Introduction: Bluetooth Controlled RGB Light With Android Application

By Visit My Website
About: An Electronics engineer and a hobbyist. I love to keep experimenting with microcontrollers.

Hello makers, today we will learn to make a Bluetooth controlled RGB strip which is controlled from our smartphone. The basic idea behind this project is to create background/desk light that adds a feel of warmth to the viewer's eyes. Yes, this light is pretty good for YouTubers and persons associated with product photography. So if you want to make this Bluetooth controlled RGB strip make sure you read this entire instructable till the end. Also I will attach the screenshots of how I developed an android app in MIT app inventor 2. to control the led's.

Step 1: Gather All the Necessary Components

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Here is the list of all the components required to make this project -

1. Arduino Uno

2. RGB Led Strip

3. HC-05 Bluetooth Module

4. 3 x IRLZ44N N-channel Mofets

5. 1 x 220 ohm and 10k ohm resistor

Additional supplies -

General Purpose PCB, Soldering iron, jumper wires, plastic enclosure for the electronics, 12 Volts Adapter for powering the system.

Step 2: Circuit Diagram

The circuit diagram for this project is given here and it is easy to solder on the general purpose PCB. But I would recommend to test the circuit on a breadboard first. Make sure the RGB strip which you buy is a common anode type. i.e. You need to connect the led to ground in order to turn it on. The mosfets are controlled by the PWM pins of the Arduino Uno.

The circuit receives the command from the smartphone via the HC-05 Bluetooth module. The Arduino's TX and Rx pins are used for this.

.Note : Disconnect the Bluetooth module's Rx and Tx pin while uploading the code or it will give you an error.

Step 3: Let's Program the Arduino Board

Now here I have included two programs. Both are same with just one change. One of the code has the capability to store the previous selected color to display even after the Arduino is reset.

The other code is just a simple RGB led controller that we have to configure every time we power on the device.

The code with the EEPROM is quite efficient and you don't have to connect your smartphone every time. If you have any doubts regarding the code feel free to comment below.

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Step 4: The Android Application

I used MIT App Inventor 2 to create this android application. The interface is a simple sliding switch which sends PWM values to the Arduino via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth device can be selected from various available devices. If you want to make the application same as mine then follow the images above. And set the blocks as I did to get the same controls.

Those who wish to save themselves from this task can directly download my application.

The installation of the software requires you to turn on installation from unknown sources option on your smartphone.

When installed, turn on your phone's Bluetooth and pair it with the HC-05 module. The password will be "0000" or "1234".

Now click on the large Bluetooth icon and select your paired device.

Now you can control the RGB strip by sliding the horizontal bars. You can also create a mix color by adding up the three colors.

Hope you like this instructable. Show your support by clicking the like button also share this with your friends. If you need any assistance with the code then comment down below. That's it for now guys. Will be back with another cool project. Thank you.

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