No, the level converter is not used for anything other than the LED strings. The NEED to use one is based on the specs given by the manufacturer of the LED's. If you can get them to work without one, then great. I've just never have tried it so I have no experience with building a map with out a level converter. - Mark

Thanks, Mark! How then would the schematic change for the light sensor? It appears to use a 3.3 pin on the RPI.

Here's the schematic that adds the light sensor and pushbuttons. This, along with the other schematics are available on the sub-board called 'LiveSectional Schematics'. - Mark

@markyharris Understood... Was asking how to utilize the light sensor without the level converter... Thanks