Why choose these pixels?

Relatively new, the GS8208 is the best 12V individually-addressable full-color pixels. They have a much better brightness curve than the similar WS2815. People typically choose 12V LEDs because:

• You can run ~2.5X more LEDs before you need to re-inject power (people experienced with large projects prioritize reducing this labor)
• Car and marine systems already have 12V power
• They're well-suited for use with 3S LiPo batteries

Something to note about all 12V pixels is that they appear about 75% as bright as 5V pixels, and are less power efficient in terms of lumens-per-watt. Since they use the unclocked 800 KHz NeoPixel data protocol, a strip of 300 is about half-as-fast as our SK9822s in terms of the frame rate you can achieve. This effect is diminished in relative speed loss when using more channels on an output expander, or when the total number of pixels per controller is less than about 300.

We're excited to be the first store to stock GS8208 LEDs in the US for fast shipping.

What is it?

These are flexible RGB (full color) LED strips using the GS8208 chipset. If you've heard of 12V WS2815 or SK6813-HV chips, these are similar but better. While they're powered by 12V, it still uses a 5V data signal, so it plays well with Pixelblaze and other controllers. While the pixels and controller will use different power supplies, the ground must be connected between your 12V pixels and the 5V Pixelblaze. To provide Pixelblaze with 5V from your 12V LEDs, use our $4 Mini Buck DC-DC converter.

These use the common, unclocked WS281x "neopixel" protocol for data transmission. For redundancy, there's a backup data line that will leapfrog a pixel that goes bad or a broken data. The first pixel's backup data line, labeled D2 or BI, should be connected to GND.

Connectors for input, output, and a 2.1mm x 5.5mm power jack are installed. We also include a loose input pigtail.

Available in pixel densities of 30 or 60 pixels per meter.

These LED strips come sealed in waterproof flexible silicone tubes to protect against the elements (IP67). They can be easily cut to any length, and have solder tabs between every LED.

What makes these LEDs special?

The GS8208 features a 12-bit internal gamma curve, which enables smoother gradients and more elegant fades to black. In contrast, popular pixels like Neopixels, WS281x, or SK681x struggle with subtle shades at lower brightness, often appearing flickery during fades. To see the difference, check out this video.

Please be aware that previous iterations of the GS8208, like the ones you might have come across on YouTube, had a built-in demo mode that wasn't exactly popular. Thankfully, the version we offer is free from that particular annoyance. They may flash white for a moment when initially powered on with some controllers, including Pixelbaze; this is a "feature" 😕.

Why buy from us?

• Only vendor of GS8208s in the US
• Arrives as fast as Amazon for most US-based customers
• No import duties
• Thorough, verified spec sheet
• Guaranteed best Pixelblaze compatibility
• World-class tech support
• Supports a small independent business

Notes on this batch

1. The DC barrel connector has a 2.5mm pin, whereas some other LED strips have a 2.1mm pin. Some power supply connectors have a 2-sided inner mating conductor that's compatible with either size.
2. Manufacturers vary greatly on the order of the pins within the JST-SM. Please confirm visually and with a multimeter before connecting power or a Pixelbaze.

Specs

Embedded Gamma Curve Data