Mood Light Panel - how to?

priced at

change

are

think the

Then they are probably RGB LEDs under a translucent. You could build your own with a $2 PIC chip, some code, three $1 mosfets, some resistors and about $300 worth of RGB LEDs. ;-)

Well check this out - I want to do this on a larger scale like this :

And I'm thinking I might be able to hack one of these :

To work on a larger scale for my kids playroom/disco/Karaoke place! What do you guys think about modifying the cheaper Homedic one? Could it be done? I mean, how could I add more LEDs to the circuit?

Anyway, thanks for the reply - I guess I can now understand where the high price comes from with the RGB LED's and all...

Wow! That is a lot of LEDs! I have been buying RGY LEDs for $1.95 a hundred.

Lets see. $100 / $1.95 = 51+ OR 5,100 of each color. I think for a mode light you might use 1600 per square.

"Clarence_A" wrote

build

resistors

hundred.

mode

Let me know when you can get rgB (tri-color) LEDs for that, I can't seem to find them for less than about $2 each (and that's a whole lot cheaper than a year ago).

"Anthony Fremont" wrote

I don't use many tricolors, but when I bought the last lot it was $.71 each. I have no idea what they sell for now!

You really think it would take that many LED's? The LED's need only illuminate the diffused plastic. I would think one or two with a light tube or some way of projecting the light would work -

"Dantanna" wrote

light tube

I figured it would take at least 9 and possibly 16 to get nice enough illumination over a single quadrant (25cm X 25cm) that you could easily see in sunlight. That may be overkill, but to avoid bright spots, you'll have to cover the tops of the LEDs so that all light striking the panel is reflected. For all I know, simply painting the crown of the LED may be enough, but IMO it will still take somewhat more than one or two LEDs to be practical in daylight.

I still cant find any bundles of RGB LEDs for less than 1.80 each. :-(

So lets say I didn't hack a preexisiting system. What types of circuits and components should I research about making a similar system?

Simply put, what are some of the popular tools/components used to control LED's for a disco display?

I would use a microcontroller, but that's me.

I noticed in the Discovery store today panels that appeared to be perhaps 10" square and which had various colors that would shift behind the translucent surface with some options for control. Regular price $50, on sale $30.

Perhaps you have a Discovery store near you or they have similar prices online.

Have a look at:

HTH Adam

Thanks - that is exactly what I was looking for. Great site - sadly what more of the internet used to be like...