Arduino Controlled RGB LED Light Strips

for custom programs and lighting effects using 12v RGB LED Light Strips

i have been working on a way to control some 12v RGB LED Light Strips using an Arduino so i can make custom programs and lighting effects

it is quite simple but you will need a few parts

1x or 2x Mini Amps (for interfacing with a Micro-Controller (PWM/TTL Input)) $23 ea
up to 4x reels of 12v RGB LED Flex Strip per Mini Amp (you could also use them for 3/ch of single color control) (or any other 12v load like small motors, lights or relays)

follow the instructions in the picture then write to your output Pins to control the lights/devices

Arduino Code

analogWrite(PinX, 255) // = Off (for 0--100% (PWM) LED Lights)
analogWrite(PinX, 0) // = On (for 0--100% (PWM) LED Lights)
or
digitalWrite(PinX, HIGH); // = Off (for Relays or Lights with just on/off control)
digitalWrite(PinX, LOW); // = On (for Relays or Lights with just on/off control)

if you are only controlling small sections of strip or a few RGB Led Modules you could do something like this Arduino Knight Rider with 8 Blue 12v LED Modules

By usLEDsupply
Created on February 2, 2011, 04:22

Category: Digital

Difficulty: amateurs

License:

Images

natcl # Nov. 9, 2010, 1:22 a.m.
Why not use an ULN2003 instead of those mini amps ? 25 cents vs 25 dollars... I use those here and it works great !
usLEDsupply # Feb. 2, 2011, 4:18 a.m.
the ULN2003 only has a rated Output current of 500 mA per driver so you would be limited to a short section of strip where with the mini amp you can control up to 64 feet of RGB strip and it has built in opto-couplers to protect your Arduino
verysimplenick # Feb. 2, 2011, 7:51 p.m.
Hello, can you share fzp with parts? ("RGB Mini Amp", "Power Supply 4A", "RGB Flex Strip") or send it to vovanchig[(doggy)]gmail.com
johnnysoko # June 9, 2011, 1:56 a.m.
I would also like the parts files to use with Fritzing....RGB amp, RGB flex strip.