Introduction - project and person - RGB LED light up mod

[32teeth]

hey everyone, wanted to introduce myself.
i was recommended by some colleagues from the SRK forums to post our project here as well.

we have been working on and successfully released a simple RGB LED controller.
it's called the Sparky Jr - http://sparky.32teeth.org


What is it?
Sparky is a programmable RGB LED mod companion light up activation controller for pushbuttons on gaming fightsticks.
8 inputs, 8 RGB LED's

The core of the Sparky is an ATMEL ATMEGA328 running an Arduino Bootloader and built in an Open Source Arduino IDE.

The interface component for Sparky is built in Open Source Processing environment


How does it work?
Well, at the end of the day. The base code essentially allows you to customize your light up pattern, defining buttons and button combinations and mapping them to a specific color.

The default button combination setup (on a 8 button fightstick) is 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x per row, and then 4 cross row combinations. Support for both 6 and 8 buttons controllers is written in.

open source
Assembly instructions pdf - http://sparky.svn.beanstalkapp.com/sparky/trunk/Documentation/SparkyJrAssembly.pdf
SVN Repository - http://sparky.svn.beanstalkapp.com/sparky/trunk/

videos
common cathode with persistant light up - change on active


programmability


thanks for watching / reading, let me know what you guys think

[jipp]

so each controller will only do 8 buttons?

chris.

[Nephasth]

Does anyone beside myself think there is a need for 96 to 128 input LED controllers with RGB LEDs? My project has 26 CP RGB LED Buttons, I'll have to get 3 32 input LED controllers... Would be nice to be able to save a few dollars if there was a controller with more inputs.

[32teeth]

so each controller will only do 8 buttons?

chris.

yes, each controller will do 8 inputs and 8 RGB LED outputs. this version of the build was intended for fightstick modders.
we are trying to gain knowledge into interest for this product in the cabinet building environment, where we are looking at building larger systems
16, 32 rgb led controllers. for cabinets, we would also be looking at 12v systems to drive these.

Does anyone beside myself think there is a need for 96 to 128 input LED controllers with RGB LEDs? My project has 26 CP RGB LED Buttons, I'll have to get 3 32 input LED controllers... Would be nice to be able to save a few dollars if there was a controller with more inputs.

correct me if i am wrong, sounds like you are using input led controllers for each color? hence why you mention 3 32 inputs?
as with my note to @chris above, we are looking to build larger controllers to remedy this

[Nephasth]

correct me if i am wrong, sounds like you are using input led controllers for each color? hence why you mention 3 32 inputs?
as with my note to @chris above, we are looking to build larger controllers to remedy this

That's right, but it just ended up working out that way. I needed a minimum of 78 inputs. Using 3 32 input controllers will leave me with 6 spare inputs on each controller for future additions if needed. My preference would be to have only one controller. So if I read your reply to chris right, your larger controllers will have 48 and 96 total inputs? Any plans for screw terminals?

[jipp]

ok thanks for the input. ( i have to learn all this LED stuff for when i build my sisters cab )  i have to second the screw terminals.  they are the cats meow..  when i used them on my ipac2.  which i hope to get to test tomorrow..  i need a ps2 to usb adapter..  will be on the hunt for one tomorrow after doctors appointment

chris,

[keefyboy]

Couldn't you piggy-back off something like this: LoL Shield for Arduino

That would give 126 LED control capability. Also, there's a mux for Arduino that gives 48 I/Os, and the Arduino Mega has 56 I/O ports.

Looks awesome, and those controllers are buy 1 get 1 right now...

[usedelectronics]

Pricey, but pretty powerful:
MondoMatrix LEDMatrix
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9972

[Nephasth]

Pricey, but pretty powerful:
MondoMatrix LEDMatrix
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9972

Oooo....Pretty....

Compared to the other option (multiple, smaller LED controllers) the price is just right.

Wonder if this works with LED Blinky?

Edit: Looks like it has its own software, doesn't look too user friendly. Another board is also required to network this board. Damn...so close.

[arzoo]

Wonder if this works with LED Blinky?

LEDBlinky supports Ultimarc and GGG hardware.

[jipp]

yeah, ill be going with ledwiz from ggg.  but this company is just starting up.  they need to feel there way.  its a start.  just i do not see much need in controls for the single fight sticks.. i see it in the big 4 player control panels.  that is where the need is i think.

chris.

[usedelectronics]

Pricey, but pretty powerful:
MondoMatrix LEDMatrix
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9972

Oooo....Pretty....

Compared to the other option (multiple, smaller LED controllers) the price is just right.

Wonder if this works with LED Blinky?

Edit: Looks like it has its own software, doesn't look too user friendly. Another board is also required to network this board. Damn...so close.

Yes, it requires a "displayduino" micro-controller. (This gives you additional digital and analog Input/outputs)
The Arduino programming environment is extremely user friendly, And a snap to learn.
Additionally, you can link up to 32 separate boards, (Servo controller, led controller, power controller) providing for Endless possibilities.

[ChurchOfSolipsism]

No matter how often I watch your video I still crack up at the end when you do that thing with your hand