I need help: Controlling 5 RGB LEDs individually

Hello fellow arduino enthusiasts.
I am completely new to arduino and whats worse, completely new to electronics. I am trying to catch up on all I have missed in physics class back then, but I am not there yet.
I need to build something for my sister and for that, I need to control 4 or 5 RGB LEDs. They should all show the same color, which seems fairly easy. Unfortunately, it has to be possible to switch off single or multiple LEDs altogether, while the rest stays on. How would I be able to achieve this (problably rather easy) task?

Thanks to you people in advance,
S0ul

Hi S0ul

On the face of it, this sounds feasible.

it has to be possible to switch off single or multiple LEDs altogether

How will the user control which LED or LEDs to turn off or on?

They should all show the same color

Is this one fixed colour or will the colour change? If it changes, what controls how it changes?

Regards

Ray

Hello Hackscribble,
the LED will change their color. When a button is pressed, one LED will turn off and all others will change to a different color. The button is pressed again and another LED goes off, making all others switch color again. Another switch will turn one LED on and revert the color.

I hope the way I described it makes it understandable

S0ul01:
I hope the way I described it makes it understandable

Hi S0ul01, no please try again. How many buttons are there? Are they simple pushbuttons? Does pressing the same button cause 1 more led to switch off each time (as well as change the colour of the remaining leds) until all leds are off?

How many colours do you want? Will 7 colors (red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, magenta and white) be enough?

Have you purchased the leds yet? If so, are they common anode or common cathode?

How bright must the leds be? (please do not say "as bright as possible") Will they be used indoors, outdoors, in sunlight, only in the dark or dim lighting?

Paul

If you want RGB leds, I would start with some Neopixels (or similar) Breadboard-friendly RGB Smart NeoPixel - Pack of 4 : ID 1312 : $7.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits, dead easy to use. You can also get sticks, strips and rings! If cost is an issue, buy a strip off ebay.