# 294: Ludicrous Numbers of LEDs

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2019-07-11
- Length: 1h 04m
- Episode: 294
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds

## Summary

Mike Harrison, an electronics consultant specializing in large-scale lighting installations for artists and architects, joins the show to defend the PIC microcontroller and discuss his work with 'ludicrous numbers of LEDs.' He explains why he prefers the TI TLC5971 LED driver over NeoPixels for permanent installations due to reliability and grayscale depth, and details his preference for white LEDs and 24V systems to manage power and voltage drop. Harrison also shares insights into his consultancy business model, his self-taught engineering background, and the logistical advantages of Microchip's pre-programming services for low-volume production.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds#t=6) Introduction and Lightning Round
- [4:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds#t=271) Why the TI TLC5971 is the preferred LED driver
- [6:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds#t=360) The case for white LEDs and 24V power systems
- [8:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds#t=521) Defending the PIC microcontroller against critics
- [12:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds#t=732) Microchip's pre-programming service and toolchain
- [23:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds#t=1437) Architecture of large-scale lighting installations
- [30:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds#t=1835) Challenges of RGBW color mixing and dimming
- [44:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds#t=2645) Teardowns, DNA analyzers, and YouTube content
- [53:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds#t=3220) Career origins and self-taught engineering

## Topics

- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Creator business](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/creator-business)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- TI (company)
- TLC5971 (chip)
- NeoPixel (product)
- Microchip (company)
- PIC (chip)
- MPLAB (tool)
- Osram (company)
- Duris E 3 (product)
- APA102 (chip)
- Cree (company)
- Atmel (company)
- DigiKey (company)
- PICKIT 3 (tool)
- BASIC Stamp (product)
- RS485 (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [3 Cent Micros And 1000s of LEDs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-10-21-3-cent-micros-and-1000s-of-leds) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep 377: Parallel Pixels, Wiggly Consoles, and Seven Segments](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [An Interview with Mike Harrison - X-ray Examining Xenogogue](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-03-05-an-interview-with-mike-harrison-x-ray-examining-xenogogue) (The Amp Hour)
- [Proof Of Blink](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-08-27-proof-of-blink) (The Amp Hour)
- [Meracious Mike Manuduction](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-11-12-meracious-mike-manuduction) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-07-11-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.