Have you wanted to be a DJ? Here's a great way to get started with some improv DJ tricks that look like the cool stuff.

Step 1: Parts...

You will need:

A computer, preferably OSX with some tunes

A handful of LEDs

A breadboard

An Arduino

Lots of wire

A microphone, preferably USB, but if you have 2 mic ins, then go right ahead with a wireless mic.

A LR to LR-LR audio splitter

A male-to-male audio cable

External speakers/stereo

The software package from drtecknow.com/projects

DJ software (I'm using the free VirtualDJ Home, but you can use almost anything.

LineIn

Step 2: Assemble the LEDs

First, you will need to get your LEDs, wire, breadboard, and Arduino. Arrange the LEDs in ROY G. BIV order (pic 2) Then, you will need to connect all the LED's grounds to the ground rail of your breadboard. After that, connect the LEDs to the Arduino, starting with the red LED on the starting pin, and the indigo LED on the last pin. If you have 3 LEDs, you will need 3 pins. If you have 50 LEDs, then you will need 50 pins.

Step 3: Upload Code

Goto "Examples" on the Arduino code editor, and go to "Firmata" then "StanardFirmata". Upload it. Open the "Computer_Code.pde" with Processing. Change the pins preset to the pins of your LEDs. Run it with the Arduino plugged in. You will see nothing. That is good. If you do, something's wrong. If it is, please describe it in the comments and I will get back to you ASAP. Plug the splitter into you computer's headphones out port, and the external speakers to a port on it. Connect the other end to the male-to-male audio cable, then the mic in to the other end of the audio cable. If you play music, the lights should flash to the tune.

Step 4: Hook Up the Mic

Now, plug in the mic to your computer's USB port. Open LineIn and select something like "Logitech USB microphone", or the like. Click the "Pass Through" button to pass the mic through your sound system. Just talk into the mic and it will come out into your speakers

Step 5: Finished!

Well, you are now finished! Good job. Load some tunes and start scratching for your audience.

Step 6: Extras, Extras, Extras...

If you have any ideas for anything to add, be sure to tell me!

Here's some inspiration:

Diffusers for the lights Done! An instructable is in the making for this. When I do, I will update this page
A less crude way for the LEDs to be out and visible
Extra lighting apparatus (chasing LEDs, etc.)
Wireless mic integration

My dear thanks to SecondTwo for his LED dance room I adapted for this project.

Please feel free to ask me something. I will answer, no matter how stupid the question may seem.

Cheers,

Jelimoore