Best products from r/FastLED
We found 25 comments on r/FastLED discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 20 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. ALITOVE WS2811 RGB LED Pixels Light Individually Addressable 12mm Diffused Digital Full Color LED Pixel Module for LED Screen Outdoor Advertising Board Signs DC 5V IP68 Waterproof Black Wire 500pcs
- 【Individually addressable LED 】 This is digitally-addressable WS2811 LED pixel string lights. Per string has 50pcs F8 RGB LED chips and WS2811 smart IC. You can set the color of each LED and their brightness individually! 256-level brightness and 24-bit color display, achieve 16777216 colors full color display.
- 【IP68 waterproof and Durable】 We sealed all the components in a housing with silicone, making its waterproof grade reach IP68. The wires are made of cold-resistant, UV-resistant rubber. Superior materials and design enables it to withstand extreme bad weather such as snowstorm, rainstorm, etc, suitable for long-term outdoor and underwater use.
- 【Easily connect and cut】 It comes with 3pin JST-SM connectors and separate power/ground wires on both ends. You can hook up multiple strips together to make it longer and inject power in case of voltage drops. Each pixel can be cut off. So you can shorten or extend the distance between two pixels.
- 【Compatible with many controllers】 It can be programmed with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, T1000S, K1000C controllers and controlled by ALT-C01, SP105E Bluetooth controllers, SP107E SP601E SP602E P608E SP611E SP110E Bluetooth music controllers, SP108E WiFi controllers, SP103E mini RF controllers and any other WS2811 SPI controllers.
- 【Wide Application】 Thanks to the excellent waterproof design, it is widely used in various indoor and outdoor commercial lighting decoration projects, such as outdoor billboards, LED screens, LED wall, hotel, KTV, bars, city skyline, building outline decoration and so on.
Features:
2. ALITOVE 5V 5A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter Converter 5.5x2.1mm Plug AC 100V~240V Input for WS2812B WS2811 SK6812 LED Pixel Strip Light CCTV Camera Security System
- Input: 100V-240V 50/60Hz; Output: 5V DC up to 5 Amps; Output adaptor jack size: 5.5mm x 2.5mm,compatible with 5.5mm x 2.1mm
- It comes with a female DC connector for screwing wires onto it. You can easily connect wires on it without soldering.
- Safety features: Automatic overload cut-off, over Voltage cut-off, automatic thermal cut-off, short circuit protection.
- Enough 25W output power and 5V stable output voltage will protect your electronic products from destruction.
- It is perfect for all 5V projects, such as WS2811 2801 WS2812B APA102 SK6812 LED Strip Pixel light, CCTV Camera, Security System, etc.
Features:
3. EVERSECU 4 Channel Passive HD Transceiver,BNC RJ45 UTP Converter for 720P/1080P/3MP/4MP/5MP CVI/TVI/AHD/CVBS CCTV System
- 4ch passive HD (non-amplified) video UTP transceiver allows transmission of real-time and high-performance color or monochrome (B/W) CCTV video HDCVI/AHD/HDTVI/CVBS HD video over UTP cable, perfect for multi-point surveillance
- Support UP to 5MP AHD/TVI/CVI/CVBS Cameras, Support 720P/960P/1080P Video transmission up to 300meters. Support 3MP/4MP/5MP Video transmission up to 200meters.
- Built-in surge suppression to protect video equipment against damaging voltage spikes and provide noise Immunity to ensure quality signals without disturbing hum bars;
- Widely used for CCTV DVR Video Camera system.The video balun hub is a passive (non-amplified) device that allows the transmission of real-time CCTV video signal via cost/effective Unshielded Twisted Paired(UTP) cable Baseband (composite) signals of anytype are supported;
- Required Wire Type Unshielded Category 5 or higher twisted pair cables, please use standard Category 5 or higher twisted pair cables. The quality of the cable will directly affect the effect of transmitting the image and the transmission distance.
Features:
4. EFISH 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC Power Connector Male Female Screw Terminal Connector 12V CCTV Adaptors Plug for CCTV Camera DVR Security System LED Light (3 Pair Plugs)
- Material:The connector is made of Electric Parts and PVC Plastic, which is fire resistant, dampproof. And this material makes it transport current quickly. It's solid and durable.
- Compatibility: DC power plug can be used with security, monitoring equipment, monitoring camera gun, router, switch, broadband and all equipment with 2.5 DC output power input connection.
- Easier to install: the connector is very easy to install which save your time. Easier for camera installation, save time and more securer cable connection. Plus and negative are printed onto the jacks.
- Package quantity:3 Pair (3 x male connector and 3 x female connector)
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY AND BONUS ITEMS - Bonus Accessories with 1-Year Manufacturer's Warranty and 30 days no-questions-asked return policy.Value for money guaranteed,buy our products worry free every day.▶For any after-sales issues that Amazon can't handle,please c-ontact us.
Features:
5. kuman 100pcs WS2812B 5050 Addressable SMD Smart RGB led Strip LED Lights for Arduino 5V DC Single 1-led LED Module LEDs Black Heat Sink PCB Board
- Ready-to-go library & example code for Arduino Duemilanove/Diecimila, Flora/Micro/Leonardo, Trinket/Gemma, for Arduino Due & for Arduino Mega/ADK, FastLED library and Raspberry Pi. It is Kuman brand
- Built-in The ultra bright ws2812b APA102 smart full-color LED is individually addressable. It has 256 brightness display and full 24-bit (16,777,216) color display. You can set to any color or animation
- Easy to solder leads onto the pre-tinned pads,Have any other components need pre-soldered to the boards,put on a small PCB board that allows you to solder it in whatever configuration you want
- The litlle RGB LED is easy to program, because the addressable IC is built-in the 5050SMD and it makes this led module to light up each individual 5050SMD at your wish
- Very bright great little pixels for projects. Very handy to have around for all those little ideas you come up with.The library and code are easy to use and manipulate.we can offer tutorial for you by Email via Amazon.
Features:
6. ALITOVE 50pcs DC 12V WS2811 Led Pixel Black 12mm Diffused Digital RGB Addressable Dream Color Round LED Pixels Module IP68 Waterproof
- 【Individually addressable LED 】 This is digitally-addressable WS2811 LED pixel string lights. Per string has 50pcs F8 RGB LED chips and WS2811 smart IC. You can set the color of each LED and their brightness individually! 256-level brightness and 24-bit color display, achieve 16777216 colors full color display.
- 【IP68 waterproof and Durable】 We sealed all the components in a housing with silicone, making its waterproof grade reach IP68. The wires are made of cold-resistant, UV-resistant rubber. Superior materials and design enables it to withstand extreme bad weather such as snowstorm, rainstorm, etc, suitable for long-term outdoor and underwater use.
- 【Easily connect and cut】 It comes with 3pin JST-SM connectors and separate power/ground wires on both ends. You can hook up multiple strips together to make it longer and inject power in case of voltage drops. Each pixel can be cut off. So you can shorten or extend the distance between two pixels.
- 【Compatible with many controllers】 It can be programmed with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, T1000S, K1000C controllers and controlled by ALT-C01, SP105E Bluetooth controllers, SP107E SP601E SP602E P608E SP611E SP110E Bluetooth music controllers, SP108E WiFi controllers, SP103E mini RF controllers and any other WS2811 SPI controllers.
- 【Wide Application】 Thanks to the excellent waterproof design, it is widely used in various indoor and outdoor commercial lighting decoration projects, such as outdoor billboards, LED screens, LED wall, hotel, KTV, bars, city skyline, building outline decoration and so on.
Features:
7. Hengjiaan RTC DS1302 Real Time Clock Module for Arduino AVR ARM PIC SMD
Module operating voltage compatible 3.3V/5V, can be connected with 5V and 3.3V microcontrollerDS1302 is made large 8-pin DIP chip, chip below IC socket for easy replacement and swap chipsBackup battery is genuine celestial CR2032, Voltage 3V, current 260mAh, non-rechargeable batteries. Theoretical d...
8. BTF-LIGHTING RGBW RGB+Natural White SK6812 (Similar WS2812B) Individually Addressable 3.3ft 1m 144(2X72) LEDs Flexible 4 Colors in 1 LED Dream Color LED Strip IP65 Waterproof DC5V White PCB
- Individually Addressable.RGB+Pure White.SK6812 RGBW LED strip is the newest upgraded version of WS2812B LED strip. R/G/B/W 4 colors in 1 LED.SK6812 has a richer color change and color combination possibilities.With all the features of WS2812B LED Strip.
- Fan and economical LED strip project.Works great with SP110E SP105E SP108E SP107E SP110E K-1000C controller.You can light up a single pure white light , the LED strip is more energy-efficient, extending the life of the LED strip.R+G+B=mixed white 0.3W/LED . Pure White :0.1W/LED .1 color(red or green or blue or pure white) 0.1W/LED . 2 colors (red+green) 0.2W/LED , 3 colors (red+green+blue=mixed white) 0.3W/LED.Recommend power supply:DC5V10A(50W)
- Each leds is individual addressable.256 brightness display and 32-bit color display.one IC controls one led Each pixel can have its own color and brightness. You can control them individually and set them to any color or animation you want.Match use controller can appear colorful curtain-up/ flow water/raindrop/jump flash and so on hundreds of lighting effect, you can also edit animation effect by Coreldraw/Flash/LedEdit software.Power adapter and controller need to be purchased separately
- Chainable design. It comes with 3-pin JST-SM connectors on both ends. You can continue to extend or cut at both ends.1 Year Warranty. A 24-hour online hotline allows clients in the US write in with any question they might have.IP67 waterproof has no double side tape.IP67 fixed with screws and clips.There is adhesive tape on IP30/IP65 LED strip's back, so you can stick it to the wall or other items conveniently as you like.
- Making led screen, led wall, advertising board, apply to hotel, KTV, bars, Outdoor advertising signs, Festivel Christmas or wedding party decoration.It has adhesive glue on the back, so you can stick it to the wall or other items conveniently as you like.1 Year Warranty. A 24-hour online hotline allows clients in the US write in with any question they might have.
Features:
9. Rextin DC 5V 60A 300W Regulated Transformer Power Supply Driver SW For LED Strip Lights (300W)
- Led power supply transformer driver SW, Input: AC 110V/220V 50/60Hz, Output: DC5V 60A 300W
- Smart device surge protection for Short-circuit Protection, Overload Protection, Over Voltage,Over Temperature Protection. High efficiency, High Reliability, Low Temperature Rise
- Certificates: CE/RoHS/FCC Approved
- Warnings: Don't open or modify the led power supply. Please leave children, kids far away from high voltage power source. Please use it under professional electrician's guides. Any abuse or improper use will void warranty.
- widely used in LED lighting, Home Appliance, Instrumentation, Office Automation, Telecom, Process and Engineering Industries etc
Features:
10. HiLetgo 5pcs TXS0108E High Speed Full Duplex 8 Way 8 Channel Level Conversion Module 8-Bit 8 CH Logic Level Bi-Directional Converter Module
Provide two-way communication capabilities.Provide 3.3-5V, 1.8-3.3v and other common level conversion capability.Serial communication interface compatible with UART/IIC/SPI port easy to connect.Widely used in the MCU and SD card, MCU and serial devices,MCU and 5V/3V module communiction.OE active hig...
11. Major Brands 74HCT245 ICS and Semiconductors, Tri-State Octal Bus Transceiver (Pack of 10)
CMOS technologyVoltage: 5V74HCT series
13. ALITOVE WS2813 12V LED Strip Light 12V WS2812B RGB Addressable LED Pixel Tape Light WS2815 Programmable LED Felxible Strip 16.4ft/5m 300 LEDs Waterproof IP67 Black PCB for Decor Lighting Project
- 【12V WS2813 LED Strip】 WS2815 LED strip is upgraded version of 5V WS2813 / WS2812B LED strip. For 5M LED strip, even if all the LEDs are turned on full white, 12V version has no voltage drop. You don’t need to inject power as frequently as 5V version.
- 【Dual-signal wires】 Designed with one data wire and one backup data wire. . Signal break-point continuous transmission. If one LED is damaged, the following LEDs can still work.
- 【Individually addressable】Each pixel can have its own color and brightness. You can control it individually and set them to any color or animation you want. 256 brightness display and 24-bit color display.
- 【Wide compatibility】It can be programmed with K1000C T1000S etc. It can also be controlled by SP105E SP108E pre-programmed app controllers and SP107E Colorful x2 sound activated music controllers.
- 【User-friendly Design】Designed with 4pin JST-SM connectors on both ends for easy hooking up. Separate power/ground wires on both ends for injecting power in case of voltage drop. Covered by waterproof silicone tube, which protects it very well and makes it easy to clean, up to IP67 waterproof.
Features:
14. KeeYees 10pcs 4 Channels IIC I2C Logic Level Converter Bi-Directional Module 3.3V to 5V Shifter for Arduino (Pack of 10)
- The bi-directional logic level converter is a small device, which can safely steps down 5V signals to 3.3V and steps up 3.3V to 5V at the same time.
- This level converter works with 2.8V and 1.8V devices, it can bidirectionally transfer with 4 channels between high logic voltage and low logic voltage.
- Each logic level converter has the capability of converting 4 pins on the high side to 4 pins on the low side with two inputs and two outputs provided for each side.
Features:
15. 18AWG Low Voltage LED Cable 3 Conductor White Sleeve in-Wall Speaker Wire UL/cUL Class 2 (200 ft Reel)
HIGHT QUALITY 3 Channel LED Cable with White PVC Jacket18 AWG, 3 Conductor, 16 Stranded Pure Copper Wires per ChannelOxygen Free Copper Conductors for In-Wall ApplicationsUL Certified, NEC 725 Class 2 RatedSequential 2' Length Markings in Descending Order from the Start of the Reel to the Core
16. ALITOVE 5V 15A AC to DC Power Supply Adapter Transformer Converter 5.5x2.1mm Plug 100V-240V AC Input for WS2811 2801 WS2812B LED Strip Pixel Light
- Input: 100V-240V 50/60Hz; Output: 5V DC up to 15 Amps; Output adaptor jack size: 5.5mm x 2.5mm,compatible with 5.5mm x 2.1mm
- It comes with a female DC connector for screwing wires onto it. You can easily connect wires on it without soldering.
- Safety features: Automatic overload cut-off, over Voltage cut-off, automatic thermal cut-off, short circuit protection.
- Enough 75W output power and 5V stable output voltage will protect your electronic products from destruction.
- It is perfect for all 5V projects, such as WS2812B WS2811 WS2801 WS2813 APA102 SK6812 LED Strip Pixel light, CCTV Camera Security System, wireless router etc.
Features:
17. Uxcell a16011800ux1611 Plastic Fish Drawn Tape Wire Pulling Line Leading Puller 17M clear
- Country of manufacture: china; material: metals,plastic
- Net weight: 325G; package content: 1 x cable puller
- Main color: clear; total length: 17M/56Ft
- Head hole dia: 3.5Mm/0.14"; wire dia: 3.5Mm/0.14"
- Eyelet head dia: 7Mm/0.28 inch
Features:
18. 18AWG Low Voltage LED Cable 3 Conductor White Sleeve in-Wall Speaker Wire UL/cUL Class 2 (100 ft Reel)
- HIGHT QUALITY 3 Channel LED Cable with White PVC Jacket
- 18 AWG, 3 Conductor, 16 Stranded Pure Copper Wires per Channel
- Oxygen Free Copper Conductors for In-Wall Applications
- UL Certified, NEC 725 Class 2 Rated
- Sequential 2' Length Markings in Descending Order from the Start of the Reel to the Core
Features:
19. TalentCell Rechargeable 12V 3000mAh Lithium ion Battery Pack for LED Strip, CCTV Camera and More, DC 12V/5V USB Dual Output External Battery Power Bank with Charger, Black
Rechargeable DC12V and 5V USB Double Output Lithium ion battery pack. Small size, 3000mAh high capacity, easy to carry.12V battery compatible with most LED strip light products, CCTV Camera, IP Camera, LED Panel, Amplifier, Modem, Car DVR, Speaker, Spectra S2 breast pump, and 5V devices, mobile phon...
20. 5V Power Supply, CHINLY 40A Power Supply Universal Regulated Switching Power Supply Transformer for WS2811 2801 WS2812B WS2813 APA102 LED Strip Light, CCTV, Radio, Computer Project (DC5V 40A 200W)
Switch power supply, convert AC 110V to DC 5V 40A 200WDual input voltage: AC 110V/220V. There is a switch,The default factory setting is 110V voltageProtection: Shortage Protection, Overload Protection, Over-voltage Protection:115%-135%,Action output cut-off Reset:Auto Reset or fuseSafety Compliance...
Yep! Exactly. I did something similar a few months ago. I took a big thick speaker cable (10 gauge) and wired it to my power supply. I made a bunch of janky splits in it and soldered some more wire so I could inject power into the strips. Wish I knew about these things before I did all that work, this is what I would use now (not this exact one but one like it):
EVERSECU 2Pack 1 to 4 Way Port DC Power Split Splitter Cable Pigtail for CCTV Cameras DVR NVR LED Light Strip DC5.52.1mm (DC Power Splitter Cable 1 Female to 4 Male) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JKSDNCF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TG20Db0SACK3T
Keep in mind those connectors handle a max of 5 amps and if you buy a shitty one probably less than that. So those will only help so much, you still gotta do some wire splitting.
For anything more use Anderson power pole (its not super cheap but really your best bet if you want a connector that can handle the entire 18 amps).
However I only inject power into the beginning of the strips, you can do the end too (I’m assuming) but it’s twice as much work. I’d see if you can just attach each strip to power. You’ll want to connect the data and ground lines between each strip obviously (if you are wiring the strips together so your controller sees them as a single strip).
If you inject power into each strip they will all be nice and even and your project should look great.
I'm not experienced with batteries. Hopefully someone else can help you with those.
This power supply might be more user friendly. Just get a barrel jack and you can easily connect it to the leds. I used this type of psu to power up my xmas lights last year on my balcony so as long as it doesn't get wet it should be fine outside too.
WS2018B
Is what I purchased originally. I may get different some that are just white/warm white since their for interiors of buildings and I'll have no need for RGB.
Down the road for sure I'd love to do a disco rave party in a big warehouse, random flickering fluorescent lamps and white/blue welding flashes. Endless possibilities for sure :)
For some reason I couldn't see the second half of your first comment, don't quite know what happened there... But I'm working with WS2811 strip. Just in case, here's what I got:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0775CC559/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0775CC559&pd_rd_w=LUwIe&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=sjVz3&pf_rd_r=E49FJSYMSCZR16D0TF4R&pd_rd_r=195ec17e-9f6e-11e9-9c8d-95537dbb79e8
Now I actually have seen that code, realistically that's what I meant by the three pin method. I guess the better way to say that I have seen people do static colors with non-addressable LEDs, my lights are all individually addressable. Sorry, I feel like I'm telling you information you already know lol.
Now that code wouldn't work for my lights, correct?
I saw. Excellent job!
AliExpress. I don’t have a link to them.
These are similar from Amazon:
ALITOVE 50pcs DC 12V WS2811 Led Pixel Black 12mm Diffused Digital RGB Addressable Dream Color Round LED Pixels Module IP68 Waterproof https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XN66ZY6/
yep, no problem
fastled can be as simple as, set colour, set led, and then it would just take some basic coding to have times on and off.
if your working on a micro scale, then use milliseconds and "flash without delay" as a start, but it sounds more like using am rtc would make things a lot easier
HALJIA RTC DS1302 Real Time Clock Module Compatible with Arduino AVR ARM PIC SMD https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C741VTK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lHjTDb871VXX0
ESP-8266 people! I went down the fork rabbit hole on github and found this one, EmteZogaf/FastLED/tree/dma. It:
The real question is are your strips 30 LEDS per meter, or 60? If it's 30 per meter, you can seriously downsize your power supply.
For reference, I have an array of strips of 60/m ws28xx, and bought this 300W 5V 60A power supply. I have
987 total LEDS
, that at max intensity would consume 295 W and 59 A.The strips of 60/m are approximately 18w per meter.
If you are using the same strips as me, then the maximum supply you would need would be
150W 5V 30A
One other important note... the power supply is not a constant current supply. The current drawn from the supply will vary depending on the intensity and refresh rate of the data.
Basically, the "max" draw should only happen if you are setting each individual to it's max intensity of white, and signaling a refresh of every LED in the array at 800kHz.
Here's the math. You'll see I added some margin to the final values for safety. You may not have the same LED's as me, but the math can be done the same way for whatever your LED chipset is.
50 LED's per segment / 60 LED's per meter = .8333 meters
.8333 meters 8 segments = 6.667 total meters
18W per meter 6.667 meters = 120 Watts per matrix
120 Watts / 5V = 24 Amps @ maximum intensity
Edit, I just noticed your link to your LED's, and they consume
0.3W
per LED. Just so happens that equals120 Watts
, so the recommendation above should hold.I am newbie too! I use very newbie friendly methods. No solder!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078RT3ZPS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I just use one of those every 150 leds. If I am using the 300 led strip, the 60/m for 5m, I use 8amps instead of 5. The connector that comes with the power supply works directly with the led strips from the same company.
Something like this on the data pins then? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BNYVJBB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TUfYDbNM79QGM
I linked the one I'm using. I also just ordered some of these and these. Will those both work?
Also, are there any smaller options without the pins sticking out? I just want a small little one channel converter...
u/Yariv-H - Check out the following from Ray Wu’s store:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32802246081.html?spm=2114.12010615.8148356.17.28f31bcauE6Jif
or from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Voltage-LED-Conductor-Jacketed-Speaker/dp/B01M62HEPU/ref=sr\_1\_4?keywords=3+wire+white+cable&qid=1566127962&s=gateway&sr=8-4
These sort of 12V versions are in Amazon, such as this:
ALITOVE WS2813 12V LED Strip Light 12V WS2812B RGB Addressable LED Pixel Tape Light WS2815 Programmable LED Felxible Strip 16.4ft/5m 300 LEDs Waterproof IP67 Black PCB for Arduino Raspberry Pi Project
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L3C1LG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pm.TCbKAJ51S5
KeeYees 10pcs 4 Channels IIC I2C Logic Level Converter Bi-Directional Module 3.3V to 5V Shifter for Arduino (Pack of 10) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LG646VS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ast2DbN44W4S2
Just a no name brand off amazon. Although i believe i have another one coming from adafruit as well
I've used this before, the length may be overkill!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M22ZU7X/
Yea, I have had those a lot too. In portable projects where they are likely to get jerked around, I will use plastic cable puller (https://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-a16011800ux1611-Plastic-Pulling-Leading/dp/B01FM7V6P8 - you can get them at hardware stores) and use electrical or regular tape to fix the strip to the plastic cable. It prevents the strip from bending too far.
For posterity, found a battery solution that worked great, iof anyone else has the same problem -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7Z9Z1N -- has a built in switch, has 12v out via a barrel jack, has 5v via USB. USB stays on as long as the switch is on, even under tiny load (just an Arduino). I linked it to a barrel jack adapter, here: https://www.adafruit.com/product/368 . Power to Arduino via USB, common ground to the barrel jack power adapter terminal block, capacitor across the terminal block, power and ground out to the Neopixel strand.
I use these, $20, 40A, hard to complain
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZRIWZD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
" From the CAT5's the solids are data and the whites are ground. "
This is wrong. Using a twisted pair for data/ground adds a lot of capacitance to the data line, so I would expect problems.
I use this wire on my current project, driving 300 LEDs with a Wemos D1 Mini (8266-based, 3.3V). My Wemos is 15 ft from the LEDs. The secret is to use a sacrificial LED to act as a level shifter/data repeater at the start of the cable.