Datasheet

Three alkaline cells (such as AA batteries) can be

installed in a battery holder (http://adafru.it/771) to

provide 4.5 Volts. Though larger and heaver than the

fancy lithium-polymer pack, they’re inexpensive and

readily available.

Four nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable cells can

similarly be used in a 4-cell battery

holder (http://adafru.it/830) to provide 4.8 Volts.

Make sure you only use NiMH cells in this

configuration. Four alkaline cells (the disposable type)

will output 6V total — that’s too high for some

NeoPixels, and definitely too much for the

microcontroller!

Battery-operated LED project planning is discussed in greater detail in Battery Power for LED Pixels and Strips.

For most non-portable “desktop” projects, a 5V DC

switching power supply (http://adafru.it/276) is ideal. This

small 2 Amp supply is good for a a meter or so of

NeoPixel strip. We’ll explain larger projects in a moment.