Comments on: Aurora 9×18 mk2 & 18×18 Technical Info

By: David Holmes

David Holmes — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 14:41:44 +0000

Hi,

Awesome project! I want to make one into a flower for the garden :-)

Could you possibly tell me what switch you used and where you got it from please? There are 1000s of tactile switches :-0 and I need one to fit your PCB footprint.

Many Thanks

By: Argha

Argha — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:44:29 +0000

Thank you very much.

By: The LED Artist

The LED Artist — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 22:15:21 +0000

In general I don’t share Gerber files – even though I don’t mind sharing the PCB layout as PDF file with most of my project.
As for how to program the PIC, I have a section in the instructables that explains it.
Check the step 10: http://www.instructables.com/id/Aurora-9×18-RGB-LED-art/

Aki

By: Argha

Argha — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 13:23:18 +0000

I have 2 things to request. Please upload a Gerber file of the Aurora 18×18 and please tell how to program the chip.

By: The LED Artist

The LED Artist — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 20:39:50 +0000

I think the ideal temperature is somewhat of personal preference, but I set my tool at 620 deg. F (326 C). I use leaded 63/37 solder wire of 0.015 inch diameter (Kester 245). Lead free solder and/or silver added solder will require much higher temperature and harder to solder, therefore I recommend using leaded solder, unless you live in a place that leaded products are not available.

I also strongly recommend using liquid flux to solder SMD. It makes a huge difference especially when soldering ICs with many small leads. I use this flux with just about every soldering job. It’s worth every penny.
http://www.amazon.com/Kester-959T-Soldering-No-Clean-Low-Solids/dp/B006NK919W

By: Rick Skubic

Rick Skubic — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 08:13:39 +0000

I bought an Aurora 18 x 18 kit recently. You noted that it was important to have a temperature controlled soldering iron (I do) but you didn’t indicate what temperature it should be set to. I’d like to know before I start soldering. What alloy of solder do you recommend (e.g. 60/40, silver, etc.)?

Thanks,
Rick

By: The LED Artist

The LED Artist — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 23:40:34 +0000

Hello Den,

The project file contains all of the firmware files, so you can use it so long as you use the same circuit with the same PIC. I think someone made a through hole version and posted as a comment on my Aurora 9×18 (original not mk2) instructable page, so check it out.

AN-IN connection is for audio interface. Leave it open if you are not using audio interface. This pin is probed at the startup and if audio interface is connected, color organ functions are enabled.

Aki

By: Den Foster

Den Foster — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:00:07 +0000

Hi,

I am thinking about building Aurora 9 x 18 but my soldering skills are not great, so I’m thinking about through hole components with a separate circuit board. Is the project file on here complete for all functions of the Aurora?

Also the AN-IN connection on the power supply connector CN2 could you give me some info on what this connects to externally please.

Thanks

By: The LED Artist

The LED Artist — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:18:31 +0000

It’s about 500mA for Aurora 9×18, 750mA for Aurora 18×18, DC 5V (needs to be a regulated power supply).
All USB ports I’ve tested worked fine as well (with the cable I made), so that’s the easiest way to power them.

Thanks,
Aki

By: Alvaro Oliver

Alvaro Oliver — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:07:35 +0000

What are the requirements for power up this beauty thing (Vdcc, mA)?