What's Your planned Project for 2024 ?
Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2024 5:22 am
I'm Hoping to revamp one of my early led ring clocks.. 216 leds total.
1 ring 60 for seconds (60 leds)
2 rings for the minutes (120 leds)
3 segmented rings for the hours (36 leds)
This all was a wiring nightmare, but it worked, I only used 4017 counter chips and time base was the 60Hz. AC from the wall.
It worked perfectly, so long as there was no RF interference near by.. I got a CFL bulb near the clock one day. and the clock went into warp time..
other than that it kept perfect time.. when power went out, I'd have to take the time to set it again.. no memory back up or battery back up.
I've recently tried to update the clock to become a smart clock.. Well, this didn't work out well, was trying to use the MAX7219 matrix 8x8 display driver.
it was easier to order the boards with the little 8x8 displays, so i removed the displays and just used the boards. I had to painstakingly rewire the display.
everything tested ok,, but i noticed that it was starting to cook the leds. I checked everything i could think of, couldn't figure out why the leds were cooking. Too much drive current ? The 8x8 displays worked just fine, but not with my leds. I was using red, green and blue leds, some paralleled, some single. didn't matter. So, I have scrapped that idea..Couldn't think of another way to make/drive the displays.
So NEW idea now.. Remove all the leds, and replace them with WS2812D (5mm RGB leds.) I have a friend that can help write the code for me,, He's helped me with code for all my other smart clocks. I'll Replace all the leds 1st, then use a test sketch to make sure all is working ok,,then give him the info, which pins i'm using etc. This clock will be GPS enabled so that it's self setting. and a RTC for time backup.
I'm just waiting for the leds to arrive.
Any tips or comments ?
My other project I wanna do it,, build me a VU meter led strip.. I've seen videos and projects on the TUBE Using color changing leds and Arduinos, but there seems to be latency from the music to sound.. the leds are off.. not tracking good like the good ol LM39** series.
I'm wondering if there's any sort of Mcu that is faster and more accurate ? or is this not possible.
If i must, I'll just build me a classic LM39** type, I want something with about 30 leds.. at least 16" in length.
Any Tips ?
1 ring 60 for seconds (60 leds)
2 rings for the minutes (120 leds)
3 segmented rings for the hours (36 leds)
This all was a wiring nightmare, but it worked, I only used 4017 counter chips and time base was the 60Hz. AC from the wall.
It worked perfectly, so long as there was no RF interference near by.. I got a CFL bulb near the clock one day. and the clock went into warp time..
other than that it kept perfect time.. when power went out, I'd have to take the time to set it again.. no memory back up or battery back up.
I've recently tried to update the clock to become a smart clock.. Well, this didn't work out well, was trying to use the MAX7219 matrix 8x8 display driver.
it was easier to order the boards with the little 8x8 displays, so i removed the displays and just used the boards. I had to painstakingly rewire the display.
everything tested ok,, but i noticed that it was starting to cook the leds. I checked everything i could think of, couldn't figure out why the leds were cooking. Too much drive current ? The 8x8 displays worked just fine, but not with my leds. I was using red, green and blue leds, some paralleled, some single. didn't matter. So, I have scrapped that idea..Couldn't think of another way to make/drive the displays.
So NEW idea now.. Remove all the leds, and replace them with WS2812D (5mm RGB leds.) I have a friend that can help write the code for me,, He's helped me with code for all my other smart clocks. I'll Replace all the leds 1st, then use a test sketch to make sure all is working ok,,then give him the info, which pins i'm using etc. This clock will be GPS enabled so that it's self setting. and a RTC for time backup.
I'm just waiting for the leds to arrive.
Any tips or comments ?
My other project I wanna do it,, build me a VU meter led strip.. I've seen videos and projects on the TUBE Using color changing leds and Arduinos, but there seems to be latency from the music to sound.. the leds are off.. not tracking good like the good ol LM39** series.
I'm wondering if there's any sort of Mcu that is faster and more accurate ? or is this not possible.
If i must, I'll just build me a classic LM39** type, I want something with about 30 leds.. at least 16" in length.
Any Tips ?