Introduction: Led + Arduino "running Light" (very Simple, Good for Beginners)
hello
so this is my first arduino project. it is very very simple and it is good for beginners
basicly its just leds hooked up in a row to make a running light
Attachments
Step 1: Materials
-8 x Led (I used 3V Leds because i didnt have 5v ones)
-Arduino
-Breadboard
-Jumper Wires
Optional:
-Prototyping Shield
Step 2: Buiding It
Wire it up following the schematic below.
sorry for the mistake its pin 5 not 7^^
Step 3: The Code
Heres the very basic code:
boolean t = true;
int i = 12;
void setup()
{
pinMode(12,OUTPUT);
pinMode(11,OUTPUT);
pinMode(10,OUTPUT);
pinMode(9,OUTPUT);
pinMode(8,OUTPUT);
pinMode(7,OUTPUT);
pinMode(6,OUTPUT);
pinMode(5,OUTPUT);
pinMode(4,OUTPUT);
}
void loop()
{
digitalWrite(i,HIGH);
delay(50);
digitalWrite(i,LOW);
if(t == true)
{
i = i - 1;
}
else
{
i = i + 1;
}
if(i < 5)
{
i = 6;
t = false;
}
if(i > 12)
{
i = 11;
t = true;
}
}

Participated in the
Microcontroller Contest
19 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
This was my first project i made with a kit I got off amazon this christmas. I enjoyed it a lot!
8 years ago on Introduction
I made it and it was a cool led project
9 years ago on Introduction
I'd just like to point out that in the code where it says, if(i>5)... well that should be if(i>4)
10 years ago on Introduction
thanks^^
10 years ago on Introduction
I just wanted to let you know that this was my very first arduino project and I couldn't of picked a better one if I tried!
Super easy and super cool.
So, thank you!
10 years ago on Introduction
it is a uno. I just uploaded the program to mine and it works
10 years ago on Introduction
Hi,
I was going to do this as my first project, I went to buy the Arduino but i didn't know which model you were using . Can u pls let me know the Arduino model u used.
thx
11 years ago on Introduction
I have been looking for this for a while now...... All others have been over done this is simple and to the point Thanks very much
12 years ago on Step 3
Just did this as my first arduino project excellent start big return for small input.
Great Instructible.
12 years ago on Introduction
Nice easy to understand code. This is great for beginners.
Here's a sneaky trick for your resistor: put one resistor in series with your ground wire on the negative side of your LEDs. This is not going to be good if you reprogram to have all of your LEDs on at once but it's better than nothing. Ideally you'd have one resistor per LED but it's better to have some safety than none.
I blew the USB chip on my Arduino once doing something like this. It was bad news.
Again, nice simple project :)
12 years ago on Introduction
Maybe I am missing something, but shouldn't you have a resistor in series with each of those led's.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
why? because i use 3v ones?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
You should always limit current through the LEDs. To prevent damage to the LEDs and prevent damage to your microcontroller pins.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Yep frank26080115 is correct. First you will drastically reduce the life of your LED which isn't that big a deal because they are cheap, but the microcontroller would be the big worry. Diodes don't limit current so there is basically just a short to ground. You may get away with it for a while if you are just flashing the LED's, but it will catch up to you eventually. basically any resistor from 470 ohms to 1K should work.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
ok i will change it
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Definitely keep on experimenting! You will learn as you go and those that have constructive input usually are willing to teach. I learned just about everything I know about electronics through trial and error and input from knowledgeable folks on the internet! :)
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
i know but i dont have the correct resistors right now^^
12 years ago on Introduction
neat :)
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
thx