Trying to RGB the World with Raspberry Pi

[HavocNinja37]

Hey, so as the title says I'm working on trying to connect RGB strips that can be controlled via RPi, in my research I can't seem to find anything newer than 2014 on ways to do this. I feel like this is something that has been done and would have a simpler solution so I wanted to reach out and see if anyone here and seen or used anything that would be a good solution.

 

thanks

[dany_boy]

Here are your steps:

1. Learn python
2. Learn how to use the pi as a web server
3. Learn how to use HTTP or even better HTTPS
4. Use MOSFETs to drive RGB strips
5. ???
6. Profit

[Lolucoca]

Why use mosfets when you can use standard transistors? You don't need to switch a high load. I would use standard 2n2222s (I think, BC547s are more common around here) to switch them. Sure, mosfets have a few advantages over transistors but then again they can't handle a very high switching frequency (which can be quite important if you plan on multiplexing the LED strips). What you can also do is get an arduino with an ESP8266 wifi board and run a webserver on that one. Arduino is quite simple to program and it's hella fun. You can use a RasPi but it's quite a bit harder. I'm using an arduino for quite a similar purpose (switching light bulbs) and it works really well. If you plan on switching really heavy loads (and most of all loads that require mains voltage like light bulbs), use relays. They're quite cheap nowadays but you can always use salvaged ones. Relays can switch a lot of current at quite a high voltage but your possible plans on multiplexing the whole thing would fall flat cause relays can only switch so fast... 

[Violet-belle]

by any chance have you come accross individually addressable RGB strips?