Comments on: Aurora 9×18 assembled

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 07:24:13 +0000

Thanks Aki, much appreciated!

By: The LED Artist

The LED Artist — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 01:31:08 +0000

Hello Ben,

The microcontroller (PIC) is soldered to the PCB, and then programmed by a programmer via ICSP (In Circuit Serial Programming). The programmers typically connect to a computer via USB (I use PICKit 3).

Even though this process is called “programming”, it’s simply uploading HEX file to the flash memory inside PIC. You can rewrite the flash memory thousands of times using PICKit or other programmers. The way this is done is pretty much the same as Arduino. However Arduino has USB interface chip on board, Aurora doesn’t. In essence PIC programmer is just an USB interface between PIC and computer.

Aki

By: Ben

Ben — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 01:01:26 +0000

Hi again Aki,

It seems you program the microcontroller with a number of programs and then solder it to the board. I’m interested in being able to re-program the PIC after it’s permanently fixed (like arduino) using a mini usb port. Can this be done? Would you need a switch to separate the PIC pins from the rest of the circuitry while you re-program? (I don’t know how arduino does it).

Thanks,

Ben

By: The LED Artist

The LED Artist — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:30:14 +0000

Thanks for your comments!
It took me a while to refine the PWM method to achieve smooth transitions and economy. You can always use dedicated PWM LED controller IC to get the fades, but that will take too much PCB real estate, and cost much more.

Regarding your question, yes you can extend this design to control more LEDs. I have made up to 48 LED version. This one required an extra logic IC to double the RGB busses, but up to 30 LEDs can be done without the IC, using 40 pin PIC micro.

Thanks,
Aki

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:59 +0000

Hi Aki,

I love your work! You’re the first person I have seen to use very smooth colour and brightness fades…I think this is the future of LED design. I am also an artist, though only starting to get my head around microcontrollers etc. As I understand it your 18×18 aurora PIC can control 18×3(rgb) individual pins. I am working on a sculptural artwork that will require control of 30×3 (rgb) individual pins (though using a lot less LEDs overall). Once I properly understand your architecture…hoping I can of course ;) … could I use the same method with a larger PIC to achieve this?

Thanks,
Ben

By: The LED Artist

The LED Artist — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 22:40:46 +0000

Of course. Be sure to checkout my Instructables as well. ( http://www.instructables.com/id/Aurora-9×18-RGB-LED-art/ and others)

My email is aki @ theledart.com.

By: Carson T Moore

Carson T Moore — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:43:37 +0000

Wow this is REALLY amazing.
I have seen a lot of LED stuff, and this is the best so far. Great transitions between each row. Mind if I email you about a couple of questions?

-Carson Moore

By: The LED Artist

The LED Artist — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:57:52 +0000

Hello Gary,

Just wanted to let you know that Aurora 9×18 is now available as kit.

http://www.theledart.com/blog/?p=241

Thanks,
Aki

By: Gary B

Gary B — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 02:20:54 +0000

Please, I beg of you, make these available. You have something that no one else has. They will sell, either in kit form or assembled. I know I would gladly pay into the hundreds for one. Please keep us posted on when and where :-)

Gary B

By: pim

pim — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:55:37 +0000

beautiful ;)