u/goroyo_9090

Working on a project using Arduino Nano to control WS2811 LED strip (24V). I have the Arduino and light strip both powered from a 24v power supply. Arduino is supplied through a buck converter bringing it to 5v. The circuit works fine, shares ground, no issues. Data line is sent through D5. Arduino power input is thru 5V and grounded to GND.

My question is: with the current setup, if I kept the nano plugged in in a “permanent” build, would I still be able to plug the usb in from my laptop to upload new code while the build is powered? I have read a bit about back voltage and how it could mess up my laptop or the nano. Was wondering if my situation would create such a situation or would be fine.

Hello all,

Recently found an old Arduino Nano in my closet with a bunch of junk wiring. Seems to work but has some issues being recognized in IDE sometimes but like it’s chill I can probably figure that out (looking to solve those later but if anyone has ideas please dm)

Absolute noob beginner with Arduino and electrical engineering projects and stuff. I have a basic idea of the electrical concepts from college classes, and I use matlab and python a bit for work so I’m assuming the Arduino software won’t be difficult to learn. but don’t wanna fuck anything up and I don’t trust AI to really explain stuff to me if I’m confused… so please read my current understanding of my project and feel free to correct me or fill in any gaps you notice! Stuff I’m not sure about has question marks with it.

Project is attempting to control a 5m (16 feet) strip of WS2811 LEDs off amazon. WILL BE CUTTING AND ONLY USING ~9 FEET. No PSU or Controller provided; I found a different old psu and cut it up to try to make it work, but also purchased one it’s shipping in a few days.

COMPONENT LIST
LED: ws2811 24V DC, rated 5A (for the full 5m) with 540 LEDs total, 90 groups of 6. https://a.co/d/07tOK7TL

PSU: ordered a 24V 3A psu from same lighting company (lights say 5 but most reviews and people seem to get away with 3A especially if they are cutting the strip or not planning to use max brightness) https://a.co/d/03dm5n0i

also cutting up/testing an old 24V 1A psu I found from outdoor lighting strip (I doubt the 1A will power the leds but just wanted to see if they even flicker)

Controller: not sure exact model but I think it’s the Arduino Nano default.

Buck Step converters: https://a.co/d/0i5lBgiL

I have a ton of random resistors and wires but no actual kit (hella unorganized I know) I found a set of 220ohm resistors and what looks to be a 10k resistor (might be 12k I will check again when I return home.)

So what I think I’m supposed to do is:

Nano Data Out (5V) > ??? Ohm resistor > LED Data In (would be on male connector?)
Nano GND > LED GND (same side as data in?)

PSU V+ > LED V+ (female connector?)
PSU GND > LED GND? (female connector?)

pls correct me as needed.

Powering Nano:
For rn I’m fine to plug in the nano separately with usb or even from my computer or whatever to test. Eventually would like the final project to power the nano and lights through same psu, but don’t know how feasible this is with current psu specs (lmk?). I think if I power it with the 24v I will explode the nano so it needs a o voltage drop to like 5. Buck step converter? Resistor? Gamble and see what happens?

Apologies for not having more pictures or wiring diagrams of setup. My electrical knowledge is about 10% so please bear with me 😭. If any other info or pictures are needed just reply or dm and I will respond when possible. Thanks !