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Audio Interface for Aurora – Through-hole version

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.
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International Shipping Fees Reduced

I revised the international shipping fees. The recent changes of postal fees made it very difficult to provide reasonable shipping fees to non-US customers. However I’ve signed up with a bulk mailing service, which made possible to reduce international shipping fees.

You will notice “International Economy” shipping option when you go through the checkout. The orders will be shipped via USPS First Class mail, which is very economical. Please note, however this option does not provide any tracking. If you want tracking and quicker delivery, please consider “International Express Air”. “International Priority Air” is quicker than Economy, but still doesn’t provide tracking…

Color Organ Triple Deluxe II – Kit and PCB

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 ***

Color Organ Triple Deluxe II

Just finished this project, and published the instructables.

More info here

Aurora 12 bar – All Through-Hole, All New



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 Schematics

Video and Instructables are in the works, however the kits and PCBs are ready to go.

- Purchase here.

Aurora 12 bar – Kit and PCB



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 9×18 and 18×18 Firmware Update

I discovered a bug that prevents start up at the power on. The condition is relatively rare, but if your Aurora 9×18 mk2 or Aurora 18×18 is suffering from occasional lookup at the power up, please reprogram the PIC with the updated firmware.

This firmware (version 1.4) is also revised to keep the speed change setting in the EEPROM (note: speed adjustment is only possible via IR remote), so that your set speed will be restored after power off/on.

Please let me know if there are any issues with this updated version.

- Aurora 9xx18 mk2 firmware: aurora9x18mk2-1.4.hex

- Aurora 18×18 firmware: aurora18x18-rev2d-v1.4.hex

Shipping Delay

Due to Hurricane Sandy, we are experiencing shipping delays. Our area did not get much damage, but postal service is not working.
I think everything will go back to normal in a couple of days.

*** UPDATE: We are back to normal. USPS is reporting normal delivery. ***

Aurora mini Clock by Steven Hibs


Check this out!

Steven Hibs created this beautiful Aurora Mini-Clock. Made with a Chrome Table Lamp, 126 commom cathode RGB LEDs, and seven segment displays. The circuit and the firmware is based on my Aurora mini 18.

The spherical chrome bowl complements the Aurora design very well. Great work!

Battery Cases

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.
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