46072180
From: tw@dionic.net
TheMilkGuy
wibbled on Tuesday 06 April 2010 03:21
> Howdy!
>
> First of all, I understand electronics on a kindergarten
> level. :) ...but I'm a keen study!
>
> I have a project idea in my head that I would really like to bring to
> life. I want to put 16 LED lights in a circle and have them "chase"
> each other. Random patterns would also be great (ie: two lights
> moving clockwise and anti-clockwise from the 12 or 6 o'clock position
> and then back), and if it's possible, a couple of "faded" lights
> behind the leader.
>
> Can you even fade a diode? I'm not even sure.
Yes, by either pulse-width-modulation (PWM) - google it, or by limiting the
current (analogue style). Drive the LEDs open-collector style or through a
rectifier diode and put a small electrolytic capacitor across the
resistor+LED connection. That will provide a little residual charge to give
you a simple fade effect. Mess about with the capacitor value until it's how
you want.
> Either way, if there is a kit available or if someone has a URL they'd
> be willing to share, I would really appreciate it.
Where are you?
Maplin in the UK do stuff like this (random kits).
> I have a handful of 555 timers as well as a breadboard. I will be
> sourcing LEDs online shortly.
What you want to do is a bit fiddly with basic logic chips, but not
impossible. I'll let someone else suggest something.
Most folk now would just wop out the AVR or PIC one-chip microcomputer and
write a C program. But it's good to try some proper electronics. Good luck
:)
--
Tim Watts
Managers, politicians and environmentalists: Nature's carbon buffer.
--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)
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