Print PDF
Favorite
Email
The Arduino Microcomputer system is an affordable platform to learn about microprocessing and programming. Yet Arduinos can be used for instrumentation, robotics and many automated processes.
In this series we will go through some of the basics of software and hardware interfacing and I will show you how to build this simple but effective LED matrix display system.
All you need for the LED display is 30 LEDs of any color, 6 x 390-ohm resistors, 5 x 1N4148 (or 1N914) low power diodes, some thin wires and a small piece of perfboard to hold everything. Total cost, maybe $5.00.
In this series we will go through some of the basics of software and hardware interfacing and I will show you how to build this simple but effective LED matrix display system.
All you need for the LED display is 30 LEDs of any color, 6 x 390-ohm resistors, 5 x 1N4148 (or 1N914) low power diodes, some thin wires and a small piece of perfboard to hold everything. Total cost, maybe $5.00.
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1Arduino?
Oh yes, you DO need an Arduino processor, which can cost from $30 to $50. Look up http://arduino.cc , BoArduino and Freeduino and pick the one that appeals to you. Software-wise, they are all compatible and virtually interchangeable.
One major consideration is the 'input interface': the means to feed programming and data to your micro. If you are just starting out, I strongly suggest one that uses the USB. With it, not only can you talk to your Micro with your regular computer (WIndows, Mac or Linux), it can, within limits, power the micro as well.
One of the newest member of the Arduino family is the 'Nano', shown here trying to say "HELLO" on the LED panel. It's got everything on a 2" x 1" (5 x 3 cm) package, and has its own USB connection.
The Arduino is an entire developmental system that can interface to the real world: lights, sound, motion and can be connected to sensors that can 'feel' them.
Best of all, the Arduino Foundation is 'open' - all its software is free, and you are encouraged to share and develop your own.
One major consideration is the 'input interface': the means to feed programming and data to your micro. If you are just starting out, I strongly suggest one that uses the USB. With it, not only can you talk to your Micro with your regular computer (WIndows, Mac or Linux), it can, within limits, power the micro as well.
One of the newest member of the Arduino family is the 'Nano', shown here trying to say "HELLO" on the LED panel. It's got everything on a 2" x 1" (5 x 3 cm) package, and has its own USB connection.
The Arduino is an entire developmental system that can interface to the real world: lights, sound, motion and can be connected to sensors that can 'feel' them.
Best of all, the Arduino Foundation is 'open' - all its software is free, and you are encouraged to share and develop your own.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
Electo-Matic
I designed this to be a low-cost project (under $10 in parts) that anyone with an Arduino and some electronics experience can build, and many of the special effect features are already designed in. You can see some from this demo video here:
The MUSICATOR.
On a completely different subject: With fairly minor modifications (wiring and orientation of the leds) the same display could be charlieplexed, allowing for it to be run from a mere 5 pins (unless my math is off). Charlieplexing can be daunting when beginning electronics(who I'm assuming this instructable is mostly aimed for), but with a bit of planning and good notes of the wiring it can be a great way to multiplex leds for projects just like this.
Anyways, great instructable. Really informative and detailed and easy to follow. And A+ on the pictures, they're all well focused and framed to show the "good bits" :)