
RoboticsMaster
USA
Asked
— Edited
Is it possible to use special leds such as 7 color blinking leds within the ezb programmer, besides? using the blink i2c hardware? What I was planning to do was to possibly use servo extension wire to wire the leds, and then plug them into two ports, take pins D4 and D13 for exemplars. Is there any program to control these leds to make them work in a correct function? Thanks.
To create the circuit, a resistor is required in series with the LED Vin pin and the EZ-B Digital port's 5v pin. The basic formula to find the resistor value is:
Resistor ohms = (Vin - LED FV)/LED Current
Or
51 = (5v - 3.2v) / 0.035
AKA
Resistor value 51 ohms = EZ-B 5v - LED FV 3.2v / LED Current 35ma
The catch with using the EZ-B will be switching the modes... as far as I know you can NOT use the EZ-B signal line directly as that would be like shorting the LED Mode pin to 5v and not GND, but you could probably use a low power switching transistor controlled from the EZ-B signal pin that acts like a switch between the Mode pin on the LED and the GND.
Then used the SetDigital control to "pulse" the transistor thus act like the momentary switch between the LED Mode and GND... and therefor control the colors and flashing modes.
That exhausts my practical experience
Also, here is the data sheet I was using for reference.
I am looking around to see if I can find one of these LEDs locally before I order some off of ebay... they look fun to play around with.
But, i'm simply speculating regarding the MODE pin. you'd need to find out more by looking at the datasheet.
http://www.seanliming.com/Docs/Articles/MSGBB557TA_7_Color_LED.pdf
So simply connect the MODE pin to a digital pin on the EZ-B. Use a Digital Control or a Digital EZ-Script command to turn on, and off that pin. That will simulat a "switch". Voila
I did suggest the transistor, but am not experienced enough (yet ;)) with electronics to layout the exact transistor type and wiring along with any required resistors or capacitors to clean up the electronic "switch".
Any additional advice or circuity layouts?
Oh, and if you want to see what my project is, refer to this site:http://letsmakerobots.com/node/33846
Here is a site that I found with some information re:
Microcontroller Interfacing
Based on my "limited" grasp, at this time :P, I put together this circuit idea that might work for you regarding your 7 color LED and it's MODE switching requirements.
Anyone who can qualify or disqualify this circuit (and perhaps explain how and why) please chime in as this will assist my learning curve as well