Programming : You need to install Adafruit NeoPixel Library in order to run the LEDs. For more additional freatures checkout WS2812FX library. There are more than 55 different effects and animation to choose from. And you will get a nice web interface to change the speed, brightness of the LEDs and the animations over the air. Also you can customize it and set your own custom effects as well.
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Do you have the part or pin spacing for the barrel connector? I'd like to make one that has a panel mount barrel connector and looking to make sure I can find one that fits the existing board layout.