Equilux a Arduino clock
I created a Arduino controled led clock with 60 rgb led’s. This one is inspired by the Equinox Clock from Bram Knaapen.
For the 60 RGB leds I use a string of RGB leds that I order directly from China, each of those leds has a LPD6803 IC. A arduino library for this string can be found at adafruit’s github.
For time keeping I am using a a RTC DS1307 that is connected via I2C to pin A4 and A5 on the Arduino. Pin 7 from the DS1307 is connected to pin D2 on the Arduino an is set to a 1Hz Square Wave. I am using this to give the Arduino every second a interrupt, this made the timing a lot easier. I build the DS1307 on a custom should with breakout pins.
There is also a LDR connected at pin A2, this wil measure the light and dim the led’s accordingly.
For the design of the casing I am going for a 12 angle shape. The edge will be layered with sanded plexiglas sheets for a nice glow effect. The LED’s will in a aluminum bracket. Here is the first design what I made in google sketchup.
The led string if all rgb leds are on will draw about 3.6 Amps at 5 volts. This of course is way to much for the Arduino regulator. But most of the time not all led’s will be on or at full brightness. Now I am using a switched 5.1 volt / 2 Amp power-supply that I had lying around. This power supply is directly connected to the + 5v on the arduino. So it’s bypassing the regulator on the Arduino.
Here is a short video overview from the first proto type, this on is fitted in a carton box, so nothing fancy yet. Now I need to get my hands on a laser cutter to build the casing.
All the files, codes and sources of this project you can find on my github.
hello,
really nice in deed.,want tomake it as well..:D
but when i compile the code ,there is always a problem with
if (! RTC.isrunning()) {
Serial.println(“RTC is NOT running!”);
// following line sets the RTC to the date & time this sketch was compiled
RTC.adjust(DateTime(__DATE__, __TIME__));
}
says:
sketch_mar12a.cpp: In function ‘void setup()’:
sketch_mar12a:59: error: ‘class RTC_DS1307′ has no member named ‘isrunning’
—
may u got an idea
many thx
w.
walter
12 Mar 12 at 1:27 pm
You compile on Arduino 1.0? I didn’t try to compile the code on 1.0 so I have to look into it.
Can you try version 023?
Dennis
18 Mar 12 at 10:34 pm
hello,
thx
i did with version 022 now., code works now.
the libarys are changed in the new version., not easy to find the “old” version.., but done.
led arrived today ., so i will try later on
best
w
walter
21 Mar 12 at 5:12 pm
hello,
hmm bit strange ., dont know what happend
led 1 is flashing in sec, led (pin 13) flashing faster till i open serial monitor
leds are conected, but nothing is moving
pin conection of the led are right., (cheched with test example of lpd)
would be nice if u got an idea
thx in advance
w.
walter
21 Mar 12 at 11:52 pm
Hi,
This is a great project and i would really like to make one. Is there some way that the time could be adjusted while running. Your code suggests that the time is programmed while compiling the Arduino. I would be very interested to know your thoughts and reasons concerning this. If you have progressed with the code/circuit or the housing please drop me a line. Thank you again for a great project.
Kevin
23 Mar 12 at 8:45 pm
@walter you have exactly the same hardware setup? Same LED string? And you have a RTC connected? If led13 flashes, I think your RTC should be ok. It means there is a trigger on the interrupt.
@kevin The time is set by the RTC, so you have to setup your RTC first.
Dennis
23 Mar 12 at 11:29 pm
hello
thx for the answer., rtc is connected ( i would say on the right way) serialmonitor didnt show an error
i am using dif. string .,
http://www.led4life.co.uk/led-flexible-strip/110-digital-flexible-strip-lpd6803-.html
but the processing must be same ?!? or not ?
thx for your time
w
walter
26 Mar 12 at 10:29 am
Hi Dennis,
The DS1307 has no time keeping option for British Summer Time. Would I have to disconnect the RCT twice a year pluging it into a suitable Arduino to set the correct time. Would the Equilux then read this when powered up. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Kevin
29 Mar 12 at 7:13 pm
hello,
i dont give up…,
got the same leds now
on the ds1307 the sqw led is flashing in sec mode
the led ( pin 13 ) -nothing-
the stripe is working ( just test it )
i checked the RTC., its working …
( after compiling .., if i go with examples/digital/button.., sqw wire on pin 2 ., led 13 is flashing in sec mode)
what it could be ? any idea ?
thx in advanve
walter
2 Apr 12 at 9:46 pm