Introduction: How to Use an RGB LED - Arduino Tutorial
An RGB LED has 4 pins, one for each color (Red, Green, Blue) and a common cathode. It has tree different color-emitting diodes that can be combined to create all sorts of color! Any color is possible depending on how bright each diode is.
Watch the following video:
In this tutorial you will learn how to use an RGB LED with Arduino and create unique color combinations.
So, let's get started!
Step 1: What You Will Need
For this tutorial you will need:
- Arduino uno
- Breadboard
- RGB LED
- 3x 330Ohm resistors
Step 2: The Circuit
The connections are pretty easy, see the image above with the breadboard circuit schematic.
Step 3: The Code
Here's the code, embedded using codebender!
We will use code from SparkFun Inventor's Kit - SIK Guide, Example sketch 03. This is the best sketch to learn how an RGB LED works. The code is pretty self-explanatory, and the comments do a better job than me explaining how it works.
Try downloading the codebender plugin and clicking on the Run on Arduino button to program your Arduino board with this sketch. And that's it, you've programmed yourArduino with the RGB LED sketch!
Step 4: Well Done!
You have successfully completed one more Arduino "How to" tutorial and you learned how to use an RGB LED with Arduino.
2 People Made This Project!
- aaronhung1128 made it!
- WhittlinThom made it!
10 Discussions
5 years ago
Hi, I might be wrong but your pictorial diagram looks to me like it will only lite the green light on the blue wire. Am I mistaken?
Reply 2 years ago
no, you're right. Here's a corrected diagram for posterity.
4 years ago
i have common anode(+)...will it work?
Reply 4 years ago
Instead of attaching it to the negative(-) you need to attach them to the positive(+) 5v or the light won't turn on. This is what I've found out
4 years ago
cool
5 years ago on Introduction
Make sure you use common cathode LEDs with this instructable. Adafruit sells common anode RGB LEDs, Sparkfun sells both.
Reply 5 years ago on Introduction
how do i tell or know its a common cathode compaired to (what are the other comparisions)?
Reply 5 years ago on Introduction
They look the same, you need to read the datasheet or the part description before buying.
5 years ago on Introduction
Hello, I am new in this channel I need help to manage more possible LED and independent. Could you help me?
5 years ago on Introduction
I love RGB LEDs! This is great!