high on solder

This is another project that modifies the MiniPOV kit, similar to the LED Cube project I did previously. This time, instead of an LED matrix, one Red, one Green, and one Blue LED are used to create a multi-color light show by utilizing pulse-width modulation of the AVR's output. The construction is very similar to the LED Cube in that I also built the RGB from scratch. I did not, however, include an ISP header this time around because I felt the original program was adequate for a project of this scale. If I later decide to rebuild this project using multiple better quality LEDs I will definitely include an ISP header to be able to reprogram the RGB for other light shows.

In order to program the RGB Light I had to modify the makefile code for use with my USBTiny ISP in the same manner I did in the LED Cube project. This project is very simple to build and it produces an interesting light show. With some better quality LEDs with more diffuse viewing angles this could be even better. I will most likely rebuild this at some point in the future with more appropriate LEDs. Check out the video of my Trippy RGB Light in action (with a plastic bag between the RGB Light and the camera to diffuse the light for better color mixing).

Links

• Trippy RGB Light Schematic
• Trippy RGB Light Firmware (C code)
• Trippy RGB Light makefile

Update on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 3:16PM by Joe

I decided to rebuild the Trippy RGB Light with a single RGB LED instead of three individual LEDs. I also changed from a 3 Volt supply to a 4.5 Volt supply. As a result I also had to change the resistor values (Blue - 150 Ohm, Red & Green - 270 Ohm). The video shows a marked improvement over the previous version.