LEDs and Microcontrollers w/ David

A popular application of microcontrollers is driving LEDs for static and dynamic lighting effects.  This class will explore several options using Arduino and ESP controllers along with LEDs in strip, pixel, and array formats.  The software section of the class covers simple to moderate programming tasks plus covers solutions with ready-made, downloadable software.  At the end of the class attendees take home an LED strip along with a microcontroller if needed.  Intro to Microcontrollers class is not a requirement for this class but is helpful.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course attendees should be able to:

• Grasp the basics of how LEDs function to produce color and animations

• Identify various types of LEDs and understand their related power requirements

• Create several programs using the FastLED library in the Arduino IDE

• Understand how to properly connect LEDS to microcontrollers

• Explore the advantages of an ESP device versus a standard Arduino

• Complete several programming activities using LEDs

• Review the use of prebuilt LED controllers

Student Responsibilities

1. Attendees are encouraged to bring a working laptop computer (PC or Mac) and take notes 
2. Download and install the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) before class LINK