Hi there! I'm new to hobby electronics. I have a project in mind for a wall clock. I need around 20 LEDs that light on / off depending on the time of day. I have a few questions.
Can someone make me a list of parts I would need? I think an Arduino would be the best fit, but I have no idea, really. I'm just not sure about what exactly I would need to separately control 20 lights. And there are so many options... It's hard!
Would you guys recommend battery power? Cables are ugly!
Newbie needs a list of parts!
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- Franklin97355
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Re: Newbie needs a list of parts!
Take a look at the neopixels. you could connect them in a row and address them from the Arduino. If you explained your project in more detail you might get more detailed info back.
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Re: Newbie needs a list of parts!
Sure, I can give more detail.
I'm a big pinball fan, and I love weird watches / clocks. I came across an antique backglass and decided to turn it into a clock.
The white dots are where I need LEDs. The glass is about 20" by 22". I might use the neopixels for the middle strip. My budget is around 75$.
Thanks!
I'm a big pinball fan, and I love weird watches / clocks. I came across an antique backglass and decided to turn it into a clock.
The white dots are where I need LEDs. The glass is about 20" by 22". I might use the neopixels for the middle strip. My budget is around 75$.
Thanks!
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: Sat Dec 07, 2013 12:16 pm
Re: Newbie needs a list of parts!
Hi,
it sounds great. In my opinion Arduino will fit perfectly. You should define how will be he interface between Arduino and the LEDs. As a first approach it can be just controlled with a single Arduino MEGA 1280. But if you use extra hardware you only need a small Arduino UNO.
Regards,
Pedro.
it sounds great. In my opinion Arduino will fit perfectly. You should define how will be he interface between Arduino and the LEDs. As a first approach it can be just controlled with a single Arduino MEGA 1280. But if you use extra hardware you only need a small Arduino UNO.
Regards,
Pedro.
- adafruit_support_bill
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- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Newbie needs a list of parts!
I would recommend an Arduino Uno, and our new mini neopixels: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1612 These are simple to wire up and require just one Arduino pin to drive all 18. Total cost for the UNO, Neopixels and a power supply would be less than $60.
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- Joined: Fri Dec 06, 2013 9:40 pm
Re: Newbie needs a list of parts!
Thank you all for the answers!
Just to make sure I get this right...
Thanks again!
Just to make sure I get this right...
- 4x NeoPixel Mini PCB - Pack of 5
- 1x Arduino Uno R3 (Atmega328 - assembled)
- 1x 9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter
Thanks again!
- adafruit_support_bill
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- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Newbie needs a list of parts!
The neopixels don't come with any cable. You would need enough hookup cable to connect +5v, GND and 1 signal wire, daisy-chained to each pixel - plus soldering supplies.
As a pinball tinkerer, I figured you would have all that. But if not, we have hookup wire here: http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?main_ ... wire+spool
And soldering supplies: http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guid ... ring/tools
As a pinball tinkerer, I figured you would have all that. But if not, we have hookup wire here: http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?main_ ... wire+spool
And soldering supplies: http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guid ... ring/tools
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- Posts: 4
- Joined: Fri Dec 06, 2013 9:40 pm
Re: Newbie needs a list of parts!
Thank you!
Most of my pinball machines are old pre-80s electro-mechanicals; I've only had to resolder a few things so far.
Again, thanks, I really appreciate it.
Most of my pinball machines are old pre-80s electro-mechanicals; I've only had to resolder a few things so far.
Again, thanks, I really appreciate it.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.