Summary of LED fireflies prototype using PIC12f683 microcontroller
This project is a low-power RGB LED firefly prototype that combines LED throwie aesthetics with LED-as-sensor and entropy techniques. A PIC12F683 microcontroller drives a common-cathode RGB LED, using the LED itself as a light sensor to avoid daytime power use, harvesting random entropy from the LED to create unique, varied blink colors and rates, and occasionally playing organic-looking flash patterns while minimizing battery consumption.
Parts used in the LED fireflies prototype:
- Common cathode tri-color (RGB) LED
- PIC12F683 microcontroller
- Coin cell battery holder
LED fireflies prototype
first you have to accept the premise that your willing to spend a bit more for the tradeoff..
the inspiration for this came from some of my other projects, and of course the “LED as a sensor” concept as well as the “LED throwie”
so the parts list:
1 common cathode, tri-color (RGB) LED
1 12f683 pic micro
1 coin cell battery holder
(cheap plug) http://www.makenyc.org/
Step 1: So whats it do?
the idea here is to use the led throwie/graffiti concept, to add a little life to my neighborhood that ive been missing for a long time now… fireflies..
the software is designed to use the LED as a light sensor (so as not to waste power during the day)
the led as an entropy source (to make each firefly unique moments after switching it on) to vary blink color, and rate.
and of course to play a flash pattern every so often in a way that seems “organic” and isnt just an “on/off” blink
and of course use as little power as possible!
(apologies for the darkness of the video, but the light had to be dim enough not to trip the fireflies daylight sensor)
For more detail: LED fireflies prototype using PIC12f683 microcontroller
- What is the main function of this LED fireflies project?
To create low-power, organic-looking LED fireflies that sense daylight, vary behavior using LED-derived entropy, and minimize battery use. - Which microcontroller is used in the prototype?
The PIC12F683 microcontroller is used. - What type of LED is used?
A common cathode tri-color (RGB) LED is used. - How does the device avoid wasting power during the day?
It uses the LED itself as a light sensor to detect daylight and reduce power use. - How are unique blink patterns and colors generated?
Random entropy is gathered from the LED to vary blink color, rate, and create unique behavior after power-up. - Does the project include occasional flash patterns?
Yes, the software occasionally plays an organic-looking flash pattern rather than simple on/off blinks. - What power source component is listed?
A coin cell battery holder is listed as the power component.
