Installing RobotechPixel

The RobotechPixel library gives you a unified API for all RoboTech LED boards — NeoRing, QuadPixel, and future products. It wraps FastLED with board-aware addressing, daisy-chain support, and 30+ built-in effects.

Method 1: Arduino Library Manager (Recommended)

The easiest way to install — everything is handled automatically.

1. Open the Arduino IDE
2. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries...
3. In the search box, type RobotechPixel
4. Find RobotechPixel by Robotech and click Install
5. When prompted to install the FastLED dependency, click Install All

That's it — you're ready to go.

Note: If RobotechPixel doesn't appear in the Library Manager yet, it may still be under review. Use Method 2 below in the meantime.

Method 2: Install from ZIP

Use this method if the library isn't in the Library Manager yet, or if you prefer manual installation.

Step 1 — Download

Go to the latest release on GitHub and download the Source code (zip) file.

Step 2 — Install the ZIP

1. Open the Arduino IDE
2. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Add .ZIP Library...
3. Navigate to your Downloads folder and select the ZIP file
4. You should see "Library added to your libraries" in the console

Step 3 — Install FastLED (if not already installed)

RobotechPixel depends on FastLED. If you don't have it:

1. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries...
2. Search for FastLED
3. Click Install

Verify Installation

Create a new sketch and paste the following:

#include <RobotechPixel.h>

#define DATA_PIN   7   // change to match your wiring
#define NUM_BOARDS 1   // number of daisy-chained boards

RobotechPixel px(BOARD_NEORING, NUM_BOARDS, DATA_PIN);

void setup() {
  px.begin();
  px.setBrightness(150);
}

void loop() {
  fxRainbowWheel(px, millis());
}

Click Verify (checkmark button). If it compiles without errors, the library is installed correctly.

Wiring Your First Board

Before uploading, connect your NeoRing:

Tip: For more than 2 boards or full-white brightness, use an external 5V supply connected to the NeoRing's VCC/GND pads. Don't forget to connect the supply's GND to the Arduino's GND.

Upload the sketch — you should see a rainbow wheel animation on your NeoRing.

Daisy-Chaining Multiple Boards

To chain multiple NeoRings together:

1. Connect the first board's DOUT pad to the second board's DIN pad
2. Share VCC and GND across all boards
3. Update NUM_BOARDS in your sketch:

#define NUM_BOARDS 3  // for three daisy-chained NeoRings
RobotechPixel px(BOARD_NEORING, NUM_BOARDS, DATA_PIN);

The library handles all addressing automatically — effects span across all boards.

Platform Compatibility

Troubleshooting

Next Steps

• API Reference — Full list of methods and parameters
• Examples — Code examples for all 30+ effects
• Effects Guide — Visual guide to every built-in effect