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How To Use An LED Strip With The Touch Board​

The capacitive sensors on the Touch Board enable you to create a wide range of touch and proximity switches. This tutorial will guide you on how to effectively combine the Touch Board with Adafruit’s Neopixel flexible LED strip, enabling you to create a touch switch for the LED strip lights . While there are various options available for LED tape lights, we have chosen to use Adafruit’s Neopixel silicone-encased flexible LED strip, which is easily accessible. You can purchase this strip in different lengths, always in meter, and in either black or white color. To demonstrate the installation process for the LED strip lighting, we will be using the Touch Board Pro Kit and the Proto Shield.

This tutorial can also be adapted for the Interactive Wall Kit, allowing you to create mesmerizing interactive lighting installations where users can interact with the smart wall and play with the light source.

We are always thrilled when you share your projects! Share your project on Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter, and don’t forget to tag @bareconductive or use #bareconductive. You can also send your videos and photos to [email protected], and we will feature them on our site for the world to see.

Step 1: Assemble the NeoPixel Strip​

Adafruit’s Neopixel LED lights come in different sizes, each with a varying number of LEDs. Due to their high current draw, you will need an external 5V power supply to power the strip. It is important not to use a power source that provides more voltage, as it can damage the strip lighting. The amount of current required depends on the number of LEDs used. Each LED or pixel draws 20mA, so if you are using 10 LEDs, you will need at least 0.2A. For 100 LEDs, a power source with 2A is necessary.


There are numerous power sources available. For this tutorial, we are using a 5V power source with a 2A capacity and a 2.1mm tip connector. We connect the power cables of the tape light to the power supply using a 2.1mm jack to screw terminal block. It is also essential to connect a large capacitor (1000 µF, 6.3V or higher) between the ground and 5V of the LED strip, with the anode connected to the ground of the power strip. However, do not connect the LED strip to power just yet.

The Neopixel LED strip comes with a 2 or 3 pin JST SM connector. To easily connect to the connector, we recommend using a JST SM receptacle cable.

Step 2: Connect Everything Together​

To connect the Touch Board to the NeoPixel strip, follow the wiring diagram provided. You can choose to connect the LED strip and the Touch Board together either via a breadboard or using the Proto Shield. For now, you can leave the 5V connection that is part of the JST connection disconnected. In our example, we soldered it to a pin on the Proto Shield so that we can access it later if needed.
>>>> more information about Best LED light strips

Step 3: Upload the Code on the Touch Board​

If you haven’t set up your Touch Board yet, make sure to check out our setup tutorial.
You can download our example code, which is designed to turn the LED strip on when you touch electrode 0. Open the code and locate the variable “NUMPIXELS.” Adjust this value to match the number of pixels you are using. In our example, we are using 10 pixels. Install the Adafruit Neopixel library by navigating to Sketch→Include Library→Manage Libraries… Search for “neopixel” and click on “install.” Once the library is installed, upload the code to the Touch Board, ensuring that you have selected the correct settings for the Touch Board.

>>>> see more How to Set Up LED Strip Lights

Step 4: Connect to Power​

Connect the power light strip to the power source and press electrode 0 of the Touch Board. Watch as the LED tape lights up!
In the provided code, we have opted for a white light, but you can change the color temperature by adjusting the values inside “setPixelColor.”

Step 5: Next Steps​

Modifying the code of the Touch Board opens up various possibilities. You can create a proximity switch for the LED light strip, allowing you to dim the lights by approaching the sensor. Adafruit’s Neopixel library provides easy control over the color and brightness of each individual LED light, as well as which LED is illuminated.
To ensure the LED strip stays in place, you can use silicone-friendly adhesive to make it adhesive.

If you wish to use multiple LED strips, you will need to add sufficient power sources.
We are eager to see the creative projects you come up with using the Touch Board. Feel free to send us your images or videos to [email protected] or share them with us on Instagram or Twitter.
For any troubleshooting or additional guidance, refer to our Troubleshooting Guide and FAQs. You can also contact us directly at [email protected].

>>>>> see more: How To Use An LED Strip With The Touch Board