not need your positive wire from your battery to go the board twice. Positive of the battery to the recharge port, and then from the recharge port to the board will be sufficient :)

[3251bimmer]

You can also check out this write up

TCSS Neopixel/Prizm 5.1 Wiring Diagram | The Rebel Armory

[erv]

You can also check out this write up
TCSS Neopixel/Prizm 5.1 Wiring Diagram | The Rebel Armory

using 28AWG gauge is totally irrelevant and will cause all kinds of issues (claiming that "it worked" doesn't make it "right"). Consider doubling 26 AWG rather.

[bill_fimm]

I have some 18AWG , is this too heavy to use? I also have 22AWG. Since the Adafruit “skinny” strips came with 20AWG pre soldered, which is better? I could buy some 20 if that it ideal.

[GavilanOrd]

I was hoping Erv would jump in here at some point    I've updated the diagram to reflect recommendations from this thread.  Thanks for the pointer to the other diagram - I never ran across it in all my internet searches.

Thanks also for the recommendation on the wire gauge Erv.  I've tried to use 26ga - 24ga wire for this build keeping with 28ga wire for the data wire.  On a side note though, the toughest part of the build so far was trying to bridge those resistor pads next to the LS pad without accidentally bridging to the actual LS pad itself. Still haven't tried powering it on so I guess we'll see how I did shortly . . .

[mykstylz]

Shouldn't there be a power capacitor somewhere near the blade?

[erv]

You can fit one in the blade if you want but based on the short wire length over a sabre between the battery and the led strip, it is not mandatory

[mykstylz]

Where does a capacitor get soldered between?

Im wiring just like the diagram in first post and using tcss connectors. +'s tied together with one lead to board, separate -'s to L1 and L2, then data line.

I have the capacitor just dont know where it goes.

[jbkuma]

capacitor goes across the +/-.

[mykstylz]

To just one of the(+) and (-) on the blade connector?

Or should i be installing 2 capacitors since the is 2 (+) and (-) on blade side connector