Aurora mini 18
My obsession of this year is full-color LED. I have made Aurora 9x18 as a result. As much as I love the scale of Aurora 9x18, I also wanted to have something smaller, perhaps something that can go on a costume?
Here's Aurora mini 18. It has 18 full-color/RGB LEDs on a smallest possible circle. With a single PIC microcontroller, changing 18 RGB LEDs smoothly is reaching the technical limit. With the new PIC with wider supply voltage, the circuit is simplified compared to Aurora 9 bar, and use of two AA or AAA batteries (3V operation) or one Lithium battery is now possible.
Step 1
Concept & Circuit
One of the new 24F line of PIC microcontrollers is PIC24FV16KA302. Unlike the similar PIC24F series controllers which are 3.3V limited, this controller can operate fully up to 5V. This eliminated the need for the 3.3V voltage regulator, and simplified the LED driving circuits. The resulted circuit with fewer parts count made this Aurora to be very compact.
Step 2
PCB & Parts
The high-quality, custom made PCBs as well as the full kits are available at a reasonable price. Please view the details at "For Sale" section of the forums.
Here is the list of parts. All except LEDs are available at Digi-Key (digikey.com).
- 1x 10k Ohm (0603)
- 3x 220 Ohm (0603)
- 3x 2.2k Ohm (0603)
- 18x 150 Ohm (0603)
- 2x 0.1uF (0603)
- 2x 10uF (1206)
- 3x Q1x: MMBT2907A
- 1x PIC24FV16KA302 (SS)
- 18x Tricolor LED (common-cathode) (SparkFun COM-09264 should be identical) http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9264
- 1x Tactile Switch
- 1x 3 - 5V power supply: regulated AC adaptor, 4 NiMH, 2 AA/AAA batteries & case, single cell Lithium battery, or USB cable
- 1x 2 pin Molex header (right-angle recommended) (optional)
- 1x 2 pin Molex connector with corresponding terminals (optional)
You can substitute transistors if you have something compatible.
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Ibrar Ayyub
I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough...