Newbie wiring questions.

[maLLoud86]

Hello!

I hope you don't mind me opening a new topic, but I didn't find anything similar.

Background:
I've been using a Raspberry Pi3b+ with Hyperbian in PWM mode with 258 WS281x LEDs.
However, a few weeks ago the LEDs started artifacting, so I thought I'd try a reinstallation to see if that would solve the problem, but unfortunately I couldn't reconfigure it. Either none of the LEDs are on, or only the first couple of LEDs are on. I don't suspect an LED fault at all, because I've since managed to create a static swirl effect somehow and it didn't artifact.

So I thought I'd try HyperHDR, because I've been looking at it for a while, but so far there's been no reason to replace Hyperbian.
I've purchased the necessary components (Raspberry Pi Pico, SN74AHCT125N), but the connection to the Raspberry Pico is not clear, I think because microcontrollers with built-in level shifters are preferred everywhere.
Do I also need to connect the Raspberry Pico to the level shifter via the GP2 port?
How does the Raspberry 3b+ communicate with the Pico? Via the MicroUSB cable?
Also, the function of the cable circled in red in the uploaded image is not clear to me either, it looks like there is a connection between the ESP32 and the Raspberry, but I can't find it in this wiring diagram:
https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/69086569/169654166-cb73d257-633f-403c-8205-3f0532653003.jpg
One cable is like grounding, but the others?
Thank you for clearing up my doubts, I wouldn't be able to smoke anything.

[awawa-dev]

Hi
On the picture is HyperSPI GPIO connection, if you plan to use HyperSerialPico then you dont need it: USB to RPi is enough.

[maLLoud86]

Thank you for your answer and your time!
So Rpi3b+->(with micro USB)Rpi Pico->(GP2 pin) level shifter->LED is correct wiring?

[awawa-dev]

Yes, for a generic rp2040 board the default data output for SK6812/WS281x is GPIO2. You must also have a connection between LEDs ground and level shifter ground.

[maLLoud86]

Thank you!

I will try the build tomorrow.