Imagine liberating your lighting projects from fixed power outlets, allowing them to move freely between locations. This vision becomes reality through innovative use of USB power banks to drive WS2812B or SK6812 LED strips and WS2811-based pixel lights.

The Efficiency Advantage of 5V Systems

Selecting 5V addressable LED strips represents the optimal choice for energy efficiency. While 12V LED strips with "3-LED voltage division" designs can achieve comparable efficiency, alternatives like WS2815 or 12V WS2811 pixel lights typically employ linear voltage regulators to reduce power to usable 5V levels. This conversion process wastes energy by dissipating excess voltage as heat rather than light.

Remarkably, a regulated 12V WS2811 pixel light requires double the power consumption to produce equivalent illumination compared to its 5V counterpart. While 12V systems offer advantages in power injection, battery-powered projects benefit significantly from the superior efficiency of 5V implementations.

Dig2Go Controller: The Plug-and-Play Solution

Introduced in late 2022, the Dig2Go controller represents an ESP32-based WLED addressable controller with unique capabilities. Its features include:

• USB-C power input
• Integrated MOSFET relay circuitry
• Level shifter
• Built-in infrared receiver
• High-quality digital microphone for audio-responsive effects
• Custom injection-molded plastic housing

The controller delivers 5V at 3A (15W) through USB-C input, approaching the maximum current capacity of LED strips (approximately 4A). This makes it an ideal turnkey solution for 5V addressable LEDs.

For those considering generic ESP32 development boards, caution is advised. The default WLED power limiter setting of 850mA approaches the maximum safe current capacity for most boards. Specialized controllers like Dig2Go are specifically engineered to handle higher currents safely.

Understanding True Power Bank Capacity

Manufacturers typically advertise power bank capacity in mAh (e.g., 10000mAh or 20000mAh), referencing the internal lithium battery capacity at 3.7V rather than the USB output at 5V. This requires conversion calculations accounting for voltage transformation losses, typically estimated at 10%.

Capacity Conversion Examples

• 10000mAh (37Wh) : 6660mAh effective capacity at 5V
• 20000mAh (74Wh) : 13320mAh effective capacity at 5V
• 25600mAh (95Wh) : 17050mAh effective capacity at 5V

Runtime Projections

The Dig2Go controller itself consumes approximately 0.1A (0.5W), enabling continuous operation for up to 66 hours on a 10000mAh power bank. Practical runtime varies significantly with LED usage patterns.

Runtime at 1.5A Current

• 10000mAh: 4.44 hours
• 20000mAh: 8.88 hours
• 25600mAh: 11.36 hours

Runtime at 3A Current

• 10000mAh: 2.22 hours
• 20000mAh: 4.44 hours
• 25600mAh: 5.68 hours

Selecting the Right Power Bank

Modern power banks with USB-C output rated for at least 15W (5V 3A) are recommended. While USB-A models may function, some older units struggle with initial current demands or sustained loads exceeding 1A. Newer USB-C PD-compatible models demonstrate superior performance with LED applications.

Optimizing Performance

High-quality USB-C to USB-C cables rated for 5A minimize voltage drop and energy loss. For real-time power monitoring, cables with built-in displays provide convenient current measurement without professional equipment.

Through careful component selection and power management, portable LED projects can achieve 4-8 hours of runtime while maintaining substantial brightness output. The Dig2Go and USB power bank combination offers a versatile platform for mobile lighting applications.