New LED project idea

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msymms
 
Posts: 25
Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2010 10:50 am

New LED project idea

Post by msymms »

Hi All,
I am new to the Arduino, but not new to programming. I have basic circuitry knowledge but am no EE. I would like to build an LED "light show" for my vehicle. I have seen the simple LED strips that run under the dash, but I wanted something special and my own. I want to tie this into my fuse box running a max of 10A. I was hoping to have a central box that everything (Arduino, LEDs, and 12V) connects to (see pic). I want this to be upgradable to run additional LED strips in the future, thus the max at 10A. I wanted to use the Arduino enclosure sold on this site and use the color 16X2 LCD for read out showing whatever (current pattern, etc.). I would use buttons to control the unit.

Image

Any ideas on components? 5V regulator? or the 9V? Connectors? other stuff? Where should I start?

TIA,
-mark

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bunger
 
Posts: 89
Joined: Sun Apr 10, 2011 2:33 pm

Re: New LED project idea

Post by bunger »

I am not sure about power connectors, but pick up at the least the following:

TFT Touchscreen:
You can code touch buttons to turn on the lights, run different sequences, etc.

Arduino UNO:
The brain.

12mm Diffused RGB LED 25 Strand or one of the strips
Uses 2 pins on the Arduino to control the entire strip(s).

Get decent power and you are good to go. You wouldn't need anything else.

msymms
 
Posts: 25
Joined: Fri Aug 20, 2010 10:50 am

Re: New LED project idea

Post by msymms »

So I have started drawing this thing out. This is my first Arduino project, but not first with programming. I am building some CMoy amps right now and struggling a bit with those but that is another story. Anyway I have started drawing out the PSU for the thing. I am pulling 12v from the vehicle and converting down to the 5v for the digital LED. I am using an LT1034CT (if there is something better let me know) that will give me up to 5 amps. I want to be able to power up to 2 meters of the LEDs which require about 2A per meter.
My problem is the heat sink for the voltage regulator, I have tried to figure this out but can't seem to find what I need. I think I am dissipating about 15W. I figure the ambient temp a little higher than 25º C since it will be in a vehicle near the floor board (summer heat or winter heater). I have even thought of adding a cooling fan to keep the enclosure smaller.

My next question is can I feed the Arduino controller a straight 12v from this PSU or should I add another section to provide the proper power for it. This will be cabled to the PSU but handheld for operation. See Attached schematic thus far.

Image

TIA,
mark

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