The LED Artist - blog » Accessories

LIR2450 Li-Ion Battery and Charger

The LED Artist — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 04:00:19 +0000

LIR2450 is a coin cell, Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. Physically the same size as CR2450, LIR2450 can be used as a rechargeable replacement to CR2450 in most cases.
This little battery has little over 100 mA/Hour capacity, with nominal 3.6 V output. This battery is perfect for powering a small project.
The problem (for me) was that there were only poor quality chargers available for this very useful battery. Since I could not find a good charger for it, I made one.

This charger is based on the popular MCP73831 by Microchip to charge Lithium-Ion battery safely.
The charger is very compact and plugs right into an USB port.

Features/Notes:

Compact design plugs into an USB port
Charge/Done LEDs indicate the charge status
Charge current: 45 mA typical
Charge time: about 3 hours
Dimension: 1.15 x 1.45 x 0.38 inches

Purchase here

Limited Supply – Color Organ Acrylic Case

The LED Artist — Fri, 31 May 2013 18:46:09 +0000

I have a limited supply of laser-cut acrylic case for Color Organ Triple Deluxe II available. This is one time offer, the cases won’t be available again once the supply is gone.
(The case kit does not include the knob.)

Audio Interface for Aurora – Through-hole version

The LED Artist — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 05:19:04 +0000

This Interface turns Aurora 9×18 mk2, Aurora 18×18 or Aurora 12 bar into the ultimate color organ. This is the through-hole only version of the same exact circuit as the original Audio Interface.

You can watch the video here.

The interface goes between the power cable and Aurora, using Molex 3 pin connectors. The interface has a 3.5mm stereo audio jack, so you can connect any audio output. There’s a potentiometer to adjust the sensitivity level as well.
Aurora 12 bar, Aurora 9×18 mk2 and Aurora 18×18 have audio or “color organ” modes, which you can select by either pushing the on board button or using a remote control (remote not on Aurora 12 bar).

- Schematics
- Audio Interface Part Placment Guide

Complete kit includes the 3 pin connection cable pictured (other cables are not included).

*** Purchase Here ***

Battery Cases

The LED Artist — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 21:32:20 +0000

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.

In general, Three batteries are recommended, but two Alkalines work ok (LEDs will not be as bright) with Aurora 12 bar or Aurora mini 18. For Aurora 9×18 and Aurora 18×18, use of four AA batteries is recommended.
Two AA battery configuration is only effective if you are using Alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries such as NiMH or NiCD have lower voltage, so at least 3 of them need to be used to power Aurora.

*** Purchase Here ***

Mini USB Power Adapter

The LED Artist — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:45:00 +0000

Here’s an inexpensive and small USB power adapter perfect for DYI project that needs 5V DC power.

As you might be able to tell from the pictures, this is _not_ an Apple product. It’s an cheap knock off (I’ll be honest) and doesn’t charge iPhones or iPads! (Works with some, but please do not try.) However it works pretty well as DC 5V power supply. Rated for 1A max, but I recommend using this with only up to 500mA or so, just to be safe.

This adapter works perfectly well with Aurora 9 bar, Aurora mini 18 and Aurora 9×18 mk2. Works ok with Aurora 18×18 (the LED shimmers a tiny bit, due to the voltage dropping as the current increases).

*** Purchase Here ***

Audio Interface for Aurora

The LED Artist — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:14:47 +0000

This Audio Interface turns Aurora 9×18 mk2 and Aurora 18×18 and Aurora 12 bar into the ultimate color organs.

You can watch the video here.

The interface goes between the power cable and Aurora, using Molex 3 pin connectors. The interface has a 3.5mm stereo audio jack, so you can connect any audio output. There’s a thumb-wheel style trim pot to adjust the sensitivity level as well.
New Aurora 9×18 mk2 and Aurora 18×18 have audio or “color organ” modes, which you can select by either pushing the on board button or using a remote control.

*** Please check out the through hole version of Audio Interface here ***

- Download the soldering/assembly guide: Audio_Interface-PartPlacement

*** This item has been replaced by through hole version – see it here ***

RGB LED – 5mm, common-cathode

The LED Artist — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:23:42 +0000

10 pack of 5mm RGB LED – common-cathode. Diffused plastic – same as the ones used for Aurora. (Also same as this one.)

5mm RGB LED – common-cathode 10 pack: $5.00

USB Power Cord

The LED Artist — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:23:17 +0000

Here’s a little addition that makes Auroras more desktop friendly. You can use this cord to power Aurora 9×18 mk2, Aurora 18×18, Aurora mini 18 or Aurora 9 bar and other kits from any USB ports. A standard USB plug on one end, and Molex 2 pin connector on the other end. About 24 inch long.

*** The 2 pin Molex header shown in the photo is no longer included. (The header is now included in the Aurora kits instead) ***

*** Purchase Here ***

Color Changing LED – 5mm

The LED Artist — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:34:01 +0000

10 pack of self color changing LED – 5mm, water clear type. Same as the ones used for Colour Night Joule Thief.
It’s a bit of “hard to find” item.

Color Changing LED – 5mm, water clear – 10 pack: $5.00