DIY ryobi pixel tester

[stooged]

I recycled a few ryobi one+ battery chargers to make portable pixel testers which work well so i figured the idea is worth a share.



I made a video showing how i put it together.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1gWL_yygTE

 

[Mark_M]

Great job!
I thought it sounded like an Aussie when I watched it.

 

[djgra79]

Nice idea!
Have you done any testing on how many pixels and for how long the batteries last for? Could also be handy for a mobile prop.

 

[stooged]

Nice idea!
Have you done any testing on how many pixels and for how long the batteries last for? Could also be handy for a mobile prop.

no, i just use them for testing.

the pixel tester i got from lightitupleds, it says it supports 2048 pixels

Pixel Tester Mini Controller with Remote XCONNECT | Light it Up LEDs Xmas

Pixel testers with remotes that require a CR2025 are great mini controllers so you can test your lights. They can be used to test your RGB products that are WS2811 & many other protocols. They can also be used as mini controllers if you have some lights set up in your house or office. This...

www.lightitupleds-xmas.com.au

the converter i got has a max output current of 2.5A

Arduino Compatible DC Voltage Regulator Module | Jaycar Electronics

With a more efficient regulator than that built into the Arduino UNO development boards, use this module to run your 5V Duinotech projects from a 6V, 9V or even 12V supply.

www.jaycar.com.au

you can get 9.0 Ah batteries

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 9.0Ah Lithium+ HP Battery

Find Ryobi 18V ONE+ 9.0Ah Lithium+ HP Battery at Bunnings. Visit your local store for the widest range of products.

www.bunnings.com.au

so if you were to do a mobile prop you could use wled/esp32 and the large battery, you could add more output amps by connecting 2 converters to the battery and do a power inject to get say 5A total which should got you more pixels.

you should be able to workout roughly how long it would last based on how many amps your prop draws and the size of the battery(9.0ah)

 

[David_AVD]

A single 5A converter would be better than trying to use two 2.5A ones. It also means you wouldn't have to keep the +ve wire separate for the different sections each converter is feeding.

 

[bpratt]

you can get 9.0 Ah batteries

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 9.0Ah Lithium+ HP Battery

Find Ryobi 18V ONE+ 9.0Ah Lithium+ HP Battery at Bunnings. Visit your local store for the widest range of products.

www.bunnings.com.au

And you can pick up the no name clones moderately cheaply on fleabay too.

 

[Binny]

Hi, I love how this works.

Do you have a wiring diagram that shows how to use 5v and 12v switch ?

 

[bpratt]

Do you have a wiring diagram that shows how to use 5v and 12v switch ?

I thought I'd do the same, but then realised with an extra charger, I could have one for each.

Then again, it was going to be a bit of a pain as I'd need two pigtails, as I do xconnect for 5v, and raywu for 12v.

 

[drewcharlwood]

I made one the other day but with an omit charger. works so good, I had 500 pixels on it today.

 

[Goliath]

Great idea. When I first started playing with pixels, I was told to not hotswap them, as the voltage spike when plugging them in could fry the chips. I reckon I lost a few in the first years by not following that advice. I would be very inclined to put a switch on these, with a power on led indication. I know others pooh pooh the hotswapping notion, and have been playing with pixels for centuries without ever frying one. I can only speak from my experience.