# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/adalight-diy-ambient-tv-lighting/troubleshooting.md

# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/internet-of-things-printer/troubleshooting.md

# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/digital-led-strip/troubleshooting.md

# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/36mm-led-pixels/troubleshooting.md

# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/20mm-led-pixels/troubleshooting.md

# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/12mm-led-pixels/troubleshooting.md

# 12mm LED Pixels

## Troubleshooting

### 

It's pretty easy! Simply drill a 12mm hole into any material up to 1.5mm/0.06" thick. Then push the LED bulb first into the hole. It takes a little wiggling but there are four flanges molded in so that you can 'push' them thru and the flanges will keep the LED pixel in place

Many support issues arise&nbsp;from&nbsp;eager users getting ahead of themselves, changing the code and wiring before confirming that all the pieces work in the standard configuration.&nbsp;We recommend always starting out with the examples as shown. Use the pinouts and wiring exactly as in the tutorial, and run the stock, unmodified “strandtest” example sketch. Only then should you start switching things around.  
  
Here are the most common issues and solutions…

### 

- Double-check all wiring. Are the clock and data wires swapped? Is ground connected to the Arduino?
- Confirm the Arduino is connected to the <u>input</u> end of the strand.
- Check power supply polarity and voltage. Are + and – swapped? If you have a multimeter, confirm 5V DC output (±10%) from the power supply.
- Are the power wires at the opposite end of the strand insulated or trimmed? They should not be left exposed where they might make contact with metal, or each other.
- Is the correct board type&nbsp;selected in the Arduino Tools→Board menu?  

### 

The power supply is probably OK. Check for any of the following:

- Double-check all wiring. Are the clock and data wires swapped? Is ground connected to the Arduino?
- Confirm the Arduino is connected to the <u>input</u> end of the strand.
- Is the correct board type&nbsp;selected in the Arduino Tools→Board menu?  
- Did the strandtest code successfully compile and upload?

### 

- Confirm that the number of LEDs in the&nbsp;Adafruit\_WS2801() constructor match the number of LEDs in the strand (both will be 25 if using the strandtest example and a single strand of LEDs).
- Inside each pixel there’s a small circuit board. Give the first bad pixel (and the one immediately&nbsp;before it) a firm squeeze where the ribbon cable joins the board — it may simply be a dodgy connection. If that works, you can either cut out the offending pixel and join the two sub-strands, or arrange for a replacement strand if new.

### 

Are the clock and data wires swapped? Is ground connected to the Arduino?

### 

- This can happen when trying to power too long of a strand from one end. Voltage will drop along the length of the strand and the furthest pixels will “brown out.” Connect power to _every_ 25 pixel strand.

### 

- Confirm the library is <u>unzipped</u> prior to installation.
- Confirm the library is properly named and located. The folder should be called&nbsp;Adafruit\_WS2801, and placed inside your personal&nbsp;Documents/Arduino/Libraries folder — _not_ inside the Arduino application folder!
- After installation, the Arduino IDE needs to be restarted for new libraries to be used.  

- [Previous Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/12mm-led-pixels/circuitpython-usage.md)
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/12mm-led-pixels/dimensions.md)

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