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Aurora mini 18

Aurora mini 18

My obsession of this year is full-color LED. I have made Aurora 9x18 as a result. As much as I love the scale of Aurora 9x18, I also wanted to have something smaller, perhaps something that can go on a costume?

Here's Aurora mini 18. It has 18 full-color/RGB LEDs on a smallest possible circle. With a single PIC microcontroller, changing 18 RGB LEDs smoothly is reaching the technical limit. With the new PIC with wider supply voltage, the circuit is simplified compared to Aurora 9 bar, and use of two AA or AAA batteries (3V operation) or one Lithium battery is now possible.

 
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Step 1Concept & Circuit

Concept & Circuit

Like Aurora 9 bar, Aurora mini 18 borrows its circuit from Aurora 9x18. Operating principle is exactly the same. Just extended the hardware and software to control more LEDs.

One of the new 24F line of PIC microcontrollers is PIC24FV16KA302. Unlike the similar PIC24F series controllers which are 3.3V limited, this controller can operate fully up to 5V. This eliminated the need for the 3.3V voltage regulator, and simplified the LED driving circuits. The resulted circuit with fewer parts count made this Aurora to be very compact.
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29 comments
Apr 14, 2012. 12:20 AMAnders730917 says:
Hi!
Just completed it and programmed it, but it just do red and purple, what could be wrong? mostly red...
Jan 11, 2012. 11:08 AMnerd7473 says:
what website do you go to for the kit?
Nov 24, 2011. 11:20 AMNemissis456 says:
can you use other LEDs too?
and whats the diameter of the pcb?
Nov 26, 2011. 12:51 PMNemissis456 says:
I'll rephrase: is it possible to mount single color LEDs on it, like for example green ones, while at the same time keeping the animation program the same.
Nov 20, 2011. 5:59 PMdstinger says:
This is such an awesome lighting effect! I am working on a project having to make lighting effects with an Arduino board. Is it possible to control the Aurora 18 mini with an Arduino board?? If so how would I accomplish this?
Nov 21, 2011. 8:02 PMdstinger says:
I had wanted to control the Aurora sequencing of colors with the Arduino. I didn't know how the PIC worked and was wondering if I could use an Arduino to replace this as the controller. I guess I would need to look into the SPI. The other parts of the project are controlling a string of LEDs with an Arduino. I would need to know if it would be a possibility by this next week for presentations. I had just found this lighting effect and thought it would be an awesome thing to add!
Nov 9, 2011. 3:14 PMmrnick1234567 says:
Really nice design. I'd love to buy a kit but am worried I will probably ruin it with my soldering skills.

Would you consider selling a kit with the surface mount suff pre-soldered?
Nov 17, 2011. 12:55 PMrclay701 says:
mr nick - send me your kit and I'll assemble it for you - no charge. These go together in about 30 minutes. I have built (2) of the Aurora 9x18s, a 9 bar and the Mini 18. If you are intersted, drop me a PM or email - rclay701 at gmail dot com.
Oct 26, 2011. 7:50 PMledsign says:
It's very beautiful!
Oct 24, 2011. 4:36 PMHugu says:
PCB layout? eagle files?
Oct 22, 2011. 3:08 PMthepelton says:
That would be neat to put on a bicycle for riding at night.
Oct 22, 2011. 6:20 AMcinezaster says:
looks cool, Is it possible to show a photo of the back?
Oct 22, 2011. 7:52 AMdombeef says:
Do want. Do want do want do want.


Any chance you might be selling a kit for this?
Oct 22, 2011. 9:10 AMblinkyblinky says:
It says Aurora 9x18 being assembled...hmmm...

Oct 22, 2011. 9:15 AMblinkyblinky says:
Do you have the Source code? for editing?

I am trying out the Aurora bar code you uploaded...FUN STUFF!
Oct 22, 2011. 5:09 AMabbtech says:
Very nice.

In the video how was the pan out and blurry to clear performed? Was it done in post or was it all smooth camera work?
Oct 22, 2011. 2:25 AMAleator777 says:
Simple and stunning. It's quite hypnotic!
Oct 22, 2011. 2:11 AMjam BD says:
This is art.... truly beautiful

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Author:ledartist(Visit TheLEDart.com for more)
I work with LEDs and microcontrollers to create beautiful objects.