Print PDF
Favorite
Email
Step 3Build the Circuit
The circuit is pretty simple. Each of the nine columns will connect to a pin on the Arduino through a current limiting resistor. Each of the three levels connects to ground via a NPN transistor when activated by an Arduino pin.
We'll be using 12 output pins total on the Arduino but there are 18 LEDs to power. The trick is that only a single level can be lit at a time. When a level is connected to ground, each of the LEDs on that level can be powered individually through one of the nine other Arduino pins. If we light the levels fast enough it will appear as if all three levels are lit at the same time.
Let's build the circuit.
The first step is to prepare the nine current limiting resistors. I'm using 220 ohms per pin which will draw around 22mA. The value may vary depending on the LEDs that are being used but stay between about 135 and 470 ohms. Each pin is capable of sourcing up to 40mA.
In order to save room we want to solder the resistors in a vertical position. Bend one lead down so that both leads are parallel to each other. Do this for all nine of the resistors.
Once the resistors are ready we'll solder them one by one. To make it easy we're going to solder the resistor leads directly to the other components instead of using a separate wire for each. One end of the resistor will connect to a column and the other will connect to a header. Start with the first row of LEDs which is closest to the resistors and work your way back.
Once each row is finished you can use a small piece of tape to isolate the overlapping leads in order to prevent a short. Refer to the photos and diagram to see what this will look like once it's finished.
Now that the columns are out of the way, the next step is to solder the components which control the levels. The base of a NPN transistor will be activated by an Arduino pin through a current limiting resistor of 22k (or thereabouts). This will connect the corresponding level to ground which will allow current to flow through the LEDs. Refer to the photos and diagram.
The circuit is now complete, time to move on to the software!
We'll be using 12 output pins total on the Arduino but there are 18 LEDs to power. The trick is that only a single level can be lit at a time. When a level is connected to ground, each of the LEDs on that level can be powered individually through one of the nine other Arduino pins. If we light the levels fast enough it will appear as if all three levels are lit at the same time.
Let's build the circuit.
The first step is to prepare the nine current limiting resistors. I'm using 220 ohms per pin which will draw around 22mA. The value may vary depending on the LEDs that are being used but stay between about 135 and 470 ohms. Each pin is capable of sourcing up to 40mA.
In order to save room we want to solder the resistors in a vertical position. Bend one lead down so that both leads are parallel to each other. Do this for all nine of the resistors.
Once the resistors are ready we'll solder them one by one. To make it easy we're going to solder the resistor leads directly to the other components instead of using a separate wire for each. One end of the resistor will connect to a column and the other will connect to a header. Start with the first row of LEDs which is closest to the resistors and work your way back.
Once each row is finished you can use a small piece of tape to isolate the overlapping leads in order to prevent a short. Refer to the photos and diagram to see what this will look like once it's finished.
Now that the columns are out of the way, the next step is to solder the components which control the levels. The base of a NPN transistor will be activated by an Arduino pin through a current limiting resistor of 22k (or thereabouts). This will connect the corresponding level to ground which will allow current to flow through the LEDs. Refer to the photos and diagram.
The circuit is now complete, time to move on to the software!
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
u can get them on ebay or in many other shops.
for example this arduino:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUEMILANOVE-Arduino-Compatible-/290672951360?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43ad754040#ht_2120wt_901
u get a cable with it. with the USB cable u can connect the arduino to the PC and install the program into it or program it by your self.
go to arduino.cc and download the software. that here on the last step u can download and example and send it to the arduino.
hope it helps. thats all i know :)