Arduino RGB LED Controller

RGB LED Controller made with the Arduino, an ULN2803 chip and 3 PNP transistors. I am using one of the timers in the Arduino for the Multiplexing, making it possible to write code in the main loop without having to worry about refreshing (multiplexing) the LEDs

[jacklancer]

That's cool. I was considering RGB leds or regular leds for a beginner arduino project. Outside of a 3d display such as a cube RGB leds seem a little pointless, then I realised with a thermometer sensor it may be of use :)

[lias]

I just startet to program with arduino and have to say your vidos are very impressive! Keep on doing this cool stuff :)

[mindthomas]

You should be able to see the post now. We have had some issues with our blog, but these should be fixed now!

[mindthomas]

@eddiea6987 I'm using 3 PWM channels, one for each color. The common ground pin of every RGB LED is then connected to the ULN2803 chip, where I can enable or disable power sink.
Then I just multiplex all the LEDs, changing the PWM values when I sink power for the specific LED.

[mindthomas]

@cmor2125 We've already got both Arduino MEGA and Arduino ADK. But they are just so much more expensive, so when you can use an circuit with an IC like this, it makes it much more inexpensive to do.
Though of course it would be possible to use the extra IO's for the LEDs instead of 74HC595 IC's, but you would still need the ULN2803 chips for providing enough current to the LEDs.

[hyson]

You weren't in the movie District 9, where you, Wikus?

[MangoMangoWoopWoop]

Can you please reupload your blog post somewhere, I can't seem to access it?

[diegocamiscia]

this is just what I wanted !! I love you !!! Thanks you!

[mindthomas]

@MGD320 Thank you. The music is Enya - Caribbean Blue

[eddiea]

are they pulse width modulating or are they all on? Im assuming PWM i dont think arduino can power that many LEDS?

[domoify]

i cannot enter ur blog, can u upload schematics to drive or mega, and the code too please?

[bakupcpu]

Very nice!! Exactly was I was searching for :) Thanks.

[rhok]

appreciate it man! Nice lil tutorial!

[mizokako]

nice, want to try something like that

[diegocamiscia]

excuse my ignorance, but to use a Led rgb common cathode, just use NPN and modify the program??

[matthewenderle]

Is this easily scalable? I'd like to use an arduino and RGB leds on my vehicle for accent lighting.

[lindaromano]

What if i told you that the arduino wasnt on?

[mindthomas]

The code can be found in the blog post about the project:

[cavebb]

If you don't know much about coding start learn clean C! Trying to copy-past arduino-c is not a good way to do and learn something.

[AxelWerner]

aweful code :( variable definitions all over the place. wrong non-standard conform variable naming, almost none remarks on what or why you are using specific bit patterns. no references to datasheets or manuals that would explain some patterns or doings. Mixing up "port based" addressing with native/plain arduino pin mode commands (as it should do), having pins "hard coded" instead of using variables having them configurable. large Blocks of repeating Code that is supposed to go into a for or while loop instead. maybe you should rework your code and improve things. ive seen many people added their valuable tips to you.