Color Theory Project - Supplies Question

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1

First of all I must say I am almost a total beginner at anything with electronics.

For my color theory class in college our final project is to make so kind of learning tool to teach some aspect of color theory.

What I want to do is create some kind of unit that is capable of displaying three different colors in a triangle pattern (with the colors overlapping a bit Vin Diagram style). Now is the part where the arduino board would come in (I think). I want to be able to change the three LEDs or sets of LEDs to things like cool, warm, angry, and sad colors.

The problem is that I don't have any idea of how to do this but I believe I am fully capable of doing so.

The thing I could use help for is knowing what I need to order to be able to do this. Here is what I a thinking so far...

Duemilanove Arduino Board
3 RGB Superflux LEDS or maybe just regular RGB LEDs
Breadboard
Jumper Wires

and then I will have some kind of box with a top that would diffuse the light some and contain all the wires and such.

What else do I need? How is this thing powered? Any suggestions on where to get this stuff? (The FunGizmos site seemed to have about everything I need)

If you have any questions feel free to ask since I'm sure I didn't provide enough information and any other pointers or push in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Aidyn

2

I would get three 10K pots to act as controls and wire them up to the analogue inputs and throw in a few push buttons.

Then look at driving the LEDs with the PWM outputs of the Arduino. Write a sketch so that turning the pots change the PWM output fed to the LEDs and so you get individual control over Red, Green and Blue.

Then you could change the colour space and have the pots controlling H, V, and S and the Arduino could translate them into RGB values to feed to the LEDs.

Enough to be going on with?

3

I was just thinking about buttons last night so then users could just push the buttons and then there is a level of interactivity.

Thanks for tip.

So, I think the only big question of I have right now (before I order everything) is how would I power this?

4

Just a small number of LEDs could be directly powered from the USB interface without problem.

5

and if I want the unit to be self contained (I found out I actually have to turn it in) what would I need to power it? Sorry for these noob questions and thanks for your help.

EDIT: I see that "Leads from a battery can be inserted in the Gnd and Vin pin headers of the POWER connector. "

What kind of battery would I need to power a few LEDs? 5V?

6

6V is fine and can be attained by using a 4 cell battery holder and some AA's.

7

Ok, thanks.

So, I think it would be easiest to make this...

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Then I am going to order to pots and make it so you can control the colors yourself and add that if I have the time.

Would I just use a pushbutton switch for this?

Also, just so I know I can do this, it IS possible to make it so I can push a button and all three colors change to specified colors correct? Does anyone know if there is a sketch existing that is anything similar to this that I could work off of?