# Having issues with WS2812

**URL:** <https://forum.electromage.com/t/having-issues-with-ws2812/1859>\
**Category:** Troubleshooting\
**Tags:** v3\
**Created:** [December 24, 2021, 3:04am UTC](https://forum.electromage.com/t/having-issues-with-ws2812/1859 "2021-12-24T03:04:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![mad](https://forum.electromage.com/user_avatar/forum.electromage.com/mad/32/1818_2.png) [@mad](https://forum.electromage.com/u/mad)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2021, 3:04am UTC](https://forum.electromage.com/t/having-issues-with-ws2812/1859/1 "2021-12-24T03:04:08Z")

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I’m trying to hook up this WS2812…

> **[2 meter strip of 144/m SK6812 (WS2812) RGBW LEDs by ElectroMage on Tindie](https://www.tindie.com/products/electromage/2-meter-strip-of-144m-sk6812-ws2812-rgbw-leds/)**
>
> Great individually addressable LEDs for decorative lighting. Has white back in a sealed waterproof silicon tube. Includes connectors.

With the PB controller. And I’ve followed [the instructions](https://www.bhencke.com/pixelblazegettingstarted) …

[This image shows the wiring](https://imgur.com/a/d6zWnna)

I’ve tried it with and without the power, with and without powering the PB through the micro-usb, but all I’m getting is a few pixels lighting up or just the first pixel dimly. I’ve also changed the strip type to WS2812 in the config.

Any ideas?

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**Author:** ![Irwin](https://forum.electromage.com/user_avatar/forum.electromage.com/irwin/32/2228_2.png) [@Irwin](https://forum.electromage.com/u/Irwin)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2021, 10:58am UTC](https://forum.electromage.com/t/having-issues-with-ws2812/1859/2 "2021-12-24T10:58:25Z")

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I’m not 100% sure, but it looks like you may have the GND and DATA reversed. GND is normally the blue wire, and DATA the green wire. To verify, follow the wires back to the strip and see what is printed near each of the three pad connections.

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**Author:** ![mad](https://forum.electromage.com/user_avatar/forum.electromage.com/mad/32/1818_2.png) [@mad](https://forum.electromage.com/u/mad)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2021, 4:03pm UTC](https://forum.electromage.com/t/having-issues-with-ws2812/1859/3 "2021-12-24T16:03:38Z")

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Hmm, I thought I tried that, but they did come to life when I switched the wires. But, for some reason it’s not outputting the right color. For instance, when [I use rgb(1,0,0) I get this](https://imgur.com/a/diZocQT).

Since I’m powering the PB separately there is only two wires to even work with. I’m a little baffled.

Happy Xmas eve btw 🙂

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**Author:** ![wizard](https://forum.electromage.com/user_avatar/forum.electromage.com/wizard/32/4_2.png) [@wizard](https://forum.electromage.com/u/wizard)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2021, 4:36pm UTC](https://forum.electromage.com/t/having-issues-with-ws2812/1859/4 "2021-12-24T16:36:06Z")

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Hi @mad ,  
Those are RGBW, with 4 elements instead of 3 so you need to select one of the RGBW options (try GRBW). Otherwise the elements get all offset and the colors won’t work right.

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**Author:** ![mad](https://forum.electromage.com/user_avatar/forum.electromage.com/mad/32/1818_2.png) [@mad](https://forum.electromage.com/u/mad)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2021, 5:05pm UTC](https://forum.electromage.com/t/having-issues-with-ws2812/1859/5 "2021-12-24T17:05:48Z")

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Perfect! Thank you Wizard!