I'm trying to understand and adapt this tutorial:
https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-led-strips/current-draw
to my own use. I am doing essentially the same thing, except I have this single color LED strip, and I don't fully understand how to power both the arduino and the led strip from the same power source.
I tried to wire it using the diagram above, and something started smoking (I think the IR transmitter). I don't know much about circuits, but I'm pretty sure that's not good.
In this diagram, the 9v represents DC power, the IR sensor on the left represents the transmitter, the IR on the right is the receiver, and the white LED is the LED strip, with two outputs (+ - )
In the fritzing diagram for that tutorial, they have the + from the LED strip going straight in to Vin on the uno, but they don't show how either the LED strip or the uno themselves are being powered.
Do I need two power sources?
Do I need a mosfet considering I'm only using a one color LED strip?
I've got the IR sensors working, so I don't need help with that, and I can connect one of these 12V switching power supplies to one of these DC power screw terminals to power the lights without any arduino control, so all I'm missing is how to turn the lights on and off with arduino, IE, how to go from the power supply to the arduino to the LED strip.
I don't need to PWM the LED strip - just shut it off and on.
If anyone can help me correct the fritzing diagram or explain what I'm doing wrong / what I should be doing instead, I'd greatly appreciate it.