# Starting with Bling

Spartronics has two projects for introducing Arduino development using bling.

* [Intro to Arduino](https://github.com/riyadth/IntroToArduino) is a

  simple introduction with step by step demonstration of adding new

  functionality.
* [Bling Demo](https://github.com/riyadth/BlingDemoSystem) uses Adafruit

  NeoPixel strip and ring components to enable students with a sandbox

  environment for experimentation.

Important: If this is your first time diving into Arduino, make sure to walk through [Ladyada's Learn Arduino Tutorials](https://learn.adafruit.com/series/ladyadas-learn-arduino). Also, there are many good tutorials on YouTube, such as [this one](https://youtu.be/nL34zDTPkcs)

## Bling Demo

Introduction to bling development uses Adafruit NeoPixel strip and ring components. Demo board also has a potentiometer for demonstrating sensor interaction.

### Setup

For sketch code and hardware requirements see [BlingDemoSystem Repo](https://github.com/riyadth/BlingDemoSystem)

* Board: Arduino Uno
* If you need to install Arduino IDE, see instructions

  [here](/developer-handbook/arduino_bling/toolkit.md)
* \[Install Adafruit NeoPixel

  Library]\(<https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/arduino-library-installation>)

  to Arduino IDE
* Clone BlingDemoSystem Repo. If you need help, see instructions [here](/developer-handbook/git_introduction/git_fundamentals.md#git-clone)

### Learning Path

Also see [Arduino Tutorial](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/) for reference.

* Introduce \[Arduino Uno

  board]\(<https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_board_description.htm>),

  how to connect to power and computer, and general layout of the pins
* Give an overview of Arduino IDE (how to compile, upload, configure

  IDE, ...) and introduce the term *sketch* which

  is an Arduino program
* Review how sketch code is mapped to Arduino board and bling hardware:

  pins, NeoPixel configuration.
* Discuss \[Arduino sketch code

  structure]\(<https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_program_structure.htm>):

  `setup()` and `loop()` functions.
* Introduce [data types](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_data_types.htm), [variables](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_variables_and_constants.htm), [functions](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_functions.htm)
* Introduce

  [operators](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_operators.htm),

  [control statements](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_control_statements.htm) and [loops](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_loops.htm)
* Introduce simple debugging with `println()`
* Show how potentiometer sensor is read and how NeoPixel is controlled.

  Also discuss \[Arduino I/O

  functions]\(<https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_io_functions.htm>):

  `pinMode()`, `digitalWrite()` and

  `analogRead()` functions.

### Exercises and Code Experiments

* Understand RGB and pixel numbering by changing the `setup()` code on how the strip/ring is initialized.

  Experiment with online [RGB colors](https://htmlcolorcodes.com) and see how they perform on the NeoPixel.
* Write new functions for different blink patterns:
  * rainbow
  * use potentiometer to change intensity of the leds without changing

    the blink pattern
  * use potentiometer to control the number of pixels change color on

    the strip: 0 everything off to 255 all pixels are on
* Change blink rates and experiment with using light on/off as a

  communication tool.

### Adafruit NeoPixel Documentation

See [Adafruit NeoPixel Uberguide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/arduino-library-use) for documentation on how to use the library.

Key sections:

* Include library: `#include <Adafruit_Neopixel.h>`
* Specify `LED_PIN` and `LED_COUNT`
* Declare `Adafruit_NeoPixel` object -- can be a ring or a strip

  ```c
  // Example for NeoPixel strip
  #define STRIP_PIN       4       // i.e. LED_PIN
  #define STRIP_PIXELS    30      // i.e. LED_COUNT
  // *strip* is the Adafruit_NeoPixel object
  Adafruit_NeoPixel strip = Adafruit_NeoPixel(STRIP_PIXELS, STRIP_PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);
  ```
* When using the NeoPixel function, make sure to specify the

  Adafruit\_NeoPixel object
* In `setup()` function call `begin()` to prepare data pin NeoPixel output

  ```c
  void setup(void)
  {
    // Configure the serial terminal for debug output and user input
    Serial.begin(9600);

    // Initialize the pixels to get them ready for use
    strip.begin();
  }
  ```
* Common commands -- don't forget to specify the NeoPixel object in the command `strip.clear()`
  * LED pixels numbered along the strip starting from 0 closest to the

    Arduino board
  * setting pixel colors:

    * `setPixelColor(pixel_number, R, G, B)` and RGB brightness levels

      \-- 0 is dimmest (off) and 255 max brightest
    * `setPixelColor(pixel_number, color)` where `color` is a 32-bit

      type that represents RGB

    ```c
    // Set up a rainbow pattern on the strip
    strip.setPixelColor(0, Adafruit_NeoPixel::Color(32, 0, 0));
    strip.setPixelColor(1, Adafruit_NeoPixel::Color(32, 32, 0));
    strip.setPixelColor(2, Adafruit_NeoPixel::Color(0, 32, 0));
    strip.setPixelColor(3, Adafruit_NeoPixel::Color(0, 32, 32));
    strip.setPixelColor(4, Adafruit_NeoPixel::Color(0, 0, 32));
    strip.setPixelColor(5, Adafruit_NeoPixel::Color(32, 0, 32));
    strip.setPixelColor(6, Adafruit_NeoPixel::Color(32, 32, 32));
    strip.show();

    // Setup a magenta color
    uint32_t magenta = strip_object.Color(255, 0, 255)
    ```

    * `fill()` function to set same color to multiple pixels
    * `clear()` function to turn off all pixels to 0 brightness
    * `getPixelColor()` to query existing pixel value
    * `setBrightness()` to specify brightness level of all pixels
* `show()` to push the color data to the NeoPixel object, otherwise

  color changes will not be displayed

## Bling Code Samples

* [Intro to Arduino](https://github.com/riyadth/IntroToArduino)
* [Spartronics Bling Code](https://github.com/Spartronics4915/Bling)


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