5x5 LED Cube (Arduino Uno)

This is a step by step explanation of how to build a 5x5 LED cube using an arduino.  I did this project for my undergraduate electronics class and it took me about 2 weeks to complete.

Note: Apparently, some of the links for the supplies and code aren't working, if you need them send me a message with your email and I will send them to you. 

You can find a video of the working LED cube on youtube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiE-WHqU5a8&feature=youtu.be


And here's another:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zRlhSzXP80&feature=youtu.be

Step 1: Supplies

I used www.mouser.com and www.amazon.com to order my materials for this project. The main parts needed are:
-125 LEDs
-30x 150 Ohm resistors
-5x 3-8 Line Decoders
-5 NPN Transistors

The manufacturer numbers and prices can be found in the attached document though the cost was about $40.

Additional required materials:
-Arduino uno
-Soldering iron
-Solder
-Sturdy wire (for structure of cube)
-Insulated wires
-Breadboard
-sockets (for decoders)

Comments

[Amun_Ra]

Hi there, I followed your guide as best as I can but am not quite sure how to interpret the connection from the planes (Z0-Z4) in your circuit diagram. Should each plane (Z) be connected BOTH to the arduino via a resistor AND to VCC (the diagram says gound but I read that was an error)? Wouldn't that short-circuit all planes?

[icky_unicorn]

Hi! From the arduino ouputs, the wires for the planes should be connected to a transistor where the emitter connects to the planes and the collector is connected to the VCC. Let me know if that works.

[icky_unicorn]

Though, I'm still pretty sure I connected my collectors to ground.. the connection to the VCC was a correction by someone who made my project, so I'm not totally certain.

[SHIFT!]

Hey icky_unicorn, just wanted to say thanks for your truly awesome instructable! Your LED Cube was the first project I ever made with arduino and it came out fantastic! Thank you for sharing!

BTW, slight correction on your circuit diagram. Z0 should actually be connected to the VCC wire. But other than that awesome!

[icky_unicorn]

Hi! You made this correction a while ago, and I am getting a lot of questions about how the planes should be connected to transistors Ground/VCC. I made this cube a while ago and can't totally remember the set up, but I'm pretty sure I connected I connected the arduino outputs to the transistor with the emitter connected to the planes, and the collector connected to ground. You thought the collector should be connected to VCC?

[cyclone731]

Could you explain what you meant here with connecting Z0 to VCC. I think i might be missing something but if you connect Z0 to vcc you will no longer have a lead going to that ground plane and nothing lights up on that one. I tried several other configurations with vcc on the collector instead of ground but that realy didn't make much sense to me when i thought about it. Im having issues with not all of the pattern showing up, but as far as i can tell it is displaying the pattern correctly. i'm suspecting it might be the transistors

[shanerm]

It chould be connected to the VCC wire instead of analog outbut 7? Or both? Sorry, I'm just learning all of this Arduino stuff, it's so cool though!

Thanks,
Shane

[shanerm]

*Could it

[icky_unicorn]

Thanks! I'll make a note of that error. :)

[rsaceanu]

what value have the transistors?

[icky_unicorn]

I used the following transistors:

Mouser #: 863-2N4401G
Mfr. #: 2N4401G
Manufacturer: ON Semiconductor
Desc.: Transistors Bipolar (BJT) 600mA 60V NPN
RoHS: RoHS Compliant

[Edmoon]

Hello I have a problem with the link that has .docx at the end so could you please send me the code?
Email: [e-mail]

[Ravboy82]

Can any one please tell me where the pin 12 from the arduino go to!!!!!

[mng8]

The project is awesome, i would like to do one myself too, could you please send me the code? my email is [e-mail] .

[KRITIKA15]

the project is awsome . but plez send me the code at my id. Its [e-mail]

[betonano]

Thanks, it's an excellent project

[betonano]

Hi, I have problems with programming, you could send an email with your code please

[icky_unicorn]

Sure, just message me your email and I will attach the new document

[betonano]

Hi I have problems with programming, you could send an email with your code please
[e-mail]

[Ravboy82]

Hello
I really like how you made this project.This is going to be my first big electronic project.
Could you please send me the parts list needed and the codes please!
[e-mail]
Thank you!

[chamaran8]

Can you please send me the code?>_< thank you for being done it for me.... [e-mail]

[emmabellep]

Can you please send me the code? [e-mail]

[zap56]

Hey. can you send me the code too please? [e-mail]

[jonniebgood]

Mar 17, 2013. 8:50 AMReply
Hi, I have got so far with your 5x5x5 cube and now need the coding please. Will it be possible to e-mail me the coding details .
Kind Regards
John

[icky_unicorn]

Sure. Message me your email.

[cmcnabb2]

i need help with y7 output on first 3 decoders its not working right i have checked all conections and noticed it not putting ou the correct voltage directly from that pin

[icky_unicorn]

what do you have it connected to? have you checked that the decoder works otherwise?

[neo3587]

digitalWrite(); is a really bad instruction, better use:

void setup () {
DDRD = 0xFF;
DDRB = 0x3F;
DDRC = 0x3F;
}
void loop () {

PORTD = 0b00000011;
}
/* PORTD = pins 0 to 7, now for example I'm activating pin 0 and pin 1 to HIGH.
PORTB = pins 8 to 13
PORTC = pins A0 to A5 (yes, analogic input pins)

those instructions are ~10 times faster, and spends less memory, also you can actívate multiple pins at the same time and not 1 by 1.
*/

[Geekaton]

hi
i am 15 and have made my own LED cube, heres a video of how I made it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTZJOy70rrc&list=LL7RW6Py5QalcKDnSCnX9_Dw
let me know if its helpful!

[juliusli]

because some led are dark,
also,how to switch on 125 leds at same time ?
the truth table only show each 1 output = =

[icky_unicorn]

have I sent you my code? that shows how to light up every LED as well as multiple LEDs at a time. if I haven't sent it to you, send me your email

[juliusli]

hi, i want to know how to brighten up all leds

[icky_unicorn]

I think if you increased the voltage it would brighten the LEDs but you would have to be careful not to blow out the resistors.

[MozeAngel]

It works only when is connected to pc?, can I somehow put programm in and use without PC?

[icky_unicorn]

Hey. I'm pretty sure that if you save the program to the arduino (while it's plugged into the computer) and then attach the arduino to an external power source, it should run.

[santosjl]

can you send me the code too please? [e-mail]
My 3month old son was hypnotized watching your video so i thought it would be fun, for him and me, if i can pull it off. thanks so much!

[juliusli]

would u plz send me the code ?
[e-mail]

[karthiksagar]

please mail the ckt to my mail id [e-mail]

[juliusli]

so, Z0 to Z4 should connect to earch plane of (-)
i have 74hc238B1 Decoders ONLY, is it work ?
sorry,i am junior ,

[icky_unicorn]

Correct. Z0-4 connect to the planes not the columns. Then the other arduino outputs > decoders > 25 columns