NeoPixel Patterns with FastLED

FastLED is the gold standard for WS2812B control on Arduino and ESP32. Here are the patterns and techniques that give the best results.

The EVERY_N_MILLISECONDS macro is essential for non-blocking animation timing. Using delay() in a NeoPixel sketch means you can't handle any other input while animating. Palette-based color animation (the CRGBPalette16 type) is far more flexible than hardcoded RGB colors — you can fade between entire palettes smoothly with nblendPaletteTowardPalette().

For large strips (100+ LEDs) on an ESP32, disable interrupts during the data write (FastLED.show()) to avoid glitches from WiFi interrupt service routines corrupting the tight timing. The FASTLED_INTERRUPT_RETRY_COUNT config option provides automatic retry if an interrupt fires mid-frame. Power budget: a WS2812B at full white draws 60mA. 100 LEDs at full white = 6A. Always calculate your PSU requirements and use a dedicated 5V rail, never power a long strip from the Arduino's onboard regulator.