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In this Instructable, i am going to teach everyone the basic steps of how to build your own computer controlled musical Christmas lights. This setup is very simple and common. Within a few hours, you too can build your own light display for the holidays/new year!
First, lets go over how it works. A computer is connected to a micro-controller which pulses electricity into a relay circuit attached to a series of lights called "channels". Each channel when pulsed with electricity, will give power to your light source. As you choose which songs to play on your computer, you can choose what you want to display by programming your micro-controller.
Since we aim for fun and simplicity, we will be using an Arduino for our micro-controller. If you don't know what is an Arduino, then please visit this website (www.arduino.cc) and buy one online or at your local Radioshack.
First, lets go over how it works. A computer is connected to a micro-controller which pulses electricity into a relay circuit attached to a series of lights called "channels". Each channel when pulsed with electricity, will give power to your light source. As you choose which songs to play on your computer, you can choose what you want to display by programming your micro-controller.
Since we aim for fun and simplicity, we will be using an Arduino for our micro-controller. If you don't know what is an Arduino, then please visit this website (www.arduino.cc) and buy one online or at your local Radioshack.
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Signing UpStep 1Parts and Materials
If you are a tech-savy person who can work with soldering equipments and have basic knowledge of circuitry, you will find this project easy to make. On the other hand, if you have never done any electrical work in your life, I advise you to get on Google and learn how to solder, or contact an electronics expert. This Instrutable does utilize high voltage current, therefore you are advised to use caution when working with such equipment. *I shall take no liability of any damages or injury that may occur due to this project*
Now that we're clear, lets move on. Below are a list of parts and materials that you will need:
-Arduino Duemilanove (About $30 on Amazon)
-USB Cable ($1 at any Dollar Store)
-Windows Computer (preferably a laptop)
-6 relays; rated at 5v ($4 each at Radioshack)
-Assorted LEDs ($3 at Radioshack)
-220-OHM Resistor for LEDs ($3 a pack at Radioshack)
-Soldering PCB ($5 at Radioshack)
-6 of 3-pronged female outlets ($30 total at Walgreens; hardware isle)
-A 3-pronged male outlet ($5 at Walgreens)
-Plastic Box enclosure ($1 at any Dollar Store)
-Plywood ($3 at a Hobby Store or Hardware store)
-Hot glue and hot glue sticks (Salvaged)
-6 Common Black 1N4004 Diodes ($4 at Radioshack)
-Solder and Soldering Iron (Salvaged)
-Scrap wires
Now that we're clear, lets move on. Below are a list of parts and materials that you will need:
-Arduino Duemilanove (About $30 on Amazon)
-USB Cable ($1 at any Dollar Store)
-Windows Computer (preferably a laptop)
-6 relays; rated at 5v ($4 each at Radioshack)
-Assorted LEDs ($3 at Radioshack)
-220-OHM Resistor for LEDs ($3 a pack at Radioshack)
-Soldering PCB ($5 at Radioshack)
-6 of 3-pronged female outlets ($30 total at Walgreens; hardware isle)
-A 3-pronged male outlet ($5 at Walgreens)
-Plastic Box enclosure ($1 at any Dollar Store)
-Plywood ($3 at a Hobby Store or Hardware store)
-Hot glue and hot glue sticks (Salvaged)
-6 Common Black 1N4004 Diodes ($4 at Radioshack)
-Solder and Soldering Iron (Salvaged)
-Scrap wires
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