As an way of demonstrating how colour can be used to represent information about the environment around us, Franklin Marsh has created an interactive mood lamp which is controlled with an Arduino. Data and input can be captured from a variety of sensors and devices - such as direct controls such as a potentiometer or analogue joystick, data from real-time clocks and temperature sensors... or anything else you have an interest in.
The information from the attached devices can then be used to drive an RGB LED to create various colours. However in this instance a much more powerful 10W version is used - controlled by high-power transitors. This is then ideal for mounting inside lamp shades or fixtures - which results in with a device you can happily display to others. Franklin demonstrates his project in the following video:
To learn more about this great lamp projeect, visit Franklin's Instructable page. And for more, we're on twitter, facebook and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
Need to control up to six high-current signals from your Arduino? Save time and space with our N-Drive Shield for Arduino:
With the N-Drive Shield you can directly control up to 6 separate high-power loads such as high-intensity LEDs, lamps, motors, and relays. Incorporates 6 N-channel MOSFETs, each capable of switching up to 60Vdc at 20 Amps. That's enough to drive massive loads such as 30W and 60W RGB LEDs capable of burning your eyeballs right out of year head!
Each MOSFET is connected to an Arduino pin with PWM capability, so you can vary the power delivered to each load individually. For much more information, tutorial and to order - check out the N-Drive product page.
