Adafruit NeoPixel Rings Addressable RGB LEDs

<P>The <STRONG>Adafruit NeoPixel Rings</STRONG> let you address every single one of the 24, 16 or 12 LEDs and set its 24-bit RGB value. These seemingly simple gadgets have triggered an amazing array of creative projects, from watches and compasses to steampunk goggles and more. Each ring has solder pads for 5V DC and Gnd, plus data in and data out. Simply feed the data out from one into the data in of another to control them both from the same microcontroller (MCU).</P><P>Since the data protocol has strict timing requirements, the ring is best controlled by a real-time microcontroller such as the Arduino rather than a Linux board like the Raspberry Pi. Use an MCU with a clock speed of 8MHz or greater (Arduino is 16MHz). Adafruit have published a driver library to save you the trouble and let you get on with designing eye catching displays.</P><P></P><P>Adafruit have a reputation for the quality of their supporting documentation. You will find their <a href="https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide">Uberguide to NeoPixels</a> and their <a href="https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/best-practices">Best Practices</a> guide invaluable. In particular the Best Pratices guide will help you prolong the life of your NeoPixels and help you avoid common mistakes. </P>