The mLink RGBW LED controller is a serial I2C module designed to allow a microcontroller such as an Arduino to control common types of RGB (red-green-blue) and RGBW (red-green-blue-white) LED light strips. The module has screw terminals for connecting the light strips power supply and its +Ve, -red, -green, -blue, and optionally -white connections. It is capable of controlling 5V, 12V, & 24V LED strips that require a +Ve supply with -ve RGB(W) control inputs at up to a total of 2A per channel.
When connected to a microcontrollers I2C interface each LED output can be controlled independently with up two 256 different levels of brightness allowing for a combined RGB colour palette of over 16 million colours. Additionally, either predefined or user defined RGB colour cycling modes can be selected which can run independently of the microcontroller.
For Arduino users you can use the mLink library (see below for library and examples) to control any type of mLink module. Only one single instance of the library is needed to control multiple types of mLink modules resulting in very little resources overhead and therefore making it great for Arduinos with small amounts of memory and pin counts.
For Raspberry Pi users we have a Python module which can be installed via pip or downloaded and installed directly from our forum. Please see the mLink Python forum thread for requirements and download link here: viewtopic.php?f=131&t=3062&p=8592#p8592
Module specifications:
Module code: HCMODU0185 Supply Voltage (VDD): 3V to 5.5V Module current consumption: 7mA Interfaces: I2C, LED power in (+ & -), - red driver (R), -green driver (G), - blue driver (B), - white/aux driver (A) I2C Interface speed: 400kbits/s (fast mode) I2C default address (HEX): 0h53 LED voltage (max): 28V DC LED current (max): 6A DC / 2A per RGBW output Maximum number of modules: 5 with pullups fitted, 112 with pullups removed* Module dimensions (inc headers): 47.5mm x 40.5mm x 14mm
*Note the maximum number of connected modules will depend on cable lengths and power requirements of each module. Do not exceed 5 mLink modules connected in series with all fitted to all modules.
Arduino Connection Example:
When used with microcontollers such as Arduino the mLink relay modules can be controlled via a serial I2C interface.
Because the modules use an I2C interface this also means multiple modules can controlled from a single Arduinos I2C interface simply by daisy-chaining them together. Note to control multiple mLink modules of the same type requires changing the default I2C address of the additional modules. See mLink Library Quick Start Guide for how to do this.
Raspberry Pi Connection Diagram
Please note: when connecting to a Raspberry Pi the mLink module should either be powered via 3.3V, or the mLink modules I2C pullup resistors should be removed. See the 'Removing the modules I2C pullup resistors' section below for more information.
Removing the modules I2C pullup resistors
Please note that the modules I2C pullup resistors should be removed if you intend to use it as follows:
1) You wish to connect more than 5 modules to the same I2C bus.
2) You wish to power this module at 5V and you have a 3.3V development board that does not have a 5V tolerant I2C interface.
3) You wish to power this module at 5V and you have a 3.3V development board that has its own I2C pullup resistors.
To disconnect the modules two 10K pullup resistors from the I2C bus, locate the 3 jumper pads labelled ‘END DEV’ and cut the two tracks linking them together as follows:
mLink Arduino library
viewtopic.php?f=58&t=3001
mLink Raspberry Pi Python module
The mLink python module can be installed with the following terminal command:
- pip install hc-mlink
Alternatively the library can be manually installed by downloading it from the forum and unzipping it to your project folder. See the Python module forum thread for more information and download link:
viewtopic.php?f=131&t=3062&p=8592#p8592
Please note that in some cases there may be additional configuration required. If you have issues getting your Raspberry Pi to communicate with the mLink module then please see the Python module forum thread here: viewtopic.php?f=131&t=3062
mLink Library Quick Start Guide For Arduino Users
https://hobbycomponents.com/downloads/m ... _Guide.pdf
mLink Library Reference Guide For The RGBW LED controller Module
https://hobbycomponents.com/downloads/m ... _Guide.pdf
mLink Specifications and Register Map For The RGBW LED controller Module
https://hobbycomponents.com/downloads/m ... er_Map.pdf
Libraries, example code, and diagrams are provided as an additional free service by Hobby Components and are not sold as part of this product. We do no provide any guarantees or warranties as to their accuracy or fitness for purpose.
Descriptions and diagrams on this page are copyright Hobby Components Ltd and may not be reproduced without permission.