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[on:]

So, I am currently building a RGB LED cube 4x4x4 with rainbowduino. I have yet to even look at the code for this project, but I am currently beginning to build the cube.

I don't have a LED tester or anything, and not to sure of another way of testing my LED's to see if they are in working condition before I begin to solder.

I have a arduino uno and enough parts to be able to quickly set up the light on a breadboard and check if it working while RGB is all on, and also individual colour (Red, Green, Blue). I am curious as to how exactly the code would look like for this?

(I am fully open to better suggestions as to how I could test my LED's as my subject reads I am quite new to this)

Thanks for the help!

[Reply #1 on:]

dont really need code to test LED's just use some resistors (470ohm-ish) and the 5 volt output of the arduino

also most multimeters in continuity mode will provide enough current to dimly light up most LED's

[Reply #2 on:]

You would probably be wise to start with the "blink" example, and work up from there. ( as most of us newbies have )

Its easier to spot a typing error in the simpler sketches.

You can connect a LED ( through 270 ohm resistor) from any output pin to ground for testing.

[Reply #3 on:]

Ha.., embarrassing! Thanks, a lot both of you.

[Reply #4 on:]

If you plug them in a breadboard and put the cathode to ground on the arduino and put a wire in the 3.3Volt arduino outlet. Touch the wire which is now positive to each anode of the rgb just quickly  . No resistor needed as the output is very low

[Reply #5 on:]

I have a arduino uno and enough parts to be able to quickly set up the light on a breadboard and check if it working while RGB is all on, and also individual colour (Red, Green, Blue). I am curious as to how exactly the code would look like for this?

Why do you need "code"? Use a piece of wire and a resistor. Touch the legs on the LED with the wire.

[Reply #6 on:]

A battery and resistor are the easiest way to test the LEDs. It looks like that kit doesnt come with any resistors, but does include a constant current LED driver, so you may want to hook up 8 LEDs, edit the code to only control 8, then try it out (you may have to try many things before you figure out how to get 8 to run properly. After you have that setup, you can swap out the 8 RGB LEDs and test the new ones.

Alternatively, you could get some inexpensive shift registers, and run shiftpwm to test out 8 LEDs at a time.

Goofing around like this will delay your project, but your chances of learning things is much greater than if you simply follow directions.