Hi, I'm relatively new to Arduino projects, and have only ever used an Uno for some servo and basic sensor applications. I am building a 12V bicolor light using two LED strips placed in alternating rows (a warm 3200K and a daylight 5600K). Currently, I control the brightness of each strip using two PWM dimmers. In order to get a color reading of the blended light, I was planning on using a light meter. However, would it be possible to set up and program a single Arduino to read the voltage supplied to each strip, calculate the color temperature as a ratio, and display an approximate kelvin value? If there is a better way to achieve this goal, I really appreciate your suggestions. Thank you in advance!
That will be a very difficult solution to a relative simple problem. LEDs are current controlled devices, not voltage like light bulbs. Since you set the PWM values you have the relative brightness of the strips assuming of course you also do the PWM with the Arduino.
Thank you for clarifying that. So, would it make more sense for me to plug the dimmer potentiometers into an Arduino so it could read their position and calculate a relative kelvin value; then, also plug the dimmer circuits into the Arduino so they could be controlled by it based on the position of the potentiometers? Basically, have the Arduino act as a middleman between the potentiometers and the dimmer circuits?
No idea of what you have. There are many instances where users on this forum use pots to dim LEDs using an Arduino. If you dim that way, you have the values, only need to calculate the ratio.
I have a 10-60v 20A PWM dimmer module that relies on input from a B100K Potentiometer. I can post a link if necessary.
After doing some more research on this project, it seems that I could either connect a digital potentiometer to the Arduino Uno if I want to control the dimmer circuits I already have; or connect some Mofets between the Arduino and the LED strips to control them directly. Being as I have never done either, there a method that makes more sense in this application? Thanks again!
I would use the MOSFETs, fewer parts. simpler circuit, well proven. Remember put the pull down resistor on the port pin not the gate as shown on many online examples and diagrams.
You will have to pick a MOSFET for your application. You can ask if your pick is OK.