Challenge Build Week 3 ( Circuit 3: RGB LED and Circuit 4: Multiple LED's) Makerspaces: 568

 This week I had the pleasure of constructing, compiling, and sketching two circuits. The first is Circuit 3: RGB Led and Circuit 4: Multiple LEDs. 

    Starting the third and fourth circuits was an exciting task similar to last week.  As I mentioned last week, having a growth mindset is critical when exploring unknown things; I could configure the models, connect the pins where indicated and type the codes. Initially, my RGB LED would not work simply because I had not aligned the LED accordingly with the correct corresponding section as listed in the Starter kit guide. As I typed in the code, I typed a / because I was going to type in some notes but then decided not to. This caused an error in the compiling. I quickly scanned the code and saw my mistake. While I connected the jumper wires for Circuit 4: Multiple LEDs, I realized that I could move the jumper wires to the opposite side listed in the Starter Kit guide, but I found that I would have to be careful. If I had a wire assigned to a specific jumper wire and switched the wires, It would change the light pattern.

RGB LED

1. RGB LED Project Explained:

If the RGB LED light has been connected from the microcontroller board to the breadboard and the jumper wires and sketch/code have been compiled correctly, you should see the RGB executing the commands. Various unique color combinations in addition to Red, Blue, and Green would be seen.

2. RGB-LED CODE:

Below you will find the code used to create the different color combinations for the RGB LED circuit challenge. The challenge I found was typing in the code. I seem to always either forget or add in minute details. Those tiny errors will cause the program to not compile or be executed.

                                            

                                                                                        

3. RGB Pictures:

  

Above, you will see the RGB LED flashing Red given the RED command.

Above you will see the RGB LED flashing Blue given the blue command.

4. Electronic Diagram:  Like the last couple of weeks, I am including three diagrams, the schematic in the Starter Kit Guide, A Schematic that I found online and have adapted to match my circuit, and a drawing depicting the layout of the circuit including the Microcontroller board, breadboard, jumper wires, resistors, and LED lights.

                                        This is a 2-dimensional drawing of my RGB LED schematic.

Above are two RGB LED schematics. The one on the left is from the Starter Kit Guide, and the one on the right is configured to resemble my model using symbols.

5. How The RGB LED Circuit Works:

6. My Thinking:

    As I worked my way through putting the circuit together, I was unsure how the completed circuit would function. As mentioned earlier, I accidentally typed a / because I was going to type in some notes for myself but decided not to. This caused the code to not compile correctly. I scanned the code and saw the mistake, and deleted the /. After this, the code compiled and was executed correctly. I was able to see all of the different colors that were in the sketch/code. I cleaned the initial code but did not change any of the commands aside from the delay to see if it would show the flashing and changing of the colors.

7. Final Reflection:

    My circuit successfully worked after fixing the compiling error, where I deleted the / symbol after realizing I had typed it in for notes and changed my mind. I had never seen an RGB LED bulb, so seeing one in action was very interesting. 

8. Examples in Real Life:

     I currently have a multiple-device charging port/station; when I place my phone to charge, the LED is red, then it changes to blue and green when fully charged. Other Examples are LCD or Plasma T.V. and video projectors.

Multiple LEDs

1. Multiple LEDs Project Explained:

If the Multi LEDs lights have been connected from the microcontroller board to the breadboard and the jumper wires and sketch/code have been compiled correctly, you should see all the LEDs executing the commands. All eight LEDs should be turned on and running in a blinking one after another sequence pattern (forward and reverse).

2. Multiple LEDs CODE:

I minimized the font in the Sketch/Code above. This is the code that was successfully compiled. I got the Multiple LEDs to turn on and flash in sequence.

Multiple LED Pictures:

Above, the Multiple LEDs are all lit up in the initial sequence. 

        Shown above is a photo of the Multiple LEDs lighting up in reverse.

4. Electronic Diagram:  Like the last couple of weeks, I am including three diagrams, the schematic in the Starter Kit Guide, A Schematic that I found online and have adapted to match my circuit, and a drawing depicting the layout of the circuit including the Microcontroller board, breadboard, jumper wires, resistors, and LED lights.

Above are two RGB LED schematics. The one on the top is from the Starter Kit Guide, and the one on the bottom is configured to resemble my model using symbols.

  This is a 2-dimensional drawing of my RGB LED schematic. I can return to my drawing If I need to recreate the circuit.

5. How The Multiple LEDs Circuit Works:

6. My Thinking:

    As I worked my way through putting the Multiple LED circuit together, I was unsure if the completed circuit would function. There were so many LEDs and wires. I was a bit overwhelmed but just kept on going. I realized that I could move the wires to the opposite sides to align with the resistors; as long as I have the jumper wires pinned in the same port (letter and number), the LEDs would still function the same way. I could better see the LED sequence of lights turning on and then reversing to light up in the opposite direction.

7. Final Reflection:

    My circuit successfully worked. This circuit is a parallel circuit. It had one source of power but many pathways in which electricity could flow. I took one of the LEDs off to prove my theory, and I was correct. The lights before and after the one I took out continued to light up. When I removed the jumper wire, only the ones before the disconnected one would work.

8. Examples in Real Life:

     When I saw the Multiple LEDs, I thought of Christmas lights. Then I thought of a parallel circuit which caused me to explore further. I also thought of KIT's scanner lights (the car from Knight Rider).

Challenge Extension:

Multiple LED Countdown to RGB Multi Color

The Codes: Multiple LEDs Countdown and RGB

Multiple LED to Potentiometer/LED Control

The Codes: Multiple LED Countdown with Potentiometer and LED

I will just say that code play can be pretty exhausting. Even though I had a fun time, getting the code right took a lot of trial and error for both attempts. I connected the Potentiometer along with the RGB, and the code did compile, but the only thing that occurred was that the RGB light stayed on red. I ultimately decided to scrap the Potentiometer for the time being and see If it would work with just the count down and jumper wires set up. It did! That took me so much longer than I anticipated. I will have to draw those diagrams and copy my codes for future reference. I hope you enjoy watching, and please let me know if you have any advice. Thanks!