A60 Source Code Published
After receiving many requests, I finally decided to publish/share the firmware source code of A60.
I was put off by the cheap clone made available, but I now think there can be something good in sharing the firmware, so that others might learn something from my code – not that my coding skill is that good, but the way you can use a simple MCU like a PIC24Fxx to directly control the individual brightness of 180 LEDs (60 x (R+G+B)) is pretty cool, because you can same money and space by not using PWM controller ICs.
You can find the code here: https://github.com/theledartist/A60
Follow
R48 Battery Life Improved
After looking through the firmware very closely, I figured out a way to reduce power consumption of R48 via firmware tweaking. (Aggressive use of CPU “idle” mode while waiting for PWM pulse to output, etc.)
I managed to reduce the power consumption up to 43%. In my tests the batteries are lasting 50% or more longer!
All R48 will be shipped with the new, improved firmware as of today. If you already have R48, please send in for free upgrade.
How to receive the free firmware upgrade
- Please send your R48 to the address below.
The LED Artist
12A Louis PL
FL 2
Brooklyn, NY 11233 USA - Send only the R48 unit, without batteries or chargers.
- We will pay for the return postage. (Please pay for your postage to send in.)
- Make sure to clearly indicate the return address.
- The upgraded R48 will be sent back via USPS First Class mail.
- Enjoy the longer battery life!
More Products Available at Maker Shed
I’m so excited to announce that my wearable items – A12, R48 (all colors), and USB Li-Ion Charger are now available at Maker Shed!
You can find them here.
Maker Shed also sells Color Organ Triple Deluxe II and Colour Night Joule Thief Kit.
The LED Artist wearables at Adafruit
I’m very excited to announce that now some of my LED wearables are sold at Adafruit!
See the “New Products” video – my wearables are on at 13:35.
A12 – Wearable LED Gadget with Full-Color LEDs
New addition to my wearable LED accessories is A12. A12 is the same size as R48, uses the same microcontroller and battery, but with 12 full-color LEDs. A12 produces patterns similar to Aurora mini 18, but lighter and has a built-in battery holder in the back.
A12 comes with a non-rechargeable battery (CR2450) and a black cord (lanyard) to hang around the neck. The battery lasts for about 5 hours or more in continuous run.
There are also rechargeable battery (LIR2450) and the charger available. With those, you won’t need to keep buying batteries.
The charger is very compact and plugs right into an USB port.
Features/Notes:
- 12 full-color LEDs produce beautiful colors.
- A12 is available fully assembled or soldering kit.
- Comes with a non-rechargeable battery (CR2450, easily replaceable).
- Battery will typically last about 5 hours continuously.
- Also comes with black cord (lanyard) to hang around your neck.
- 10 beautiful animation patterns preprogrammed.
- “Demo” mode automatically runs though all animation patterns – changes every minute. (Activated by holding the button at the startup.)
- Rechargeable battery (LIR2450) is also available as an option. This recommended option lights the LEDs brighter, as it has higher voltage.
- The charger for the above is also available.
- Dimension: 1.9 inch diameter, 0.4 inch thick (including the battery)
Technical Details:
- 12 common-anode RGB LEDs.
- PIC24F08KL301 16 bit microcontroller @ 32 MHz.
- Each LED is PWM controlled in 128 gamma-corrected levels.
New R48 Video Clip
Finally, a short but sweet video clip of R48 blue. I hope you enjoy…
R48 and Li-Ion Charger
R48 comes with a non-rechargeable battery (CR2450) and a black cord (lanyard) to hang around the neck. The battery lasts for about 7-8 hours in continuous run.
There are also rechargeable battery (LIR2450) and the charger available. With those, you won’t need to keep buying batteries.
The charger is very compact and plugs right into an USB port.
White LEDs look yellow when they are not lit. Other colors (red, green, and blue) look like the photo above.
Features/Notes:
- Available with 4 different color LEDs: Red, Green, Blue, and White.
- Each R48 is fully assembled, and comes with a non-rechargeable battery (CR2450, easily replaceable).
- Battery will typically last about 7-8 hours continuously.
- Also comes with black cord (lanyard) to hang R48 around your neck.
- 25 beautiful animation patterns preprogrammed.
- “Demo” mode automatically runs though all animation patterns – changes every minute. (Activated by holding the button at the startup.)
- Rechargeable battery (LIR2450) is also available as an option. This recommended option lights the LEDs brighter, as it has higher voltage.
- The charger for the above is also available.
- Dimension: 1.9 inch diameter, 0.4 inch thick (including the battery)
R48 – an Wearable LED Gadget Pre-order Starts
Here’s the sneak peak at the upcoming wearable piece – R48. (I promise that better video will come soon.) Four different LED colors (Red, Green Blue, and White) are planned, but the first color available would be blue.
The item will be in stock in the 3nd week of July, and the price will be $49. Pre-order starts now at $45 a piece.
Also available are optional rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and the charger. The charger is very compact and plugs into an USB port. The photo below is showing the prototype. The final version will look better in black. (Will post the photo as soon as available.)
Features/Notes:
- Each R48 will be fully assembled, and comes with a non-rechargeable battery (CR2450, easily replaceable).
- Battery will typically last about 5 hours continuously.
- Also comes with a black cord to wear R48 as a neckless.
- 25 beautiful animation patterns preprogrammed.
- “Demo” mode automatically runs though all animation patterns – changes every minute. (Activated by holding the button at the start up.)
- Rechargeable type battery (LIR2450) is also available as an option. This recommended option lights the LED brighter, as it has higher voltage.
- The charger for the above is also available.
- Dimension: 1.9 inch diameter, 0.4 inch thick (including the battery)
R48 is now shipping – pre-order is ended.
