16x16 Flexible WS2812B Addressable RGB LED Matrix - 256 Pixels Square

Specifications:

• LED Configuration: 16 Rows x 16 Columns (256 Total Pixels)
  
• LED Type: WS2812B (Integrated 5050 RGB LED + Driver)
  Input Voltage: 5V DC
  
• Current Consumption: ~15.3A (Full White @ 100% Brightness), ~4-6A (Typical Pixel Art)
  
• PCB Color: Black Flexible Copper Foil
  
• Data Protocol: Single-wire Serial (800Kbps)
  
• Dimensions: 160mm x 160mm x 2mm
  
• Connectors: 3-Pin JST-SM (Data In/Out) + Additional Power Injection Wires
  
• Gray Level: 256 Levels 

Key Applications

• Pixel Art Frames: Create a Wi-Fi connected frame that displays your favorite 16-bit characters.
  
• Gaming Monitors: Build a "Game State" indicator that changes color based on health or ammo in-game.
  
• Interactive Wearables: Perfect for "Daft Punk" style helmets or reactive LED backpacks.
  
• Smart Clocks: Display the time, weather icons, and YouTube subscriber counts in a sleek square format.

Project Evolution

• Past Projects (Prerequisites): If you've used the smaller 8x8 matrix, you already know the basics. The 16x16 format uses the exact same code logic but gives you 4x the resolution.
  
• Feature Upgrade: The 16x16 grid is the "Golden Ratio" for pixel art. Most retro game icons fit perfectly in a 16px square, which is impossible on smaller grids.
  
• Effort/Requirements: Intermediate. You must be comfortable with "Power Injection"—connecting 5V to multiple points on the panel to prevent the LEDs at the end from looking dim or yellow.

Virtual Technician & Wiring

• ⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY: At 5V, 15 Amps is a lot of current. Use 18AWG or thicker wire for your main power leads. Do not attempt to power this via your computer's USB port!
  
• Red (VCC): Connect to a high-quality 5V 10A-20A Power Supply.
  
• White (GND): Connect to Power Supply Ground AND Microcontroller Ground.
  
• Green (DIN): Connect to a digital pin on your Arduino/ESP32 (use a 470Ω resistor).
  
• Red/White (Loose Wires): Use these to "Inject" power at the end of the panel to maintain consistent brightness.

Package Includes:

1 X 16x16 Flexible WS2812B Addressable RGB LED Matrix - 256 Pixels Square

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use this with WLED?
   Absolutely, it's one of the most popular panels for WLED setups.
2. How many Amps do I really need? 
   For typical colorful animations, a 5V 10A supply is usually sufficient.
3. Does it come with a power supply?
   No, power supplies are sold separately.
4. Can I connect two of these to make a 16x32 display?
   Yes, use the JST-SM connectors to daisy-chain them.
5. Is it compatible with 3.3V logic (ESP32/Pi)?
   Yes, but a Logic Level Shifter is recommended for long-term stability.
6. What is the distance between pixels?
   The pitch is approximately 10mm.
7. Can I fold the panel?
   You can curve it, but sharp creases will break the internal copper traces.
8. How do I mount this to a surface?
   We recommend using non-conductive double-sided adhesive tape or a 3D-printed frame.
9. Why are my LEDs turning yellow at the end?
   This is voltage drop. You need to inject 5V into the loose power wires at the end of the matrix.
10. Which library should I use for icons?
    Adafruit_NeoMatrix is excellent for handling 2D grids.
11. Can this display video?
    At 16x16, you can display very low-res GIF-style animations.
12. Is it waterproof?
    No, this is an IP20-rated indoor component.
13. Can I cut the panel into four 8x8s?
    No, the traces are not designed to be cut.
14. How do I protect the panel?
    A piece of smoked acrylic or a 3D-printed diffuser makes the LEDs look like solid pixels.
15. What happens if one LED burns out?
    The LEDs after it in the chain will stop receiving data.
16. Is it compatible with Raspberry Pi?
    Yes, using the rpi_ws281x library.
17. Can I use it with a battery?
    Yes, a 2S LiPo with a high-current 5V BEC/Buck converter works well.
18. Does it get hot?
    Yes, at high brightness it generates significant heat. Ensure airflow.
19. What is the refresh rate?
    It can handle up to 400-800Kbps data rates.
20. Can I display text?
    Yes, but text is easier to read on the 8x32 "Ticker" version than on this square version.