Using through-hole addressable WS2812 LEDs with ESP8266

Components & Accessories LEDs
1

Hello, I am trying to build a project that uses WS2812 LEDs with my ESP8266 board. However, I have had trouble getting the lights to work properly, and after looking at the hookup guide, it seems like the VIN pin of the ESP8266 may not be providing enough power for my LEDs. Do you think that could explain why my LEDs are not working properly, or do you think this is a different issue?

I have been able to get my lights to light up for a few seconds, but they are not changing color and they tend to go off after a while. I have connected Pin 0 to my data input terminal, VIN pin to my 5V terminal, and the GND pin to the GND terminal of the LED. Here is my code for reference:

#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>
Adafruit_NeoPixel leds = Adafruit_NeoPixel(1, 0, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  leds.begin();
  leds.show();
}

void loop() {
  leds.setPixelColor(1, 255, 255, 255);
  leds.show();
  delay(1000); // Wait for a second
  leds.setPixelColor(1, 0, 0, 0);
  leds.show();
  delay(1000); // Wait for a second
}
2

WS2812’s typically want to see a bit more voltage than 3.3 volts. You might try powering the LEDs with 5 volts and supplying data at 3.3 from your ESP8266 and see if that works. If you’re still running into trouble, you may need a logic level shifter to boost your data voltage to 5 volts as well.

Also, make sure your power supply is capable of driving all your LEDs, if it’s browning out, that could cause issues as well.