NeoPixel Configuration Guide

Table of contents

1. NeoPixel Configuration Guide
   1. Introduction
   2. Setting Up NeoPixel in JMRI CDI Configuration Tool
   3. Field Descriptions
      1. 1. Description
      2. 2. Pixel Strip Line # (1-8)
      3. 3. Number of Pixels in Strip
      4. 4. Position of 1st Pixel (starting at 1)
      5. 5. Number of Pixels in Pattern
      6. 6. Pixel Pattern
      7. 7. Pixel Color
      8. 8. Lamp Brightness (%)
      9. 9. On Event ID
      10. 10. Off Event ID
      11. 11. Initial Line State at Power-On
   4. Example Use Case
   5. Notes
   6. Related Topics

Introduction

This guide explains how to configure NeoPixel support on the LCC Fusion Node Card using the JMRI Configuration Tool. NeoPixels are individually addressable RGB LEDs controlled by a single ESP32 GPIO pin, triggered via LCC Events. The configuration enables dynamic lighting effects such as steady color, flashing, or chaser sequences.

⚠️ NeoPixel Strips must be connected directly to the NeoPixel Breakout Board, which then connects to the Node Card I/O connector via a network cable.

Setting Up NeoPixel in JMRI CDI Configuration Tool

To configure a NeoPixel strip:

1. Open the LCC Configuration Tool and locate the NeoPixel Strip section.
2. Expand the repeated group entries to configure each NeoPixel line.
3. Edit fields such as brightness, color, pattern, and Event IDs.
4. Click Write to save changes, then Refresh to verify.

Field Descriptions

Each NeoPixel line supports the following fields:

1. Description

A label to identify the function or location of the strip (e.g., “Platform Lights”).

2. Pixel Strip Line # (1-8)

Select which ESP32 GPIO pin will control this strip. Each line refers to one of the connectors on the NeoPixel Breakout Board.

⚠️Only 5V NeoPixel LEDs are supported.

3. Number of Pixels in Strip

The total number of physical pixels wired in this strip. Must match the actual hardware.

4. Position of 1st Pixel (starting at 1)

Defines the offset within the strip where this effect begins. Use this to divide a strip into zones.

5. Number of Pixels in Pattern

How many pixels to affect starting from the first pixel defined above.

6. Pixel Pattern

Animation to apply when activated:

• None: No action
• Steady: Hold color until deactivated
• Flash - Slow/Medium/Fast: Blinks on/off at timed intervals
• Chaser: Moves light effect through segment repeatedly

7. Pixel Color

Predefined options: Red, Green, Blue, White, Yellow, or RGB (composite).

8. Lamp Brightness (%)

Brightness of the pixels from 0–100%.

9. On Event ID

LCC Event ID that turns the defined pixels on.

10. Off Event ID

LCC Event ID that turns the pixels off.

11. Initial Line State at Power-On

Sets the initial state when the Node Card powers up:

• On: Starts lit
• Off: Starts dark
• Previous: Restores last saved state

Example Use Case

• Platform Strip Lighting:
  • Line #: 1
  • Pixels: 24
  • Pattern: Chaser
  • Color: Yellow
  • Brightness: 80%
  • Events: EventOn = 0x05.01.01.01.5C.60.03.00, EventOff = 0x05.01.01.01.5C.60.03.01

When the On Event is received, the strip lights in a yellow chaser pattern across 24 pixels. When Off Event is received, the lights turn off.

Notes

• Avoid overlapping pixel ranges across entries.
• Pixel start positions are zero-indexed in hardware but configured as 1-based in the UI.
• Each strip should have a dedicated line.
• Use power injection for strips longer than ~30 LEDs.

Related Topics

• Node Card Assembly Guide
• Node Card Configuration Guide
• Wiring NeoPixel Strips
• Event Configuration Tool Reference