Data line voltage and level shifting
Main data output (WAGO terminal block)
The data output on the WAGO terminal block connector is level-shifted to 5V on-board. You do not need an external level shifter for your LED strip — the signal is already at the correct voltage for virtually all WS28xx and compatible strips.
GPIO breakout pins (IO6, IO7, IO10)
The three GPIO breakout pins output 3.3V logic only. They are not level-shifted.
This is a common question: there is only one level-shifted output on the MagWLED-1, and that’s the main data connector. If you need a 5V data signal from a GPIO breakout pin (e.g. for a second LED strip), you’ll need an external level shifter such as a 74AHCT125 buffer.
Summary
| Output | Voltage | Level shifted? |
|---|---|---|
| WAGO terminal block (main data) | 5V | ✅ Yes |
| GPIO 6 | 3.3V | ❌ No |
| GPIO 7 | 3.3V | ❌ No |
| GPIO 10 | 3.3V | ❌ No |