RGB LED problem

Other Hardware LEDs and Multiplexing
1

Hello everyone. I have a problem with my new RGB. I recently got my arduino starter kit and I'm kinda new to this sort of thing.

So , I bought this Led (https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Components/YSL-R596CR3G4B5C-C10.pdf)

And I wired it like on this site (RGBLED \ Learning \ Wiring) using 100 and 180 ohm resistors. But it doesn't work a bit.

I also tried to do a simple test, connect the ground of the Led and with pin 8 set on HIGH, I tried every color, but only blue was working (I mean , green and red were blue too)

What should I do to make it work?

2

Hi, first of all, never connect it to any voltage without a series resistor. You could damage it. Anything around 100-300R should be ok with 5V.

Sounds like the connections are not what you expected. According to the data sheet you linked, the longest lead shoul be the cathode and connected to ground. Maybe the led you have is not the same. Try connecting that lead to 5V instead, and connect the other leads to ground using your series resistor.

Paul

3

PaulRB:
Hi, first of all, never connect it to any voltage without a series resistor. You could damage it. Anything around 100-300R should be ok with 5V.

Sounds like the connections are not what you expected. According to the data sheet you linked, the longest lead shoul be the cathode and connected to ground. Maybe the led you have is not the same. Try connecting that lead to 5V instead, and connect the other leads to ground using your series resistor.

Paul

I tried what you recommended. Of course I was using resistors. It is the same blue color for each lead.. the only thing that changes is the intensity. When I flicker the contact on the left lead, it turns red for 1/4 of a second.. a little, barely noticeable. Is the LED broken? or I don't know how to connect it..

UPDATE!!
I notice that what i gave earlier wasn't its datasheet.. sorry
This is the product : LED - RGB Addressable, PTH, 5mm Clear (5 Pack) - COM-12999 - SparkFun Electronics
and this is its datasheet : https://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Components/LED/COM-12877.pdf

Is it a different kind of Led? that PTH.. i don't know what it means

4

That LED is similar to WS2812B, logic chip & RGB LED all in one package.
Try the Neopixel library at www.adafruit.com to control it.

5

PTH is generally Plated Thru Hole, vs SMD, Surface Mount Device.
PTH usually refers to a board type tho, with just Through Hole used to refer to the package type for a part with leads that are intended to go in a PTH for mounting.

6

CrossRoads:
That LED is similar to WS2812B, logic chip & RGB LED all in one package.
Try the Neopixel library at www.adafruit.com to control it.

Thanks a lot, after some research I finally understand how it works and I managed to change the colors :smiley: