Summary¶

This is a library for the mbed that allows you to control the addressable RGB LED strips from Pololu:

• Addressable RGB 30-LED Strip, 5V, 1m
• Addressable RGB 60-LED Strip, 5V, 2m
• Addressable RGB 150-LED Strip, 5V, 5m

It allows complete control over the color of an arbitrary number of LED strips with an arbitrary number of LEDs. Each LED can be individually controlled, and LED strips can be chained together.

Supported Platforms¶

This library has been tested on the mbed NXP LPC1768, which runs at 96 MHz. It would require modifications to run on other mbed boards that have a different clock speed.

Getting Started¶

Hardware¶

The addressable RGB LED strips can be purchased on Pololu's website using the links above.

The data input connector for the LED strip is transparent and has two male pins inside. When looking into the connector and orienting it with the flattened side on the bottom, the left pin is the signal wire and the right pin is ground. The LED strip's ground will need to be connected to the mbed's GND pin, and the LED strip's signal line will be need to be connected to one of the Arduino's I/O lines. Our example sketches assume the signal line is connected to p8. These connections can be made using two Male-Female Premium Jumper Wires, with the female ends plugging into the LED strip.

You will also need to connect a suitable power supply to the LED strip using one of the power connectors. The power supply must be at the right voltage and provide enough current to meet the LED strip's requirements.

Example Programs¶

TODO: add an example program here and say how to use it