Making an RGB LED Colour Slider Using Bare Paint
Intro: Making an RGB LED Colour Slider Using Bare Paint
In this tutorial we will build a physical RGB (red, green, blue) LED (light emitting diode) colour mixer using Bare Conductive Paint. Each RGB LED has three internal light emitting diodes (LEDs) for each of the colours - red, green and blue. Further there is a lead to connect and control each of these internal diodes. Thus you can mix these three and get a whole range of new colours. The diagram below shows what one would commonly find inside a RGB LED.
STEP 1: RGB LED Internal Diagram
STEP 2: Components
STEP 3: What You Will Need:
Bare Paint
Paint Brush
Paper
RGB LED (common anode) - if using common cathode please modify circuit diagram
Resistor
Jumper Wires
Breadboard
Paperclip Wires and Paperbinder Wires (use stranded wire, solder and basic stationary components to make these highly useful connectors)
Battery and Battery Clip
9V Batteries - Jameco
Battery Clip - Jameco
Stranded Wire - Jameco
Soldering Kit - Jameco
Paper clips - Any stationary shop
Resistors UK: Sparkfun
Breadboard - Sparkfun
RGB LED - Sparkfun
STEP 4: Materials
1. A jar of Bare Paint, paint brush and paper, or a Bare Paint Pen
2. An RGB LED common cathode
6. 3 Paperclip wires and 3 slider wires
7. Solder-less breadboard and some jump wires
8. Some paper or other non-conductive material to apply the Bare Paint
9. A 9V Battery and a battery clip with wires
STEP 5: Painting the 3 Variable Resistor Strips
Taking your pot of Bare Paint, lavishly paint three lines across a piece of paper or another non-conductive surface. Make sure to bring the lines close to the edge as we will need to connect to the paint using electrical wire and paperclips. Once you have painted your lines, leave them to dry for several minutes. You can leave the paint under a hot light to speed up the drying process.
STEP 6: Making Paperclip Wires and Sliders for Your Painted Variable Resistor
Next, cut three lengths or about 40 - 50 cm each; you'll need the extra length for freedom of movement. Strip the ends and this time solder paper binders onto one of the ends of each wire. The other end will be placed on the breadboard.
STEP 7: Breadboard Schematic
STEP 8: Testing the Red Green and Blue Internal LEDS
STEP 9: Test.1
STEP 10: Test.2
STEP 11: Test.3
STEP 12: Now for Mixing
If you have any questions please email them to info@bareconductive.com, and don't forget to submit your own projects to community@bareconductive.com
Comments
Pickledkitty 10 years ago
So simple and a great use for Bare paint. I look forward to doing this!