Introduction: RGB VU Meter

By J.I.Y(Jugaad It your Self)
About: My profile is about making most use out of something and optimum utilization of resources available,dedicated to D.I.Y (Do it yourself) Projects.Easy Hacks,DIY Experiments, Myth Busters & More

Hi In this instructables i'm going to make a RGB VU meter using WS2811 LED & Arduino

A volume unit (VU) meter or standard volume indicator (SVI) is a device displaying a representation of the signal level in audio equipment. The Acoustical Society of America standardized it in 1942 (ANSI C16.5-1942)[1][2] for use in telephone installation and radio broadcast stations. Consumer audio equipment often features VU meters, both for utilitarian purposes (e.g. in recording equipment) and for aesthetics (in playback devices).

Step 1: Part List

1x Arduino Nano,UNO Or DUE. (NANO & UNO Will Run Out of Memory Issues If you Use More LEDs

40x WS2811 LED

2x 3.5MM Female Pin

Wires

1x XY2500 6 pin Terminal Block

2x XY2500 3 Pin Terminal Block

VU Meter Body

You Can Use Either Plywood,MDF or Acrylic Whatever you like( I Used Acrylic)

26 inch long 5 mm Acrylic sheet ( I will mention the laser cut template in the description)

Step 2: Tools Needed

Soldering Iron

Hot Glue Gun

Super Glue, Bond or Epoxy Adhesive\

DRILL

Step 3: Make a Proto-type

If you are new to Arduino then I would suggest to learn some basics on the internet. Even I'm not a PRO however know a Little bit about arduino. First thing we will do is use a Bread board and make a Prototype to check if its working.

Please see the Circuit Diagram I made its the exact reference of a arduino nano with Pins

use the same circuit.

Connect a USB Cable to the arduino and then upload the program to the arduino

You the Arduino application in PC for uploading the Code

I have uploaded the Zip FIle extract it and upload all the files to arduino

If you need some help with arduino there are many videos available on the internet for the same

Attachments

Step 4: Finished Product

Once you're sure the circuit is working use ply,MDF Or acrylic and make a Box enclosure and secure everything

inside it (Please see the image)

Step 5: Make the Vu Meter Bars

I used a WS2811 diffused LED

you can also use the WS2812B SMD led Strips

Both of the this LEDS have 3 pins GND,DATA,Voltage 5V

I stuck the Leds with Hot glue and made partitions

You can also check my CDR file for reference

Attachments

Step 6: After Its Finished

S once everything is done it will look something like the images shown

Please like share & subscibe my youtube channel.

Learn from my mistakes you can also use arduino UNO or DUE to avoid memory issues
If you like my video please subscribe to my Youtube channel

Arduino Contest 2017

Participated in the
Arduino Contest 2017