Document AddressableLED single object limitation and workarounds #3136
Conversation
This file contains hidden or bidirectional Unicode text that may be interpreted or compiled differently than what appears below. To review, open the file in an editor that reveals hidden Unicode characters.
Learn more about bidirectional Unicode characters
Adds important note that roboRIO can only control one AddressableLED object at a time, with solutions for controlling multiple strips (daisy-chaining, Y-cables) and voltage considerations for WS2812B LEDs. Fixes wpilibsuite#2322
sciencewhiz
reviewed
Oct 13, 2025
|
|
||
| - **Daisy-chain strips in series**: Connect multiple LED strips end-to-end as a single long strip, then use :ref:`buffer views <docs/software/hardware-apis/misc/addressable-leds:Controlling Sections of an LED Strip>` to control different sections independently | ||
| - **Use PWM Y-cables**: If you need identical patterns on multiple strips, use PWM Y-cables to send the same signal to multiple strips simultaneously | ||
| - **Voltage considerations**: WS2812B LEDs are designed for 5V, but roboRIO PWM/Servo ports output 6V. While the LEDs will function, this may reduce their lifespan. Consider using a voltage regulator or level shifter if longevity is a concern. |
There was a problem hiding this comment.
Isn't this a general concern, not related to running multiple strips?
|
Note that this is only a RoboRIO limitation. SystemCore does not have this limitation. |
Sign up for free
to join this conversation on GitHub.
Already have an account?
Sign in to comment
3 participants
Add this suggestion to a batch that can be applied as a single commit.
This suggestion is invalid because no changes were made to the code.
Suggestions cannot be applied while the pull request is closed.
Suggestions cannot be applied while viewing a subset of changes.
Only one suggestion per line can be applied in a batch.
Add this suggestion to a batch that can be applied as a single commit.
Applying suggestions on deleted lines is not supported.
You must change the existing code in this line in order to create a valid suggestion.
Outdated suggestions cannot be applied.
This suggestion has been applied or marked resolved.
Suggestions cannot be applied from pending reviews.
Suggestions cannot be applied on multi-line comments.
Suggestions cannot be applied while the pull request is queued to merge.
Suggestion cannot be applied right now. Please check back later.
Summary
Documents the important limitation that roboRIO can only control one
AddressableLEDobject at a time through its PWM ports, along with practical workarounds and voltage considerations.Changes
Fixes #2322