Here is a video going through a list of functions, as well as descriptions listed below.
I now have a downloadable PDF manual with pictures and linked index!
Lets learn about this kit! First, lets go through the hardware features and the functions they perform.
First we have the PCB (#1), this is the foundation and has all of the connections so we can avoid using messy wires. Next we have 5 1KΩ resistors (#2), 3 220Ω resistors (#3), 2 150Ω resistor (#4), and 2 82Ω resistor (#5), these will limit current to the LED’s and TIP122′s. Then we have 2 22pF ceramic capacitors (#6), they help the crystal to function properly. Next we have a .1µF ceramic capacitor (#7), it will allow an FTDI interface to auto reset the ATmega328 when uploading new firmware. Next is a 16MHz crystal (#8), this sets the clock for the ATmega328. We then have 2 momentary push button switches (#9), these will allow for manual input. Next we have an ATmega328 (#10) with an Arduino bootloader, this behaves like an Arduino, so it is programmed with the Arduino IDE. There is also a MAX232SPE (#11) on board. This is a bi-directional RS-232 to TTL converter. The DIP sockets (#12) allow you to solder connections for the IC’s without them being exposed to a lot of heat. DIP sockets also allow for easy replacement of IC’s later if ever need be. Next is 4 TIP122 darlington transistors (#13), these switch the current the LED output load. The 7805 voltage regulator (#14) regulates the voltage to the board to 5VDC. The IR sensor (#15) allows for IR control of the board. Female headers (#16) allow for easy connection of an optional Adafruit XBee adaptor for easy wireless control and extend the pins of the ATmega328 for further hacking. Male header (#17) is used for the voltage select jumper, the serial type select header, and the FTDI header. Three jumper shunts (#18) will go on the serial type select and voltage select headers. The white LED (#19) will serve as an output indicator for the white channel. The green LED (#20) is a power LED letting you know that there is power on the board. The RGB LED (#21) serves an an indicator for the RGB channels. The (qty 5) .1µF electrolytic capacitors (#22) act as charge pumps for RS232 output from the MAX232SPE. A two wire terminal connector (#23) serves as an alternate power input method. A three wire terminal connector (#24) allows for easy connection of serial I/O. Two wire terminal connectors (#25) will allow for easily connecting LED’s to the outputs. The DC power jack (#26) is one option of powering the board. Rubber feet (#27) finish out the parts list and provide a stable board if using stand alone.
Once you have assembled your RGBW Controller, you will need to know the basic operations. When you power on the controller, it will cycle through colors and then of to all off. Then it awaits a manual button press or serial string to take action. A list of the commands and their functions are as follows:
red(x); – brings level of red to x percent. (x can be 0-100)
green(x); – brings level of green to x percent. (x can be 0-100)
blue(x); – brings level of blue to x percent. (x can be 0-100)
white(x); – brings level of white to x percent. (x can be 0-100)
ramp(x); – sets the default rate for LED ramping. The lower the value of x, the faster it will ramp and vice versa. This setting is saved in EEPROM and will remain after being powered off. (x can be 0-999, technically it’s the delay in the fade loop) The default value is 4.
cycle(); – starts color cycling
stop(); – stops color cycling
rate(x); – sets the rate of color fade when color cycling. This setting is saved in EEPROM and will remain after being powered off. (x can be 0 to 999) The default value is 4.
stay(x); – sets the time to stay on a color when color cycling, this value is in SECONDS, not milliseconds. (x can be 0-999) The default value is 0.
alloff(); – Ramps LED’s to off at the default ramp rate.
Button 1 (S1) – Cycles through red, green, blue, magenta, teal, yellow, white (RGB white), color cycle, and stop.
Button 2 (S2) – Toggles the white channel on and off.
Please ask all questions in the forums, thanks!
