Adafruit Mini Skinny NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip 2m

So thin. So mini. So incredibly compact. This is the 'skinny' version of our classic NeoPixel strips. Featuring 30 digitally-addressable pixel Mini LEDs per meter, these strips are just 7.5 mm wide, or even 5 mm if you remove the casing. They come with a white flex PCB but are otherwise identical to the black version, sharing a different color mask on the flex strip.

The strip consumes about 9.5 Watts max (~2 Amps @ 5V) per meter when all LEDs are on full white. In practice, the colorful designs typically use 1/3 to 1/2 the max current. A reliable 5V power supply, such as our 5V 2A or 10A options, is crucial for optimal operation. The integrated LED controller chip uses a single pin for input and single pin for output, allowing for simplified wiring but requiring precise 100nS timing for protocol adherence.

It's ideal for microcontrollers such as Arduino Uno/Mega at 8MHz and 16MHz. However, it is incompatible with Basic Stamp, NETduino, or any processor slower than 8 MHz. For easier compatibility, consider our DotStar digital LED strip which utilizes an SPI-like input/output for greater processor compatibility.

Each strip must be buffered in memory when controlled by an Arduino. An Arduino UNO supports around 500 LED pixels with an available 1500 bytes of RAM, but for full strip control and additional software, an Arduino Mega is recommended. The strips boast 30 RGB LEDs per meter, each individually controllable with 8-bit PWM precision, allowing 24-bit color per pixel. Each LED-chip handles its own PWM once set, reducing the need for continuous control input.

Constructed from flexible PCB material and weatherproof sheathing, these strips can be easily cut with wire cutters at 1.27"/32.5mm (1 LED each) intervals. They can be connected end-to-end to create extended lengths, though power requirements must be considered. Our 5V/2A and 5V/10A supplies support 1 meter and up to 10 meters respectively.

For powering, a 5V DC supply is necessary, with strict avoidance of voltages above 6V to prevent strip damage. Available in 5-meter reels with 2 or 3-pin JST SM connectors, these strips are sold by the meter. Purchases of 5 meters or more provide full reels with connectors, while less than 5 meters may come as cut pieces, potentially without connectors.

To facilitate wiring, we recommend a 2.1mm DC jack for streamlined wall adapter connections. For data and ground pins, a 2-pin JST set offers a quick-connect option. Our comprehensive NeoPixel Uberguide provides everything required for setting up NeoPixels in any configuration, complete with ready-made libraries and example code for several Arduino models.