Led strip + Raspberry Pi

[snowtech]

Hey there guys.
I have a project im working on, even though im a beginner, i need someone who can spend some time to help me achieve this. That might sound simple but i couldnt find it anywhere...

I have 12 led strips (12 volts each) and i need to do a sequence with them. They would be controled by a motion sensor... Im stuck on how i can plug them into the GPIO when that delivers only 3.3 volts right!?

Is there any picture that shows exactly how i connect them ??

Thank you very much!!!

Thiago

[FLYFISH TECHNOLOGIES]

Hi Thiago,

Is there any picture that shows exactly how i connect them ?

People often search by using improper criteria... In your case, the very unimportant facts are that it is about LEDs, and that they are triggered by motion sensor. The important data is 12V power requirement, the missing data is operating current.

So, what is actually important as a search criteria is that you have 12V loads (12 of them) which you'd like to switch on/off by RasPi. When you add needed current data, the search can begin.

I'm pointing this because you will find out that you can (for example) have a circuit which originally controls 12V pump and it can work for you perfectly...
When I google for "Raspberry control 12V", the results are very good and usable for you. But, as said, needed is current data of each of your strip.


Best wishes, Ivan Zilic.

[BMS Doug]

While I'm tempted to give a much fuller answer than Ivan did, I'm going to resist that temptation and just confirm that Ivan's guidelines for your websearch criteria are a good starting point.

I will add that you should split your project into smaller bites and don't try to do it all in one go.

First figure out how to get one output working, then get the motion sensor working to control one LED strip, then expand to 12 LED strips.

Doug.