Aurora 18×18 built into a game kiosk
Build a Rainbow by Moey inc. from Andrew Sahlstrom on Vimeo.
You can see & play the game at Gulliver’s Gate in NYC.
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New Items Debut Tomorrow @ Maker Faire
A few new items are debuting at the Maker Faire Bay Area tomorrow.
Didn’t have time to take video to show you what they do, but I will post more info after the Maker Faire.
Aurora 12 bar – Kit and PCB
Aurora 12 bar is a simple, straight line RGB LED sequencer/chaser. Aurora 12 bar’s hardware is almost identical to Aurora mini 18. In fact only difference are (besides their shapes) the number of LEDs and the microcontroller that they use. Oh, and Aurora 12 bar doesn’t use a single SMT (surface mount technology) part!
In addition to all the animations that other Aurora’s can do, Aurora 12 bar also has the analog input ready. By hooking up to Audio Interface, you can turn Aurora 12 bar into a full-color sound/VU meter!
Aurora 12 bar is made with 100% through-hole parts. No surface mount parts!
Kit Contents
12x RGB LED (common-cathode)
3x 2N2907A or equivalent Transistor
1x PIC24FV16KA301 Microcontroller (Preprogrammed with the latest firmware)
1x Tactile Switch
12x 120 ohm Resistor
3x 220 ohm Resistor
4x 2.2k or 2.7k ohm Resistor
1x 10k ohm Resistor
1x 0.1 uF Ceramic Capacitor
1x 10 uF Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor
1x 33 uF Electrolytic Capacitor
1x Aurora 12 bar PCB
* 3 pin Molex connector shown in some pictures come with Audio Interface, and is not included in Aurora 12 bar kit.
Note: All Aurora 12 bar kits ship with preprogrammed PIC. You do not need a PIC programmer to assemble Aurora 12 bar kits!
*** Purchase Here ***
Aurora 9×18 and 18×18 Firmware Update
I discovered a bug that prevents start up at the power on. The condition is relatively rare, but if your Aurora 9×18 mk2 or Aurora 18×18 is suffering from occasional lookup at the power up, please reprogram the PIC with the updated firmware.
This firmware (version 1.4) is also revised to keep the speed change setting in the EEPROM (note: speed adjustment is only possible via IR remote), so that your set speed will be restored after power off/on.
Please let me know if there are any issues with this updated version.
- Aurora 9xx18 mk2 firmware: aurora9x18mk2-1.4.hex
- Aurora 18×18 firmware: aurora18x18-rev2d-v1.4.hex
Aurora mini Clock by Steven Hibs
Check this out!
Steven Hibs created this beautiful Aurora Mini-Clock. Made with a Chrome Table Lamp, 126 commom cathode RGB LEDs, and seven segment displays. The circuit and the firmware is based on my Aurora mini 18.
The spherical chrome bowl complements the Aurora design very well. Great work!
Battery Cases
Here are handy battery cases for driving Aurora with batteries. These hold two, three, or four AA batteries, and has a power switch. The cords are terminated with a 2 pin Molex female connector (standard 2.54 mm pitch), so connecting to Aurora is a snap.
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Aurora 48 Kit
Aurora 48 is a compact and thin profile full LED sequencer. It’s built entirely with surface mount components, so the profile is nice and clean.
- Capable of individually controlling 48 Full color LEDs.
- Each LED can be faded in 7 bit per channel - 2,097,152 colors.
- Gamma corrected brightness curve for very smooth fades.
- Simple, one button control.
- 11 sequence pattern (as of firmware version 1.0).
- Compact – 2.68 inch (68 mm) in diameter.
- Thin profile construction (0.137 inch (3.5 mm) thick).
- No leads sticking out on the back. Ideal for wearable projects.
- Firmware is easily upgradable via 5 pin ICSP connection.
Please review the instructables before purchase – assembly requires some skills. You will also need PIC programmer such as PICKit 3, ICD 2, ICD 3 (PICKit 2 doesn’t work with the PIC used). If you don’t have a programmer, you can purchase the PIC programmed with the latest firmware.
- Detailed technical information at instructables.com
- Aurora 48 Schematic-rev3a (PDF)
- Aurora 48 part placement (PDF) (revised Feb.18, 2013)
- Firmware ver.1.0 (aurora48smd-1.0.hex)
*** Purchase Here ***
Aurora 48 Sequence Video
Here is a video of Aurora 48 showing all of its preset sequence patterns. Watch it in full screen – it’s full 1080p HD.
Aurora 48 Preview
Here’s the new project that I’ve been working on.
Aurora 48 has 48 full-color/RGB LEDs, each individually controlled. Each and every 48 LEDs has 7 bit per channel = 2,097,152 possible colors. Like other Auroras brightness curve is gamma corrected so the fades are very smooth.
Using all SMT components, Aurora 48 is compact and low profile. 2.68 inch (68 mm) in diameter and only 0.137 inch (3.5 mm) thick.
Aurora 48 inherits most of its circuit from other Auroras before it. The controller is PIC24FV16KA304 (same as Aurora 18×18), however doubling the RGB bus by the help of a binary decoder chip (74HC238).
Aurora mini 18 Firmware Update
Aurora mini 18 now has three new animation patterns added. These new patterns are based on random numbers, instead of smooth transitions of original patterns. Now Aurora mini 18 has total of ten patterns for more fun.
- Download new firmware: Aurora18mini2-1.3.hex
- Purchase Aurora mini 18 -
New “Preprogrammed” PIC option for Aurora
I realize that many people just want to assemble Aurora kits without having to purchase a PIC programmer. Now I added options to have the PIC microcontroller preprogrammed when you purchase the kits.
Note: PIC IC will be soldered to the PCB in order to be programmed.
Firmware Updates to the New Auroras
Aurora 9×18 mk2 and Aurora 18×18 firmware has been revised to detect the Audio Interface connection at the start up. The Aurora’s will check to see if the Audio Interface is connected to them, and disable the color organ modes (there are two). Which means you don’t have to go through two empty program modes when pushing the button to change modes without the Audio Interface connected.
The First batch of New Aurora Shipped
Many thanks to your support, the first batch of the new Aurora kits shipped out yesterday. There are a few more orders left to ship, however due to the shortage of a part (sorry I did not expect to run out of parts) the rest of orders will have to ship next Tuesday.
I will be updating my instructables to include new firmware, but meanwhile here are the files you need to program the PICs on the new Aurora’s.
There are also online version of the “Part Placement Guides”.
Aurora 9×18 mk2 kit and PCB
(The original Aurora 9×18 video)
The kit includes everything you need to build Aurora 9×18 mk2, plus mounting screws & nuts. Those screws can also help you when you solder in the LEDs, by giving the PCB a lift off the working surface.
The smallest SMD parts are 0603 size, which is quite tiny. Naturally it’s very easy to lose them while assembling. Since it’s not much fun having to buy those little parts because you lose them, I’m including a few extras for all 0603 size parts. There are a few extra LEDs included as well. Hopefully you won’t have to stop the assembly because you’ve lost a few parts.
- View the technical info here.
- View the soldering/assembly guide.
IMPORTANT: You need a compatible PIC programmer such as PICkit 3, ICD2/3, etc. to program the PIC. (PICkit 2 does not support the newer PICs used on those Auroras.) If you don’t have access to program the PIC, you can choose “programmed” option for additional $5. The PIC IC will be soldered to the PCB in order to be programmed.
*** Purchase Here ***
Aurora 18×18 kit and PCB
The kit includes everything you need to build Aurora 18×18, plus mounting screws & nuts. Those screws can also help you when you solder in the LEDs, by giving the PCB a lift off the working surface.
The smallest SMD parts are 0603 size, which is quite tiny. Naturally it’s very easy to lose them while assembling. Since it’s not much fun having to buy those little parts because you lose them, I’m including a few extras for all 0603 size parts. There are a few extra LEDs included as well. Hopefully you won’t have to stop the assembly because you’ve lost a few parts.
- View the technical info here.
- View the soldering/assembly guide.
The kit ships with a PIC microcontroller preprogrammed. So you do not need a compatible PIC programmer to assemble Aurora 18×18 kit.
*** Purchase Here ***
Aurora 9×18 mk2 and 18×18 Pre-order deals Ended
Thank you very much for your support!
I received a lot of pre-orders for the new Aurora’s. Now I will start shipping them this week in first come, first served bases. You will be receiving emails with the tracking numbers.
Thank you again!
Aurora 9×18 mk2 Final Preview
Here are some pictures of Aurora 9×18 mk2 final version. PCB diameter is 4.3 inches.
Last call for Preorder!
The pre-order deals of 20% off Aurora 9×18 mk2 and Aurora 18×18 will end this weekend. Please check out the deal and take advantage of this bargain.
Those kits will be shipping next week!
I’d also like to remind people who ordered those kits to check out the Audio Interface. You will save the shipping (I will refund the shipping after checking out, if you have pre-ordered the kit), if you order this weekend.
Thank you!
New Aurora Kit Contents
Here are the pictures of Aurora 9×18 mk2 and Aurora 18×18 kit contents.
The kits include everything on the parts list, plus mounting screws & nuts. Those screws will also help you when you solder in the LEDs, by giving the PCB a lift off the working surface.
The smallest SMD parts are 0603 size, which is quite tiny. Naturally it’s very easy to lose them while assembling. Since it’s not much fun having to buy those little parts because you lose them, I’m including a few extras for all 0603 size parts. There are a few extra LEDs included as well. Hopefully you won’t have to stop the assembly because you’ve lost a few parts.
As I should be able to start shipping those kits early next week, the pre-order deals will end this weekend.
Aurora 18×18 + Audio Interface Video
Here’s a video showing how Aurora 18×18 works with the audio interface. I’m still tweaking the firmware to add more animation patterns, but it’s working quite well.
Aurora 9×18 mk2 will work the same way, except with only 9 channels of colors, so the range of animation is limited.
The audio interface hardware is still being finalized. I’m waiting for the final candidate PCB to be fabricated, so that I can make the final prototype. It’s only hardware/cosmetic that I’m working on now – the circuit itself is finalized and working well, as you can see from the video.
Aurora 18×18 Final Preview
Here are some pictures of the final version of Aurora 18×18. Production PCBs will be here in 2 weeks time, and I will start shipping the kits as soon as I have the PCBs.
Interested in building one? See here for the pre-order deal.
What! Aurora 18×18!
I know I just announced the Aurora 9×18 mk2 to be arriving soon. However I’ve also been working on this big brother to Aurora 9×18 – Aurora 18×18. I’ve finished the prototyping and finalized the design. The above is the composite image of the final design. (outside diameter is 7 inches)
I couldn’t wait any longer to share it with you.
Please note that those are prototypes in this video. Two of them are slightly different, and the final version will be very much like between the two (as far as the LED layout is concerned).
Like Aurora 9×18 mk2, Aurora 18×18 has infrared remote control receiver, so you can use any remote controllers that can control Sony TVs to control Aurora 18×18 – mode/pattern change, speed control, pause, and power on/off. (All universal remote controllers I know can control Sony TV)
Provision for the optional audio interface is also there. (Update: here’s the video and the pics.)
Here are the specs:
- PIC24FV16KA304 microcontroller
- GP1UX311QS or equivalent IR remote receiver
- 324 x 5mm RGB LEDs (common-cathode)
- 3 x MOS FETs
- 18 x NPN BJTs (Transistors)
- A push button switch
- Requires DC 5V, 500mA power supply (1A capacity recommended. USB power is ok)
- Board diameter is 7 inches
(More technical info is here.)
Now I need your help to bring Aurora 18×18 into self assemble kits like other Aurora’s. In order to do that I need a small capital to start the production of PCBs, etc. So I’m offering a “pre-order” deal to speed things along.
Please view the post here about the pre-order deal. Hope you can help.
Aurora 9×18 and Aurora 18×18 pre-order deals
*** These pre-order deals have ended on midnight(EST) of April 8th (Sun).
Please refer to the current pricing here. ***
I have finalized the designs of new Aurora 9×18 mk2 and Aurora 18×18. Developing these things takes a lot of effort, time and of course, money.
I really want to make those Aurora’s available as kits, however I need a small capital to do so quickly. Otherwise I’d have to wait.
So here’s the deal, I will offer those kits at 20% discount until I have them shipping. Once the kits are in, the final prices will be $179 for Aurora 9×18, and $289 for Aurora 18×18. (At the worst case where I could not deliver those kits, your money will be refunded. PayPal will offer protection against non-delivery, so rest assured.)
I’m really hoping that with your help, these kits will be shipping within 4 weeks.
IMPORTANT: Like all other kits I sell, PIC microcontrollers are not preprogrammed. You need a compatible PIC programmer such as PICkit 3, ICD2/3, etc. to program the PIC. (PICkit 2 does not support the newer PICs used on those Aurora’s.) This is due to the fact that surface mount PIC need to be soldered to a PCB before being programmed.
Aurora 9×18 mk2 & 18×18 Technical Info
Here are some technical information on the new Aurora 9×18 mk2 and Aurora 18×18.
Aurora 9×18 mk2
Assembly Details
Will be posted on Instructables (instructables.com). Meanwhile please view my Instructables for Aurora 9×18.
Schematics
Parts List
- 4x 47 ohm (0603)
- 162x 150 ohm (0603)
- 9x 220 ohm (0603)
- 13x 1k ohm (0603)
- 4x 10k ohm (0603)
- 2x 0.1uF (0603)
- 2x 10uF (1206)
- 1x 22uF (1210)
- 3x DMP3098L (P-ch MOSFET)
- 9x MMBT2222A (NPN transistor)
- 1x PIC24FV16KA301
- 1x GP1UX311QS or equivalent (IR remote receiver)
- 1x Tactile Switch
- 162x Tricolor LED (common-cathode)
Firmware
Aurora 18×18
Assembly Details
View my Instructables
Schematics
Parts List
- 4x 47 ohm (0603)
- 324x 150 ohm (0603)
- 18x 220 ohm (0603)
- 21x 1k ohm (0603)
- 4x 10k ohm (0603)
- 3x 0.1uF (0603)
- 2x 10uF (1206)
- 1x 47uF (1210)
- 3x DMP3098L (P-ch MOSFET)
- 18x MMBT2222A (NPN transistor)
- 1x PIC24FV16KA304
- 1x GP1UX311QS or equivalent (IR remote receiver)
- 1x Tactile Switch
- 324x Tricolor LED (common-cathode)
Firmware