Crazy idea

[SamIAm]

Hey guys,

So this is what I'm thinking: With the continual advancements in LED technology, how hard could it be to make your own RGB LED night blades?

I'd like to get some of these strips: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1507
They're appealing for a few reasons. Firstly, they're individually addressable so doing awesome colour runs is possible. Secondly, there's already a library to control them so no need for a huge, complicated script to do basic effects. And third, the pixel density is fantastic (144/m).

I would use a Trinket controller:http://www.adafruit.com/products/1501
One would be needed for each blade. To keep synch, the serial port may need to be connected.

A 2S Lipo with 2x5V2A regulators would be needed for each blade. This should give around 6-7 minutes of operation.

What do you guys think? Any glaring problems or issues?

[kavic5150]

It would be great if that trinket controller worked on 3.7v.

The concern I would have right off the bat would be that voltage regulator. Going from a 2s 250mah lipo (guessing capacity here) means you would have to turn 8.4v into 5v. Have you checked how hot those regulators get?

Maybe there is a way to use a small heat sink behind them. I would make sure they didnt get hot enough to melt through shrink wrap.

Not a crazy idea by any means, but I would research a bit and try to find a controller that doesnt need a voltage regulator.

I'm working on a set of high powered night blades myself. 3s powered.

Heres the as yet unstacked packs.



Looking forward to hearing how your project progresses.

[SamIAm]

Check it out: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1500

I need the 5v logic to run the neopixels, though. Having said that the 3.3V signal from that trinket would be enough for a 5v HIGH. so it may be a non-issue.

My main concern is flight characteristics. I think I'll run a single strip of 500mm on each blade; one on top and one on the bottom. This will help save power and weight and complexity.