Can I run sk6812 straight from GPIO 18 to a level shifter from a pi 3b+

[Euclidean-Path]

I've spent ages looking for information regarding this and may have just failed to find anything but on some diagrams and setups people just run it straight from the pi to a level shifter but then there is an official discussion stating that it's unsafe as well as when you select sk6812 in controller settings it states it's unsupported and for advanced users (possibility to burn out the gpio pin?). Do I need to then run it to an ESP32 or is that just for performance gains as it takes the load off of the pi?

If I can run it off of gpio 18 what do I select in the controller settings and if I do need to get a separate controller I was thinking of trying the pico but I also can't find any wiring diagrams/guides for how I connect that part up?

Apologies if I've missed something but I feel like I've spent so long looking for information and haven't found what I'm looking for so thought this might help people with similar issues in the future. TIA

[Euclidean-Path]

Here is my proposed wiring diagram If it helps, I will be running the pi off an official separate power supply as I want that to run 24/7 but be able to unplug the psu when not in use, both will be plugged into the same surge protector extension lead to minimise any grounding issues.

[awawa-dev]

Hi
This level shifter is probably slow I2C so it's not sutaible for LED driving , but check its specification to be sure.
They warn about it here: https://kno.wled.ge/basics/compatible-hardware/

You need e.g. SN74AHCT125N/74AHCT125 https://github.com/awawa-dev/HyperHDR/wiki/Level-Shifter or save yourself time and buy a board with a level shifter: https://github.com/awawa-dev/HyperSerialPico?tab=readme-ov-file#recommended-boards-with-a-built-in-level-shifter

[Euclidean-Path]

Awesome, just ordered it, you are a legend for what you do thank you!!

Also I saw in another post that you might not have tried the ezcoo ez-sp12h21 which I will be using in my setup, if you want me to test or find anything out about this splitter just let me know :)

[awawa-dev]

Yes, I even started a thread here: #1004 because I bought it recently and I don't have time to test it now... another victim of the sale is me 😉 It's hard to comprehensively test HDMI splitters in all possible combinations of colorspace, resolutions, downscaling or HDR/DV formats, so the more reports we collect the better. So far we know that CEC is working correctly.

[Euclidean-Path]

For the price it was on sale for I just couldn't resist 😅 Is there some central database that people can post their completed builds so that others can reference? Not sure if It is needed but just a thought.

[awawa-dev]

Most people are so excited after finishing a HyperHDR setup and enjoy it that they forget to share their results... or they are tired after finishing it or both 😉 Anyway, for me it's OK if at least they are happy, the setup works as intended so they don't report bugs😃

[Euclidean-Path]

I can definitely relate with both of those feelings! Before I started this I didn't really know the difference between a volt and an amp so it's been quite a journey! Maybe if I'm not too burnt out I will create a guide of my setup but for the time being I am just posting an updated diagram for anyone else that is stuck where I was.

I will be doing dual edge injection hence the two strips (am I correct that I don't need to sever the v+/v- lines at the centre of the strip as its all the same power source?)