> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://spartronics4915.gitbook.io/developer-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://spartronics4915.gitbook.io/developer-handbook/arduino_bling/bling.md). # 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]\() 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]\(), 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]\(): `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]\(): `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 ` * 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)