October 03, 2013

Building animated LED signs with Arduino

In the world of retail and hospitality, getting the attention of potential customers is part of the challenge of success. Even the smallest details like signs and notices need to grab the attention of passers-by. However with an Arduino, a lot of LEDs and some TLC5940 LED driver ICs you can make or modify existing signs to create neat lighting effects. This has been demonstrated by Todd from the electric projects site, who created a large "Eat" sign with LEDs underneath each letter that can be controlled for various effects - as demonstrated in the following video:

Using the TI TLC5940 driver ICs is quite simple, due to their constant-current control and easy Arduino library. So for more information and notes, check out the project page. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

Have you been reading about Arduino and the types of projects created, but not sure where to start? Or a Java developer that wants to get in on the action? Then order one our Experimenter's Kit for Arduino:

The package includes a wide variety of parts, sensors and modules including: a servo motor, lights, buttons, switches, sound, sensors, breadboard, wires and more. Furthermore a Freetronics Eleven Arduino-compatible board is included to make this an extensive hobby experimenter, inventor and starter kit. However we don't leave you alone to figure it all out, included is a great project and instruction booklet, plus access to a supporting web page and software examples. In other words - this is everything you need to get started for a fun range of electronics and Arduino related projects! So to get started or for more information and to order, check out the product page.

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