Additionally

• IN: I bought a tape with contacts G, R, B, 12 on it. How to connect?
  A: This is the wrong tape, you can throw it away

  IN: The firmware loads, but the error “Pragma message...” appears in red letters.
  A: This is not an error, but information about the library version

  IN: What should I do to connect a ribbon of my own length?
  A: Count the number of LEDs, before loading the firmware, change the very first setting in the sketch, NUM_LEDS (the default is 120, replace it with your own). Yes, just replace it and that’s it!!!

  IN: How many LEDs does the system support?
  A: Version 1.1: maximum 450 pieces, version 2.0: 350 pieces

  IN: How to increase this number?
  A: There are two options: optimize the code, take another library for the tape (but you will have to rewrite some of it). Or take Arduino MEGA, it has more memory.

  IN: Which capacitor should I use to power the tape?
  A: Electrolytic. The voltage is 6.3 Volts minimum (more is possible, but the conductor itself will be larger). Capacitance - at least 1000 uF, and the more the better.

  IN: How to check the tape without Arduino? Does the tape burn without Arduino?
  A: The address strip is controlled using a special protocol and works ONLY when connected to a driver (microcontroller)

• YOU CAN ASSEMBLE THE CIRCUIT WITHOUT A POTENTIOMETER! To do this, use the POTENT parameter (in the sketch in the settings block in the settings signal) assign 0. The internal reference voltage reference source of 1.1 Volt will be used. But it will not work at any volume! For the system to work correctly, you will need to select the volume of the incoming audio signal so that everything is beautiful, using the previous two setup steps.

• Version 2.0 and higher can be used WITHOUT an IR REMOTE, modes are switched with a button, everything else is configured manually before loading the firmware.

• How to set up another remote control?
  Other remote controls have different button codes, use the sketch to determine the button code IR_test(versions 2.0-2.4) or IRtest_2.0(for versions 2.5+), available in the project archive. The sketch sends the codes of the pressed buttons to the port monitor. Next in the main sketch in the section for developers There is a definition block for the remote control buttons, just change the codes to your own. You can calibrate the remote control, but honestly it’s too lazy.

• How to make two volume columns by channel?
  To do this, it is not at all necessary to rewrite the firmware; it is enough to cut a long piece of tape into two short ones and restore the broken electrical connections with three wires (GND, 5V, DO-DI). The tape will continue to work as one piece, but now you have two pieces. Of course, the audio plug must be connected with three wires, and the mono mode is disabled in the settings (MONO 0), and the number of LEDs must be equal to the total number on the two segments.
  P.S. Look at the first diagram in the diagrams!

• How to reset settings that are stored in memory?
  If you've played around with the settings and something goes wrong, you can reset the settings to factory settings. Starting from version 2.4 there is a setting RESET_SETTINGS, set it to 1, flash it, set it to 0 and flash it again. The settings from the sketch will be written to memory. If you are on 2.3, then feel free to upgrade to 2.4, the versions differ only in a new setting that will not affect the operation of the system in any way. In version 2.9 there was a setting SETTINGS_LOG, which outputs the values ​​of settings stored in memory to the port. So, for debugging and understanding.

We all want a holiday from time to time. Sometimes you want to be sad or experience other emotions. The simplest and effective method achieve the desired result - listen to music. But music alone is often not enough - visualization of the sound flow and special effects are needed. In other words, we need color music (or light music as it is sometimes called). But where can you get it if such equipment in specialized stores is not cheap? Do it yourself, of course. All that is needed for this is a computer (or a separate power supply), several meters of RGB LED strip with a power consumption of 12V, a prototype USB board(AVR-USB-MEGA16 is perhaps the cheapest and simplest option), as well as a diagram of what to connect and where.

A little about the tape

Before moving on to the work itself, it is necessary to determine what exactly this 12V LED RGB strip is. And it is a simple, but at the same time very ingenious invention.

LEDs have been known for decades, but thanks to innovative developments they have become a truly universal solution for many problems in the field of electronics. They are now used everywhere - as indicators in household appliances, independently in the form energy saving lamp, in the space industry, as well as in the field of special effects. The latter also includes color music. When three types of LEDs - red (Red), green (Green) and blue (Blue) are combined on one strip, an RGB LED strip is obtained. Modern RGB diodes have a miniature controller. This allows them to emit all three colors.

The peculiarity of this tape is that all the diodes are grouped and connected into a common chain, controlled by a common controller (it can also be a computer if connected via USB, or a special power supply with a control panel for stand-alone modifications). All this allows you to create an almost endless tape with a minimum of wires. Its thickness can reach literally several millimeters (if you do not take into account options with rubber or silicone protection from physical damage, moisture and temperature). Before the invention of this type of microcontrollers, the simplest model had, according to at least, three wires. And the higher the functionality of such garlands, the more wires there were. In Western culture, the phrase “unraveling the garland” has long become a common noun for all long, tedious and extremely confusing tasks. And now this has ceased to be a problem (also because the LED strip is prudently wound onto a special small drum).

What do we need?

DIY color music from tape GE60RGB2811C

Ideally, to organize color music with your own hands, we will use a ready-made LED strip powered by USB port computer. All we need is to download the necessary application on the same computer, set up file associations with the desired audio player, and enjoy the result. But this is if we are very lucky, and if we have the money to purchase all this. Otherwise, everything looks a little more complicated.

Electronic components stores sell LED strips of various lengths and power, but we only need 12V. It is the best option for connecting to a computer via USB. For example, you can find the GE60RGB2811C model, which consists of 300 RGB LEDs connected in series. One of the advantages of any such tape is that it can be cut as you wish - to any length. All you need to do after this is connect the contacts to electrical circuit was not open, and the circuit was complete (this must be done).

Color music setup scheme

Also we may need a development board for USB connections. The most popular, cheapest, yet functional connection option is the AVR-USB-MEGA16 model for USB 1.1. This version of USB is considered somewhat outdated because transmits a signal to the LEDs at a speed of 8 milliseconds, which is too slow for modern technology, but since the human eye perceives this speed as the “blink of an eye,” it is quite suitable for us.

If we omit most of the most complex technical subtleties and nuances, then all that such a connection diagram requires of us is to take a tape of the required length, release and strip the contacts on one side, connect and solder them to the output on the breadboard (the board itself shows the symbols which connector is needed and what is it for) and, in fact, that’s all. There may not be enough power for the full length of the 12V tape, so you can power them from an old computer power supply (this will require a parallel connection), or simply cut the tape. With this option, the sound will come from the computer speakers. For those who are particularly experienced in electronics, we can recommend connecting a microphone amplifier and a small “tweeter” speaker directly to the AVR-USB-MEGA16.

Scheme for attaching the contacts of the tape to the USB cord from the smartphone

If you couldn’t get this board, then as a last resort, the connection can be made via a 12V LED RGB strip to USB cable from a smartphone or tablet computer(the diagram for setting up color music with your own hands allows this). It is only important to make sure that the cord will provide the required 5 watts of power. At the end of all these manipulations, install the SLP program (or write down all the steps in a txt file, if programming knowledge allows and the diagram and algorithm of all actions is clear), select desired mode(by the number of diodes), and enjoy the work done with our own hands.

Conclusion

Color music is not a necessity, but it makes our lives much more interesting, and not only because we can now look at flashing multi-colored lights that light up and go out to the beat of our favorite melody. No, we're talking about something else. Having made something like this with your own hands, rather than buying it in a store, everyone will feel a surge of strength from the satisfaction inherent in every master and creator, and the realization that he, too, is worth something. But in essence, the color music is installed, blinks and pleases the eye with minimal costs and maximum pleasure - what else is needed?..

Lighting in the kitchen of a small apartment
We select lamps for mirrors, possible options
Chandelier for a children's room in the shape of an airplane

Color music equipment that changes color, intensity, effects and rhythm is an integral attribute of a good party, capable of lifting and moving to the beat of the music of the laziest and most melancholy of the event participants. In this article we will discuss the nuances of LED color music, the possibilities of making it yourself and options for use in various conditions.

With the saturation of the market with LED lighting equipment, the scope of its application is expanding exponentially and is no longer limited solely to design delights in interior lighting, conciseness and efficiency when lighting offices and work lighting, or the desire to create durable and high-quality lighting for the exterior of buildings. LED bulbs have penetrated into all areas where their colossal technological lead, energy efficiency, minimum dimensions with maximum impact, they can do a good job and bring benefits or aesthetic pleasure - car tuning, phytolamps for growing home gardens, and, of course, color music.

Color music using LED components has a number of significant advantages over analogues using outdated lamps:

• The small size of LEDs, combined with energy efficiency, gives rise to an abundance of possible forms for creating light and music equipment, and we are talking not only about external form factors, but also about the possibilities of using LEDs in the most various effects when working with light and its various colors, because the LED element can produce a point stream of light. Strobes, spotlights, disco balls and much more are available for use even at home.
• The safety of using color music or LED emitters is maximum, compared to outdated lamps - the operating temperature range of LED elements does not exceed 60 degrees Celsius, which means that there should simply be no concern about the fire of any home decor elements or materials. Let the colors fill your home along with the music without any of the hassle of using lights and music equipment.
• The long service life of color music for the home makes the purchase of such equipment advisable, because it is designed for 8,000-10,000 thousand hours of operation, that is, a whole year of uninterrupted service. And taking into account the fact that the number of switches on and off does not in any way affect the consumer properties of LED elements, and most people do not organize round-the-clock parties every day, home color music can delight its owner and his guests for many years.
• Quality of color and light transmission. LED lighting has the widest range of colors and shades, which is one of the main advantages for color music as such, because a variety of colors plays an important role in creating the atmosphere. Also, unlike laser color music, LED equipment is harmless to the eyes and cannot damage vision when the light flux directly hits the retina.

Options for creating light and music lighting at home

1. The simplest option is to buy a special portable lamp or lamp that will change colors or use several colors at once, with one or more effects. There are a lot of such options, they are very common and budget-friendly. For entry level To please yourself and your friends with a simple but enjoyable game with bright lights and colors accompanied by music, it will be quite enough.

1. The best quality option, if you don’t do it yourself according to the best complex schemes– purchase a ready-made solution, the so-called CMU (Color and Music Units). This is a ready-made solution that includes a controller that will process the sound signal, turning it into a light and music performance, changing the intensity and colors of light streams, creating the effect of a full-fledged disco, and directly panels with diodes. CMUs are easy to install, and if you want to create a disco at home with your own hands, this is a very good option. Such DMUs can be based on spectral decomposition by frequencies, when each frequency will have a corresponding color, or specified adjustments with all sorts of effects and their alternation, which can be configured using the included remote control.

1. The third option is to assemble the color music yourself. There are a lot of detailed diagrams on the Internet, according to which a person with experience in working with electronics can make color music for the home with his own hands. You can do without circuits by using a separately purchased color and music controller and, say, several pieces of RGB tape. In fact, as for lighting devices for disco effects, created with your own hands, there can be a really huge variety of them. There are a lot of diagrams, as well as video instructions on how to assemble equipment using these diagrams. There are schemes using external microphones; lighting devices assembled according to these schemes will change color and effects exactly to the playing melody.

The schemes offered on the Internet for making color music with your own hands are as diverse as possible - from the simplest, when the color of the RGB tape will change, to the most complex, with many effects, attenuation and overflows. Depending on your skills, you can choose the appropriate option, find the right scheme and create something unique, lighting equipment that will delight you and your guests with the shimmer of all colors. If you are not ready to make LED color music yourself, with your own hands, then you can turn to the ready-made solutions market and fill your home with a variety of colors and joy.

To assemble LED color music with your own hands, you must have basic knowledge electronics, be able to read schematics and work with a soldering iron. In the article we will look at how LED color music works, the basic working diagrams on the basis of which you can assemble ready-made devices yourself, and at the end we will step-by-step assemble the finished device using an example.

On what principle does color music work?

Color music installations are based on the method of frequency conversion of music and its transmission, through separate channels, to control light sources. As a result, it turns out that depending on the basic musical parameters, the operation of the color system will correspond to it. This trailer is the basis for the scheme for assembling color music on LEDs with your own hands.

Typically, at least three different colors are used to create color effects. It can be blue, green and red. Mixed in different combinations, with different durations, they can create an amazing atmosphere of fun.

LC and RC filters are capable of separating the signal into low, medium and high purity; they are the ones that are installed and configured in a color music system using LEDs.

Filter settings are set to the following parameters:

• up to 300 Hz for a low-pass filter, usually its color is red;
• 250-2500 Hz for medium, color green;
• everything above 2000 Hz converts into a high-pass filter, as a rule, the operation of the blue LED depends on it.

The division into frequencies is carried out with slight overlap, this is necessary to obtain different color shades during operation of the device.

The choice of color in this color music scheme is not important, and if you wish, you can use LEDs of different colors at your discretion, change places and experiment; no one can prohibit it. Various frequency fluctuations combined with the use of a non-standard color scheme can significantly affect the quality of the result.

The circuit parameters such as the number of channels and their frequency are also available for adjustment, from which we can conclude that color music can use a large number of LEDs of different colors, and it is possible to individually adjust each of them in frequency and channel width.

What is needed to make color music

Resistors for color music installations, produced in-house, can only be used constant, with a power of 0.25-0.125. Suitable resistors can be seen in the figure below. The stripes on the body indicate the resistance value.

The circuit also uses R3 resistors, and trimmers R - 10, 14, 7 and R 18, regardless of type. The main requirement is the ability to install on the board used during assembly. The first version of LED color music was assembled using a resistor variable type with the designation SPZ-4VM and imported - tuning.

As for capacitors, you need to use parts with an operating voltage of 16 volts, no less. Can be any type. If you have difficulty finding capacitor C7, you can connect two smaller capacitors in parallel to obtain the required parameters.

The capacitors C1, C6 used in the LED color music circuit must be capable of operating at 10 volts, respectively C9–16V, C8–25V. If, instead of old Soviet capacitors, you plan to use new, imported ones, then it is worth remembering that they have a difference in designation; you need to determine in advance the polarity of the capacitors that will be installed, otherwise you can confuse and damage the circuit.

To make color music, you will also need a diode bridge with a voltage of 50V and an operating current of about 200 milliamps. In cases where it is not possible to install a ready-made diode bridge, you can make it from several rectifier diodes; for convenience, they can be removed from the board and mounted separately using a smaller board.

The parameters of the diodes are selected similarly to the diodes used in the factory version of the bridge.

LEDs should be red, blue and green. For one channel you will need six of them.

Another necessary element, Voltage regulator. A five-volt stabilizer is used, imported, with article number 7805. You can also use 7809 (nine-volt), but then you need to exclude resistor R22 from the circuit, and instead put a jumper connecting the negative bus and the middle terminal.

Connect color music with music center, you can use a three-pin jack connector.

And the last thing you need to have for assembly is a transformer with suitable voltage parameters.

General diagram for assembling color music, which uses the parts described in the photo below.

Several working schemes

Below we will propose several working schemes for LED color music.

Option #1

Any type of LED can be used for this circuit. The main thing is that they are super bright and different in glow. The circuit works on the following principle: the signal from the source is transmitted to the input, where the channel signals are summed and then sent to a variable resistance. (R6, R7, R8) Using this resistance, the signal level for each channel is adjusted, and then sent to the filters. The difference between filters is in the capacity of the capacitors used to assemble them. Their purpose, as in other devices, is to transform and purify the sound range within certain boundaries. These are high, mid and low frequencies. For adjustment, adjustment resistors are installed in the color music circuit. Having gone through all this, the signal goes to a microcircuit that allows you to install various LEDs.

Option No. 2

The second version of LED color music is distinguished by its simplicity and is suitable for beginners. The circuit involves an amplifier and three channels for frequency processing. A transformer is installed, which can be dispensed with if the input signal is sufficient to open the LEDs. As in similar circuits, adjustment resistors are used, designated as R4 - 6. Any transistors can be used, the main thing is that they transmit more than 50% of the current. Essentially, nothing more is required. The circuit can be improved, if desired, to obtain a more powerful color and music installation.

Step-by-step assembly of the simplest color music model

To assemble a simple LED color music you will need the following materials:

• LEDs measuring five millimeters;
• wire from old headphones;
• original or analogue of transistor KT817;
• 12 volt power supply;
• several wires;
• a piece of plexiglass;
• glue gun

The first thing you need to start with is to make the body of the future color music from plexiglass. To do this, it is cut to size and glued together with a glue gun. It is better to make the box rectangular. The sizes can be adjusted to suit you.

To calculate the number of LEDs, divide the adapter voltage (12V) by the operating LEDs (3V). It turns out we need to install 4 LEDs in the box.

We strip the cable from the headphones, there are three wires in it, we will use one for the left or right channel, and one for the common one.

We don't need one wire and it can be insulated.

The diagram of a simple LED color music looks like this:

Before assembly, we lay the cable inside the box.

LEDs have polarity, so when connecting, it must be taken into account.

During the assembly process, you should try not to heat the transistor, as this can lead to its breakdown, and pay attention to the markings on the legs. The emitter is designated as (E), base and collector, respectively (B) and (K). After assembly and inspection, you can install the top cover.

Ready-made version of LED color music

In conclusion, I would like to say that assembling color music using LEDs is not as difficult as it might seem at first. Of course, if you need a device with a beautiful design, then you will have to spend a lot of time and effort. But to make simple color music for informational or entertainment purposes, it is enough to assemble one of the diagrams presented in the article.

Step-by-step assembly of a simple design of LED color music, with a passing study of amateur radio programs

Good afternoon, dear radio amateurs!
Welcome to the website ““

We assemble LED light music (color music).
Part 1.

At today's lesson in Beginning radio amateur school we will start collecting LED light music. During this lesson, we will not only assemble light music, but also study another amateur radio program "Cadsoft Eagle"– a simple, but at the same time powerful, comprehensive tool for the development of printed circuit boards and we will learn how to make printed circuit boards using film photoresist. Today we will choose a circuit, look at how it works, and select the details.

Light and music (color and music) devices were very popular during the Soviet Union. They were mainly three-colored (red, green or yellow and blue) and were most often assembled using the simplest circuits on more or less affordable KU202N thyristors (which, if my memory serves me correctly, cost more than 2 rubles in stores, i.e. were quite expensive) and the simplest input filters audio frequency on coils wound on sections of ferrite rods from radio receivers. They were made mainly in two versions - in the form of three-color spotlights on 220-volt light bulbs, or a special case was made in the form of a box, where a certain number of light bulbs of each color were located inside, and the front of the box was closed with frosted glass, which made it possible to obtain a fancy look on such a screen. light accompaniment of music. Also, ordinary glass was used for the screen, and small fragments of car glass were glued on top of it for better light scattering. It was such a difficult childhood. But today, in the age of the development of incomprehensible capitalism in our country, it is possible to assemble a light and sound device for every taste, which is what we will do.

We will take as a basis LED light circuit diagram published on the website:

To this diagram we will add two more elements:

1. . Since we will have a stereo signal at the input, and in order not to lose sound from any channel, or not to connect two channels directly to each other, we will use the following input node (taken from another light-music circuit):

2. Device power supply . We will supplement the light and music circuit with a power supply assembled on a KR142EN8 microcircuit stabilizer:

This is approximately the set of parts we need to assemble:

LEDs for this device can be used of any type, but they must be super-bright and of different colors. I will use ultra-bright, highly directional LEDs, the light from which will be directed towards the ceiling. You can, of course, use a different light display option sound signal and use a different type of LED:

How does this scheme work? . The stereo signal from the sound source is supplied to the input node, which sums the signals from the left and right channels and feeds it to variable resistances R6, R7, R8, which regulate the signal level for each channel. Then the signal goes to three active filter, assembled according to an identical circuit on transistors VT1-VT3, which differ only in capacitor ratings. The meaning of these filters is that they pass through only a strictly defined band of the audio signal, cutting off the unnecessary frequency range of the audio signal from above and below. The upper (according to the diagram) filter passes the band 100-800 Hz, the middle one – 500-2000 Hz and the lower one – 1500-5000 Hz. Using trimming resistors R5, R12 and R16, you can shift the transmitted band in any direction. If you want to obtain other signal bandwidths of the filters, you can experiment with the values ​​of the capacitors included in the filters. Next, the signals from the filters are sent to microcircuits A1-A3 - LM3915. What kind of microcircuits are these?

LM3914, LM3915 and LM3916 chips from National Semiconductors allow you to build LED indicators With different characteristics- linear, stretched linear, logarithmic, special for audio signal control. In this case, LM3914 is for a linear scale, LM3915 is for a logarithmic scale, and LM3916 is for a special scale. We use LM3915 chips - with a logarithmic scale for monitoring the audio signal.

The initial page of the microcircuit datasheet:

(327.0 KiB, 4,279 hits)

In general, I advise you that when faced with a new, unknown radio component, look for its datasheet on the Internet and study it, especially since there are also datasheets translated into Russian.

For example, what can we glean from the first sheet of the LM3915 datasheet (even with minimal knowledge in English, and in extreme cases using a dictionary):
- this microcircuit is an analog signal level indicator with a logarithmic display scale and a step of 3 dB;
– you can connect both LEDs and LCD indicators;
– indication can be carried out in two modes: “dot” and “column”;
– maximum output current for each LED – 30 mA;
- and so on…

By the way, what is the difference between a “dot” and a “column”. In the “dot” mode, when the next LED is turned on, the previous one goes out, and in the “column” mode, the previous LEDs do not go out. To switch to the “point” mode, just disconnect pin 9 of the microcircuit from the “+” power source, or connect it to “ground”. By the way, these microcircuits can be used to assemble very useful and interesting circuits.

Let's continue. Since alternating voltage is supplied to the inputs of the microcircuits, the glowing column of LEDs will have uneven brightness, i.e. As the input signal level increases, not only will successive LEDs light up, but their brightness will also change. Below is a table of the threshold activation of each LED for different microcircuits in volts and decibels:

Characteristics and pinout of transistor KT315:

This concludes the first part of the lesson on assembling LED light music and begins to assemble the parts. In the next part of the lesson we will study the program for designing printed circuit boards “Cadsoft Eagle” and make printed circuit board for our device using film photoresist.