The LED Artist - blog » Kits

Collider 60 kit

The LED Artist — Fri, 16 May 2014 05:00:29 +0000

Kit contents shown (LEDs not in photo, but are included in the kit)

Collider 60 is an easy to assemble kit suitable for beginners. Relatively small number of parts are spaced apart enough so that the soldering is simple.

Please note that Collider 60 is designed to be connectable. Unlimited number of units can be snapped together like tiles, in four directions.

Features/Notes:

60 white diffused 5mm LEDs
PIC microcontroller is preprogrammed
PIC24F08KL402 16 bit microcontroller @ 32 MHz
Dimension: 4.72 inch (120mm) square, excluding the connector protruding
Snappable connector to tile multiple units
Unlimited number of connected units

Each Kit Contains:

60x white diffused 5mm LEDs
1x PIC24F08KL402 16 bit microcontroller
1x 10k ohm Resistor (Brown, Black, Orange, Gold)
6x 1k ohm Resistor (Brown, Black, Red, Gold)
3x 0.1 uF Ceramic Capacitor
1x 47 uF Electrolytic Capacitor
1x 1N4148 or equivalent Switching Diode
1x Tactile Switch
1x Piezoelectric Speaker
1x 20k ohm Potentiometer
2x Molex Female header (3 position)
2x Molex Male header (3 position)
1x Knob
1x PCB

[Download]
- Circuit Schematics
- Assembly Guide

In-stock and shipping now!

A12 – Wearable LED Gadget with Full-Color LEDs

The LED Artist — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 04:00:00 +0000

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.

- more technical info here.

In-stock and shipping now!

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 ***

Color Organ Triple Deluxe II – Kit and PCB

The LED Artist — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 23:21:26 +0000

Color Organ Triple Deluxe II is the return of the classic color organ of the 70′s using LEDs. Color Organ divides sound wave into three bands; low, mid, & high, and lights different color LEDs based on the volume.

Color Organ Triple Deluxe II uses all discrete transistor circuit for authentic “sound to light” function – no ICs, no microcontrollers. Assembly is also very straightforward and beginner friendly.

- See the instructables

- Download the schematics

- Checkout the Laser Cut Acrylic Case

Kit Contents

3x 47 ohm
6x 150 ohm
2x 270 ohm
1x 470 ohm
2x 1k ohm
2x 4.7k ohm
4x 10k ohm
3x 270k ohm
1x 1.2M ohm
1x 10k ohm potentiometer
1x 4.7nF (0.0047uF)
2x 22nF (0.022uF)
1x 0.22uF EC
1x 1uF EC
3x 4.7uF EC
1x 10 uF EC 16V or higher
1x 47uF EC 16V or higher
8x MPS2222A or Equivalent
18x LED (6x red, 6x green, and 6x blue)
3.5mm Stereo Jack
DC Power Jack

Notes:
Kit assembly requires basic soldering skills.
You need a 12V DC power supply (AC adapter) (300mA or higher current capacity – such as this one) to operate Color Organ Triple Deluxe II. Use of regulated power supply is recommended, since non-regulated AC adaptors typically produce output voltage much higher than they are rated. (Typical “12V” non-regulated AC adaptors can output about 18V.) If you want to use one of those, make sure to masure the actual output voltage, and only use it if the voltage is lower than 15V. (Try 9V rated ones.)

*** Purchase Here ***

Aurora 12 bar – Kit and PCB

The LED Artist — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:11:08 +0000

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!

- Aurora 12 bar Schematics

- Assembly Guide

*** Purchase Here ***

Aurora 48 Kit

The LED Artist — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 05:04:33 +0000

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 ***

USB Blinky kit

The LED Artist — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:00:14 +0000

USB Blinky is possibly the simplest LED blinky kit out there. There are only ten parts to solder. The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) itself plugs right into an USB port. Thicker material is used for the PCB, so that it fits into the USB port nicely.

USB Blinky blinks at about twice a second. USB Blinky only draws little current (about 5mA) so any USB ports can power it.

USB Blinky is the perfect “Learn to Solder” project.

Kit Contents
2x 5mm Super Bright LED
2x 470 ohm (R1, R4)
2x 47k ohm (R2, R3)
2x 22uF Electrolytic Capacitor (C1, C2)
2x NPN Transistor (Q1, Q2)
1x Custom PCB

- view detailed technical info and assembly instructions @ instructables

*** Purchase Here ***

Wave JT – Kit and PCB

The LED Artist — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 02:00:15 +0000

Wave JT is a tiny LED sequencer or “Larson Scanner” on steroid. It has over 16 sequence patterns, and speed can be adjusted by double/triple tapping the button. It’s the most versatile LED chaser.

Unlike other LED chasers, Wave JT controls each LED in smooth 7 bit (128 levels) brightness levels. The brightness curve is gamma-corrected like Aurora series, so the fades are visually pleasing.

Not only Wave JT versatile, it’s also energy efficient. Wave JT runs on a single AA battery, and the battery lasts for days!

> See more pictures and video

Please view technical details and assembly instructions at instructables.

Wave JT is made with 100% through hole parts. No surface mount parts!

Kit Contents
8x 3mm or 5mm Super Bright LED of your choice
1x 4.7k ohm (R1)
1x 100k ohm (R2)
8x 39 ohm (R3-10)
1x 10pF Ceramic Capacitor (C1)
1x 0.1uF Ceramic Capacitor (C3)
1x 33uF 10V Electrolytic Capacitor (C2)
1x 47-100uH Axial Inductor (L1)
1x Schottky Diode (D1)
1x 5.1V 500mW Zener Diode (D2)
2x MPS2222A or equivalent NPN BJT (Q1-2)
1x PIC16F1823 or PIC16F1824
1x Tactile Switch (SW1)
2x Battery Clips

Note: As of Oct. 1, 2012, all Wave JT kits are shipping with preprogrammed PIC. You do not need a PIC programmer to assemble Wave JT kits!

*** Purchase Here ***

Poorman’s Buck – High Power LED driver

The LED Artist — Sun, 20 May 2012 21:10:55 +0000

Poorman’s Buck is a simple, constant-current high power LED driver capable of driving 350mA to 1A of output current. It is compact (footprint is 1 x 1.5 inches) and easy to build, yet very versatile.

Input power supply voltage can be anywhere between 5 to 20V (must be higher than the connected LED’s forward voltage drop). Up to 5 LEDs can be connected in series, and by parallel connecting the series connected LEDs, up to 18W total of LEDs can be driven (with 20V power supply).

Output current is configurable; 350mA, 700mA, or 1A using included parts. In board potentiometer can lower the output current down to about 9% level – which can be used as a dimmer. Full dimming control can also be done via the PWM input, making Poorman’s Buck a perfect building block for Arduino or other microcontroller projects.

For technical details please view my instructables.

~~You can purchase full kits or just the PCBs. Please use the buttons below to purchase.~~

*** Poorman’s Buck Kits and PCBs are sold out and discontinued. ***

Aurora 9×18 mk2 kit and PCB

The LED Artist — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:56 +0000

(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 ***