12V LED supply with the Buddy Board  

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

Hi Martin,

I have checked schematic and there are only +24V, +5V and +3,3V. I know that 24V LED strips exists too, so the best way is to buy them instead of 12V, but I am not sure about power (Watts) if there is some reserve for that.

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

You can use any DC-DC converter. I like the LM317 boards. For example this one: https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-Converter-Circuit-Regulator-Adjustable/dp/B07VJDPZ2L

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

or cut the led strip in 2 equal parts (equal number of lesds) and connect them in series, so that from 24v you will have 12v on first part of leds, and 12v on second. Thw only risk in this variant is that depending on the internal resistance, one part could have a little bit more than 12v and the other one less. 

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

5V strips exist, most commonly in form of USB pluggable LED strips. Those would block your port for use with sticks though, if you plug them to the board USB A port. 

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

I plan to do something similar - my idea is to plug the USB hub into Mini's USB port and then take power from one socket (5v), transform it to 12 volts using the dc-dc step up boost converter and connect the LED strip. I have the small, yet working, prove of concept - see the image.

The only think I am not sure at this point is if the printer will correctly recognize the flash drive with gcode files when I use the USB hub (I don't have it on hand to try it).

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

@jakub-kohoutek

Be careful pulling power from USB. It's usually rated to max 500mA and you can damage your board (usb controller) if you will draw more power.

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

I was thinking about something like this that plugs directly into USB: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CITIBEST-Waterproof-Background-Lighting-3528SMD/dp/B00NNFZ45U/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=usb+led+strip+30cm&qid=1577846193&sr=8-14 just a random search on Amazon, there are variety of those including RGB with controllers. I use few 50 cm strips as bias lighting behind monitors, also behind PCs because as long as motherboard provides power to USB they shine, which is very handy when connecting cables in dark corners behind PC.

Do those 12V have brighter lights or why stepping up voltage?

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

Bear in mind any power you draw from USB or wherever is realy being drawn from the PSU. Probably best to add a box with a mains supply for whatever dc output you want (handy place to get power for Octoprint if required). 

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

Thanks a lot for all the suggestions!

At the moment I use a mains supply for the lights. I thought it would be a neat idea to get rid of it - but perhaps not a very practical one...

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

Posted by: @nikolai-r

Be careful pulling power from USB. It's usually rated to max 500mA and you can damage your board (usb controller) if you will draw more power.

I know about the limitation - I don't plan to put there any long (I plan to use strip with only 6 LEDs, not more) or super bright LED strip. I believe that as long as it doesn't draw too much power, it should be OK to use the USB

@crawlerin - I am stepping up the voltage simply because I have only 12 volts LED strips on hand. I think it is a good idea to use the 5 volt variant instead (they should have the same brightness) - that way I can get rid of one unnecessary component 👍 

RE: 12V LED supply with the Buddy Board

@martinnaujocks

Thera are few free GPIO on Buddy board (planned for camera, etc) so maybe I will design some extarnal power supply switched by Buddy for LEDs, bcs I have free 12V LEDs too.

P.S.: I just noticed your Avatar. Happy New Year with Paragliding as well 😉