The LEDs used for the color-changing lights were designed to run in series. The data pins of each LED expect to see a signal from a single LED and they expect to transmit a signal to one LED. They were tested in parallel to confirm that they would function at all. Fortunately, they worked exactly as hoped. When connected in parallel, the connected lights all change identically.
A homemade board with the RJ11 socket and an addressable IMT LED was also part of the design. At first, the LED was inserted backward which slowed the development but then it turned out that the telephone cord wouldn't properly latch in the socket. In other words, the method of attachment, which the board was built around, wasn't going to work.
Another idea for the sensors came while in the shower. Instead of using a modular design, the sensor board would piggyback on the light strips. Since 5V light strips were being used, it shouldn't be difficult to tap off that power for the sensors and run a single wire back to the controller. There were even feed-through sockets so the sensor boards could be attached in the beginning, middle or end of a light strip.
A round board didn't make much sense if it was going to be inline with an LED strip but curved edges were logical since it could be attached to clothing as a wearable. The removal of the LED further reduced the complexity and the circuit could easily fit on a single sided PCB.
A day was spent revising the circuit for problems like an unnecessarily large graphic for the infrared sensors which resulted in some crossed pins that had to be organized. The final PCB was rendered from the layout, top and bottom. Since it was symmetrical, it seems like the holes don't move but only the top image has the surface-mount resistor and capacitor.
Running addressable LEDs in parallel
A homemade board with the RJ11 socket and an addressable IMT LED was also part of the design. At first, the LED was inserted backward which slowed the development but then it turned out that the telephone cord wouldn't properly latch in the socket. In other words, the method of attachment, which the board was built around, wasn't going to work.
Assembled board with insertion mount devices
Another idea for the sensors came while in the shower. Instead of using a modular design, the sensor board would piggyback on the light strips. Since 5V light strips were being used, it shouldn't be difficult to tap off that power for the sensors and run a single wire back to the controller. There were even feed-through sockets so the sensor boards could be attached in the beginning, middle or end of a light strip.
Sketch of sensor circuit board
A round board didn't make much sense if it was going to be inline with an LED strip but curved edges were logical since it could be attached to clothing as a wearable. The removal of the LED further reduced the complexity and the circuit could easily fit on a single sided PCB.
Updated circuit board
A day was spent revising the circuit for problems like an unnecessarily large graphic for the infrared sensors which resulted in some crossed pins that had to be organized. The final PCB was rendered from the layout, top and bottom. Since it was symmetrical, it seems like the holes don't move but only the top image has the surface-mount resistor and capacitor.
Circuit board to order
The rest of the weekly summaries have been arranged by date.
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This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, are not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
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