I'l start by saying i barley have any experience and am just learning about arduino. I have no problem following instructions and putting the wires together, the programming I'm still trying to wrap my head around. That said I'm looking for an easy solution for a project i am working on. I am looking to create a artificial sunset with regular 12v RGB LED strip. I want to build a controller that when a button is pressed it will start a very slow fade from 100% brightness to 0% as well as change to more of a yellow/orange sunset color. I would also like to be able to control how long it takes to fade, possible 10 minute intervals up to 60 minutes maximum. i would also like to incorporate a reset button if possible. I already have a arduino uno with a beginner kit but will but if there is something better to use I'm open to any and all suggestions. I know i will need some hard ware such as the buttons and the led's I'm pretty comfortable working with. Im sure this isn't very complicated for someone well versed but Im not quite sure where to start or how to even begin to put some kind of code for this together so any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Hi, Mike.
Welcome to the forum.
Please read the first post in any forum entitled how to use this forum.
http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php/topic,148850.0.html
I'l start by saying i barley have any experience and am just learning about arduino.
I have no problem following instructions and putting the wires together, the programming I'm still trying to wrap my head around.
That said I'm looking for an easy solution for a project i am working on.
I am looking to create a artificial sunset with regular 12v RGB LED strip.
I want to build a controller that when a button is pressed it will start a very slow fade from 100% brightness to 0% as well as change to more of a yellow/orange sunset color.
I would also like to be able to control how long it takes to fade, possible 10 minute intervals up to 60 minutes maximum.
I would also like to incorporate a reset button if possible.
I already have a arduino uno with a beginner kit but will but if there is something better to useI'm open to any and all suggestions. I know i will need some hard ware such as the buttons and the led's I'm pretty comfortable working with.
Im sure this isn't very complicated for someone well versed but Im not quite sure where to start or how to even begin to put some kind of code for this together so any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Sorry mate, but spreading your post out to point lines, will make it more desirable for someone to read.
How big is the project, number of LEDs , what do they need as a power supply.
What you ask is possible, just hardware needs to be considered to make sure that simple control of the LEDs can be made.
Tom... 
Hi,
Yes it all perfectly possible, I have such a sunrise/sunset led strip in operation on the fish tank.
The program code is not difficult and is a good way to learn the code basics, you just want to look at the IDE Examples files to find out how the read your switch and how to output PWM.
Many similar tutorials and guides all around the Arduino site and the web
My 12v led strip is just controlled by a simple transistor from the 12v supply, but its just a small length, you need to let us know what length of leds you are using and what the supplier states is the current per meter, as that affect whats needed to power and control the leds.
You also want to look at a Real Time Clock module, eg RTC DS3231 so you can automate your control for time of day on /off.
I have not picked out the exact led to use yet, i wanted to find the correct hardware to buy before i purchase anything else. I just mentioned having beginner the arduino uno kit because it is all the experience i have in this area is building the first few small projects. I was thinking of using simple cheap RGBW led, more than likely a 16 ft length but i would like to be able to do more like (4) 16 Ft lengths together. Very simple operation is all i am looking for. basically the functions i would like figure out is:
- Press button to initiate
- Power on white
- Over 60 Minute period Add 30% Yellow/orange
- Over 60 minute time period fade from 100% intensity to 0% intensity
- Press button again to start over
Thanks for your advice and knowledge so far!
Your program flow is perfectly do-able, take a look at the Examples folders for the Button and Fade sketches as a first step.
Your beginners kit sould have a switch / button and some single leds to give you visual output.
Be aware that the cheap ebay led strips can have quiet a short lifespan.
My blues ones have to be replaced every few months as they have lost over half their intensity.
Also you might find they need to be stuck on to something metal to help take out their heat, may not feel much when started but over time they can get quiet warm, depending on where and how they are mounted.