I'm relatively new to electronics, as this is the first arduino board I've ever worked with (I've done some simple circuitry before however). What I'm trying to do is hook up an LED RGB strip to the board and connect it to some sort of knob or capacitive sensor that will allow the user to cycle through the RGB values. It will be used in a desk lamp, so the color can be changed for "mood lighting" in a sense. I have already connected the LED strip using this tutorial: https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-led-strips but I am lost as to how to hook an external knob/dimmer to it. If anyone can help it would be extremely appreciated!
Another issue - I am using MOSFET's and they get EXTREMELY hot as well as some other components on the board (I burned myself on one) and I was wondering how to avoid this generally large amount of heat because I know it could ruin the setup. Thanks everyone!
RGB LED Dimmer/Overheating Problem
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- jitterskitters
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Dec 19, 2014 5:22 pm
RGB LED Dimmer/Overheating Problem
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- Just for reference. Also, I apologize for the lack of color-coded wires - the diagram from the tutorial will give you more guidance as to the setup!
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- Franklin97355
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- Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:33 pm
Re: RGB LED Dimmer/Overheating Problem
You look to be powering them from the Arduino 5v pin. These LEDs need 12v from an external supply that is why you need to run the MOSFETs. You were probably overloading the onboard voltage regulator and could have damaged the Arduino.
- jitterskitters
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Dec 19, 2014 5:22 pm
Re: RGB LED Dimmer/Overheating Problem
I made sure I was powering them according to the RGB LED tutorial, via the Vin pin (I always triple checked the layout before giving any power), but thank you for the input!
- adafruit2
- Posts: 22148
- Joined: Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:36 pm
Re: RGB LED Dimmer/Overheating Problem
hiya, you say mosfets but you're using the TIP120 diagram - can you specify which part number you have for the drive transistors?
secondly, how long is the LED strip?
thirdly :) what voltage/current is the wall adapter you are using? 9V 1A?
secondly, how long is the LED strip?
thirdly :) what voltage/current is the wall adapter you are using? 9V 1A?
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.