The millis() function is one of the most powerful functions of the Arduino platform. This function returns the number of milliseconds the current sketch has been running since the last reset. This may not seem to be highly useful until you consider it as a replacement for the delay() function. Now millis() itself cannot cause a delay, but you can use it create a virtual delay.

Continue reading: millis() Tutorial: Arduino Multitasking

Nearly ever consumer device makes use of the Light Emitting Diode (LED). This highly versitle device offers an easy way to add an indicator to any project, while drawing a relatively small amount of current. Once their operation is understood, adding them to any project is a simple task. This is an simplified explanation of how a LED works and how to select a current limiting resistor. The information here is enough to use LEDs in a project, but is not intended to be a through explanation.

Continue reading: LED Basics

TLC5940NT Painter Board

This screen shot is an all-layer view of my TLC5940 painter board.  The 1st draft featured two TLC5940s, but I decided it made the board too large.  Instead, I wanted the ability to mount the painter boards around the LED’s shadow box.  This should make routing all the wires much easier.

This pattern is called Row Your Boat. As one of the strips starts to get brighter, a nearby strip will join in the fading.  After completing a fade cycle, they start switching colors. There is a random strobe thrown in there as well.  The first 10 seconds are with a diffuser (piece of paper), the last 10 seconds are without.  The final panel will use a diffuser.