Hi KITAs, Still thinking about a home automation status display in a 1-gang switch box I also c...

[G+_Robert Hafer]

Hi KITAs,

Still thinking about a home automation status display in a 1-gang switch box. I also considering a mini status board with LEDs showing red/green for things like garage door open/closed, alarm set, motion sensors, and similar. My questions are about using a WS2811 strip. Would they stand up to continuous use? I know all LEDs burn out eventually, but e.g. the flood sensor would be on green for years (hopefully); would that significantly shorten its life? The other question is how far apart are the LEDs spaced, so as to figure how many I have space for?

[G+_Ben Reese]

If 2812, perhaps something like this?

ALITOVE 100pcs WS2812B Addressable LED Pixel light 5050 RGB SMD on Heat Sink PCB Board 1-led LED Module Pixels Light 5V DC amazon.com - Amazon.com: ALITOVE 100pcs WS2812B Addressable LED Pixel light 5050 RGB SMD on Heat Sink PCB Board 1-led LED Module Pixels Light 5V DC: Musical Instruments/

 

Each light is 10mm diameter. You could definitely put more regular multi-colored LEDs in the same space, but that does seem pretty convenient.

[G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ]

I have a string of WS2812 lights that have been lit 24x7 in a really poorly ventilated enclosure for more than 3 years. Next to a string of new WS2812 LEDs, I can't tell the difference. :)

[G+_Robert Hafer]

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ Thanks, that sounds longer than my Mean Time Between Tinkering.

[G+_Robert Hafer]

Thanks for the replies; looks like it's time to learn about wi-fi modules and virtual pins for the Arduino.

[G+_Golden Retriever]

Can anyone send me a link to the show notes for know how...

[G+_Ben Reese]

https://twit.tv/kh