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RGB Color changing lights questions

S

Steve

Jan 1, 1970
0
I am interested in building a set of linear color changing lights using LEDs. I
would like to vary the intensity of the sets of LEDs by changing the current
through the LEDs as opposed to using PWM and varying the duty cycle. Is this
feasible?

Also, what is the optimal center wavelength for the R, G, and B led?

Thanks in advance.

Steve J
 
C

Clive Mitchell

Jan 1, 1970
0
Steve said:
I am interested in building a set of linear color changing lights using
LEDs. I would like to vary the intensity of the sets of LEDs by
changing the current through the LEDs as opposed to using PWM and
varying the duty cycle. Is this feasible?

Yes, but much more complex. The best way to digitally control intensity
of LEDs is PWM or PFM. This is the whole point of CK's blanket patent
that was so readily issued by America's defective patent system.

If you want a simple versatile design that is for personal use only,
then you can use the circuit and software on my website. You'll find it
in the "things to make and do" section at:-
http://www.bigclive.com

I rewrote the software recently to make the colour changing even more
random and add in a series of new effects. It all runs on a single
PIC12F629 microcontroller.

Maybe I'll put up the design of this 180 LED panel I've just built
too....

As far as colours go, I tend to use the bright orangey red LEDs for
brightness, then the greens are standard GaN types (usually a bit cold)
and the choice of blues is limited to a few shades. I prefer the bright
cyan/royal blues for intensity, although the standard blues are cheaper.

A good reference might be the colours the Luxeon stars are made in,
since they are designed for colour mixing.
 
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