# 294: Ludicrous Numbers of LEDs (Repeat)

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2022-08-25
- Length: 1h 04m
- Episode: 294
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-25-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds-repeat
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/294-repeat

## Summary

Mike Harrison, founder of White Wing Logic and host of the YouTube channel Mike's Electric Stuff, discusses his work designing large-scale architectural lighting installations using Microchip PIC microcontrollers and Texas Instruments TLC5971 LED drivers. He explains why he prefers white LEDs and RS485 daisy-chained architectures over NeoPixels for permanent, high-reliability projects, citing issues with reliability and color mixing. Harrison also details the logistical advantages of the PIC ecosystem, including Microchip's pre-programming services and the integrated MPLAB toolchain, which simplify production for his consultancy. The conversation covers his transition from general electronics consultancy to a niche in lighting design, his approach to managing power and voltage drops in large arrays, and his hobby of teardowns on obsolete scientific equipment like DNA analyzers.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-25-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds-repeat#t=6) Introduction: Mike Harrison and White Wing Logic
- [2:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-25-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds-repeat#t=141) Lighting Round: Flux, Helicopters, and LED Choices
- [4:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-25-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds-repeat#t=271) Why the TI TLC5971 and White LEDs Beat NeoPixels
- [8:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-25-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds-repeat#t=536) Defending Microchip PICs: Logistics, Pre-programming, and MPLAB
- [23:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-25-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds-repeat#t=1437) Architectural Lighting: Art, Artists, and System Architecture
- [38:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-25-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds-repeat#t=2282) Managing Power, RS485, and Dimming Issues
- [44:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-25-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds-repeat#t=2645) YouTube Teardowns: DNA Analyzers and Electric Car Chargers
- [53:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-08-25-294-ludicrous-numbers-of-leds-repeat#t=3225) Career Path: From Consultancy to Lighting Niche

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- White Wing Logic (company)
- Mike's Electric Stuff (other)
- TI TLC5971 (chip)
- Microchip (company)
- PIC (chip)
- MPLAB (tool)
- NeoPixel (product)
- Osram (company)
- Duris E 3 (product)
- Heathrow Airport (other)
- RS485 (other)
- DNA analyzer (product)

## 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)
- [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)
- [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)
- [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

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