WS2815 and dual-data-pin LED strip wiring
WS2815 strips have 4 wires: VCC (12V), GND, Data (DI), and Backup Data (BI). The backup data line allows the strip to keep running even if one LED fails — signal skips over the dead pixel.
Wiring to MagWLED-1
Connect as follows:
| Strip wire | Connect to |
|---|---|
| VCC (12V) | 12V terminal on MagWLED-1 (switch set to 12V) |
| GND | GND terminal on MagWLED-1 |
| DI (Data In) | Data terminal on MagWLED-1 |
| BI (Backup Data) | Connect to GND or leave unconnected |
The BI line is an input that monitors the previous pixel’s output. When using the strip normally (not chaining after a dead LED), connecting BI to GND is the standard approach and tells the strip to operate in normal mode.
Voltage switch setting
The MagWLED-1 has a voltage selector switch. Set it to 12V when using WS2815 strips. Using the 5V position with a 12V strip will not damage the controller (the data signal is separate) but the power fed to the strip from the board’s own supply will be at the wrong voltage.
For long strips drawing more than 3A, use an external 12V power supply and connect GND to a common ground with the MagWLED-1.
WLED configuration
In WLED, configure the LED type as WS2815 (or WS2812 — they’re protocol-compatible).