How to make your own color music from LED strip. Simple color music schemes using LEDs and LED strips for DIY assembly. Circuit with signal from speaker

To assemble LED color music with your own hands, you need to have basic knowledge of electronics, be able to read schematics and work with a soldering iron. In the article we will look at how LED color music works, the basic working diagrams on the basis of which you can assemble ready-made devices yourself, and at the end we will step-by-step assemble the finished device using an example.

Color music installations are based on the method of frequency conversion of music and its transmission, through separate channels, to control light sources. As a result, it turns out that depending on the basic musical parameters, the operation of the color system will correspond to it. This trailer is the basis for the scheme for assembling color music on LEDs with your own hands.

Typically, at least three different colors are used to create color effects. It can be blue, green and red. Mixed in different combinations, with different durations, they can create an amazing atmosphere of fun.

LC and RC filters are capable of separating the signal into low, medium and high purity; they are the ones that are installed and configured in a color music system using LEDs.

Filter settings are set to the following parameters:

  • up to 300 Hz for a low-pass filter, usually its color is red;
  • 250-2500 Hz for medium, color green;
  • everything above 2000 Hz converts into a high-pass filter, as a rule, the operation of the blue LED depends on it.

The division into frequencies is carried out with slight overlap, this is necessary to obtain different color shades during operation of the device.

The choice of color in this color music scheme is not important, and if you wish, you can use LEDs of different colors at your discretion, change places and experiment; no one can prohibit it. Various frequency fluctuations combined with the use of a non-standard color scheme can significantly affect the quality of the result.

The circuit parameters such as the number of channels and their frequency are also available for adjustment, from which we can conclude that color music can use a large number of LEDs of different colors, and it is possible to individually adjust each of them in frequency and channel width.

What is needed to make color music

Resistors for color music installations, produced in-house, can only be used constant, with a power of 0.25-0.125. Suitable resistors can be seen in the figure below. The stripes on the body indicate the resistance value.

The circuit also uses R3 resistors, and trimmers R - 10, 14, 7 and R 18, regardless of type. The main requirement is the ability to install on the board used during assembly. The first version of LED color music was assembled using a resistor variable type with the designation SPZ-4VM and imported - tuning.

As for capacitors, you need to use parts with an operating voltage of 16 volts, no less. Can be any type. If you have difficulty finding capacitor C7, you can connect two smaller capacitors in parallel to obtain the required parameters.

The capacitors C1, C6 used in the LED color music circuit must be capable of operating at 10 volts, respectively C9–16V, C8–25V. If, instead of old Soviet capacitors, you plan to use new, imported ones, then it is worth remembering that they have a difference in designation; you need to determine in advance the polarity of the capacitors that will be installed, otherwise you can confuse and damage the circuit.

To make color music, you will also need a diode bridge with a voltage of 50V and an operating current of about 200 milliamps. In cases where it is not possible to install a ready-made diode bridge, you can make it from several rectifier diodes, for convenience, they can be removed from the board and mounted separately using a smaller board.

The parameters of the diodes are selected similarly to the diodes used in the factory version of the bridge.

LEDs should be red, blue and green. For one channel you will need six of them.

Another necessary element is a voltage stabilizer. A five-volt stabilizer is used, imported, with article number 7805. You can also use 7809 (nine-volt), but then you need to exclude resistor R22 from the circuit, and instead put a jumper connecting the negative bus and the middle terminal.

Connect color music with music center, you can use a three-pin jack connector.

And the last thing you need to have for assembly is a transformer with suitable voltage parameters.

General diagram for assembling color music, which uses the parts described in the photo below.

Several working schemes

Below we will propose several working schemes for LED color music.

Option #1

Any type of LED can be used for this circuit. The main thing is that they are super bright and different in glow. The circuit works on the following principle: the signal from the source is transmitted to the input, where the channel signals are summed and then sent to a variable resistance. (R6, R7, R8) Using this resistance, the signal level for each channel is adjusted, and then sent to the filters. The difference between filters is in the capacity of the capacitors used to assemble them. Their purpose, as in other devices, is to transform and purify the sound range within certain boundaries. These are the top, middle and low frequencies. For adjustment, adjustment resistors are installed in the color music circuit. Having gone through all this, the signal goes to a microcircuit that allows you to install various LEDs.

Option No. 2

The second version of LED color music is distinguished by its simplicity and is suitable for beginners. The circuit involves an amplifier and three channels for frequency processing. A transformer is installed, which can be dispensed with if the input signal is sufficient to open the LEDs. As in similar circuits, adjustment resistors are used, designated as R4 - 6. Any transistors can be used, the main thing is that they transmit more than 50% of the current. Essentially, nothing more is required. The circuit can be improved, if desired, to obtain a more powerful color and music installation.

Step-by-step assembly of the simplest color music model

To assemble a simple LED color music you will need the following materials:

  • LEDs measuring five millimeters;
  • wire from old headphones;
  • original or analogue of transistor KT817;
  • 12 volt power supply;
  • several wires;
  • a piece of plexiglass;
  • glue gun

The first thing you need to start with is to make the body of the future color music from plexiglass. To do this, it is cut to size and glued together with a glue gun. It is better to make the box rectangular. The sizes can be adjusted to suit you.

To calculate the number of LEDs, divide the adapter voltage (12V) by the operating LEDs (3V). It turns out we need to install 4 LEDs in the box.

We strip the cable from the headphones, there are three wires in it, we will use one for the left or right channel, and one for the common one.

We don't need one wire and it can be insulated.

The diagram of a simple LED color music looks like this:

Before assembly, we lay the cable inside the box.

LEDs have polarity, so when connecting, it must be taken into account.

During the assembly process, you should try not to heat the transistor, as this can lead to its breakdown, and pay attention to the markings on the legs. The emitter is designated as (E), base and collector, respectively (B) and (K). After assembly and inspection, you can install the top cover.

Ready-made version of LED color music

In conclusion, I would like to say that assembling color music using LEDs is not as difficult as it might seem at first. Of course, if you need a device with a beautiful design, then you will have to spend a lot of time and effort. But to make simple color music for informational or entertainment purposes, it is enough to assemble one of the diagrams presented in the article.

Below are circuit diagrams and articles on the topic “color music” on the radio electronics and radio hobby website.

What is “color music” and where is it applied, schematic diagrams of homemade devices that relate to the term “color music”.

I propose two simple CMU schemes. The first one was collected many years ago, was repeated by several radio amateurs and did not need any adjustment. The circuit is assembled using only six transistors of the KT315 type, they, of course, can be replaced with others... A simple, easily repeatable color-music installation using symmetrical thyristors and incandescent lighting lamps is described, which can be used to illuminate a hall or dance floor, because summer is coming! It is said about color music... This music set-top box has a relatively high power of lighting lamps, namely: in each channel you can use lamps designed for a voltage of 220 V (one or more), or low-voltage lamps connected in garlands of 220 V. Total power ... Scheme of a simple color music set-top box for working with a tube radio, low-frequency amplifier or tape recorder. Contains a minimum of parts and is not difficult to assemble, a good option for beginner radio amateurs. Connect it to the secondary winding of the output transformer. For power supply... The color music circuit, the operating principle of the installation is based on dividing the spectrum of the sound signal by frequency. To achieve greater variety and richness of the color pattern, instead of the widespread three-color system, it uses a four-color system (red, yellow, blue and violet)... The color-music installation on thyristors develops a power of up to 2...3 kW at the load and can be recommended for color-music accompaniment of variety acts. In this case, it is advisable to mount powerful incandescent lamps in spotlights with color filters, directing them... Installation with pulse-number control of thyristors ensures the convergence of the dynamic ranges of lamp brightness and sound signal level, as well as obtaining light compensation channels without any special electronic devices . The power of each of the three main channels... Homemade color music using triacs, diagram and description of parts for self-production. Triacs are symmetrical thyristors that operate at any voltage polarity at the anode. They are used in household dimmers SRP-0.2-1. The installation is three-channel. The audio frequency signal is supplied to its input through step-up transformer T1, which also performs the functions... I would like to present to your attention a color music set-top box assembled on two synchronous binary counter-dividers (each counter is based on four D-flip-flops), also known as the K561IE10 microcircuit. This design is easily accessible for repetition; the K561IE10 microcircuit can still be bought at a radio store, and radio amateurs will probably have it in stock... The proposed simple devices are designed for creating lighting effects at discos and during various entertainment events. The signals they generate can control several lighting devices, switching them almost randomly Provided... The peak of popularity of color and music installations occurred in the 80s of the last century, now they have somehow almost been forgotten. And yet, time does not stand still, and there are new technologies that can revive “color music” in a new form. Here, for example, are three-color LED RGB strips or garlands... A diagram of a simple homemade three-channel color and music installation with a microphone for responding to sound in the room is given. The device “connects” to the equipment via acoustics, that is, there is a microphone at the input instead of a connector, and it perceives music directly in the room where it is... A three-color LED strip can be used as a screen for a color music installation. The advantage of an RGB LED strip is that it can be positioned in any way, either under a matte screen or, for example, hung as a garland on a Christmas tree. Diagram of a color and music installation... This device is a typical analogue light and music set-top box, like those that were very popular in the 80-90s and are undeservedly forgotten today. The input signal through a separate transformer is fed to four active filters, dividing the signal into four... Schematic diagram of a homemade color music system for three channels, it is based on LM567 tone decoders, S202S02 opto-keys are used for switching. The peak of popularity of color music installations occurred in the 80s of the last century. Now they have somehow almost been forgotten. And yet, time is not worth it... Light and music circuit using LEDs, a simple design based on K561IE16, K176IE4 microcircuits for beginner radio amateurs. In most cases, light and music installations are based on filters that divide the input audio signal into several bands. Then at the output of each of the stripes there is a key... Interesting homemade device, which changes the color of the LEDs according to the ratio of the frequency components of the audio signal. This device is not a full color music installation, because it works completely differently. The color music installation at the entrance has... Good afternoon, dear radio amateurs. This article appeared thanks to many questions devoted to ionophones of various types, sent to me after the publication of a series of articles on this topic. Especially often questions related to tube ionophones and their improvement and further development... Various options for light-dynamic installations (LDS) are widely presented in amateur radio literature. For the most part, they can be divided according to the principle of operation into two various groups: these are either switches of garlands (lanterns), operating from a clock generator according to a specific program... Good afternoon, dear radio amateurs. Today I would like to continue a short series of articles devoted to ionophones, in response to numerous requests and questions that came after the publication of previous articles on this topic. The proposed version of the ionophone is, in fact, a more powerful version...

Additionally

  • IN: I bought a tape with contacts G, R, B, 12 on it. How to connect?
    A: This is the wrong tape, you can throw it away

    IN: The firmware loads, but the error “Pragma message...” appears in red letters.
    A: This is not an error, but information about the library version

    IN: What should I do to connect a ribbon of my own length?
    A: Count the number of LEDs, before loading the firmware, change the very first setting in the sketch, NUM_LEDS (the default is 120, replace it with your own). Yes, just replace it and that’s it!!!

    IN: How many LEDs does the system support?
    A: Version 1.1: maximum 450 pieces, version 2.0: 350 pieces

    IN: How to increase this number?
    A: There are two options: optimize the code, take another library for the tape (but you will have to rewrite some of it). Or take Arduino MEGA, it has more memory.

    IN: Which capacitor should I use to power the tape?
    A: Electrolytic. The voltage is 6.3 Volts minimum (more is possible, but the conductor itself will be larger). Capacitance - at least 1000 uF, and the more the better.

    IN: How to check the tape without Arduino? Does the tape burn without Arduino?
    A: The address strip is controlled using a special protocol and works ONLY when connected to a driver (microcontroller)

  • YOU CAN ASSEMBLE THE CIRCUIT WITHOUT A POTENTIOMETER! To do this, use the POTENT parameter (in the sketch in the settings block in the settings signal) assign 0. The internal reference voltage reference source of 1.1 Volt will be used. But it will not work at any volume! For the system to work correctly, you will need to select the volume of the incoming audio signal so that everything is beautiful, using the previous two setup steps.

  • Version 2.0 and higher can be used WITHOUT an IR REMOTE, modes are switched with a button, everything else is configured manually before loading the firmware.

  • How to set up another remote control?
    Other remote controls have different button codes, use the sketch to determine the button code IR_test(versions 2.0-2.4) or IRtest_2.0(for versions 2.5+), available in the project archive. The sketch sends the codes of the pressed buttons to the port monitor. Next in the main sketch in the section for developers There is a definition block for the remote control buttons, just change the codes to your own. You can calibrate the remote control, but honestly it’s too lazy.

  • How to make two volume columns by channel?
    To do this, it is not at all necessary to rewrite the firmware; it is enough to cut a long piece of tape into two short ones and restore the broken electrical connections three wires (GND, 5V, DO-DI). The tape will continue to work as one piece, but now you have two pieces. Of course, the audio plug must be connected with three wires, and the mono mode is disabled in the settings (MONO 0), and the number of LEDs must be equal to the total number on the two segments.
    P.S. Look at the first diagram in the diagrams!

  • How to reset settings that are stored in memory?
    If you've played around with the settings and something goes wrong, you can reset the settings to factory settings. Starting from version 2.4 there is a setting RESET_SETTINGS, set it to 1, flash it, set it to 0 and flash it again. The settings from the sketch will be written to memory. If you are on 2.3, then feel free to update to 2.4, the only difference is the versions new setting, which will not affect the operation of the system in any way. In version 2.9 there was a setting SETTINGS_LOG, which outputs the values ​​of settings stored in memory to the port. So, for debugging and understanding.

Do-it-yourself color music - what could be more pleasant and interesting for a radio amateur, because it is not difficult to assemble if you have a good circuit.

In modern radio engineering there is a huge variety of radio elements and LEDs, the advantages of which are difficult to doubt. Wide range of colors, bright and rich light, high speed actuation various elements, low energy consumption. This list of advantages can be continued endlessly.

The principle of operation of color music: LEDs assembled according to the circuit blink from an existing sound source (this can be a player or a radio and speakers) at a certain frequency.

Advantages of using LEDs over those previously used in CMU:

  • luminous saturation of light and a wide color range;
  • good speed;
  • low energy consumption.

The simplest schemes

Simple color music, which can be assembled, has one LED, is powered by a source direct current voltage 6–12 V.

You can assemble the above circuit using an LED strip and selecting the necessary transistor. The disadvantage is that there is a dependence of the LED blinking frequency on the sound level. In other words, the full effect can be observed only at one sound level. If you lower the volume, there will be a rare blinking, and if you increase the volume, a constant glow will remain.

This drawback can be eliminated using a three-channel sound converter. Below is a simple circuit; it is not difficult to assemble it with your own hands using transistors.


 Color music circuit with three-channel sound converter

This circuit requires a 9-volt power supply, which will allow the LEDs in the channels to light. To assemble three amplification stages, you will need KT315 transistors (analogous to KT3102). Multi-colored LEDs are used as a load. A step-down transformer is used for amplification. Resistors perform the function of adjusting LED flashes. The circuit contains filters for passing frequencies.

The scheme can be improved. To do this, you need to add brightness with 12 V incandescent light bulbs. You will need control thyristors. The entire device must be powered from a transformer. You can already work according to this simplest scheme. Color music using thyristors can be assembled even by a novice radio technician.


How to make color music using LEDs with your own hands? The first thing you need to do is select an electrical circuit.

Below is a diagram of a light and music system with an RGB strip. For such an installation, a 12 volt power supply is required. It can work in two modes: as a lamp and as a color music. The mode is selected by a switch installed on the board.


Manufacturing stages

Need to do printed circuit board. To do this, you need to take foil fiberglass with dimensions of 50 x 90 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm. The board manufacturing process consists of several stages:

  • preparation of foil PCB;
  • drilling holes for parts;
  • drawing paths;
  • etching.

The board is ready, components have been purchased. Now begins the most crucial moment - the wiring of radio elements. The final result will depend on how carefully they are installed and sealed.

We assemble our printed circuit board with the components soldered on it into such an accessible lampshade.

Brief description of radioelements

Radioelements for electrical diagram They are quite affordable and it won’t be difficult to purchase them at your nearest electrical goods store.

For color and musical accompaniment, wirewound resistors with a power of 0.25–0.125 W are suitable. The amount of resistance can always be determined by the colored stripes on the body, knowing the order in which they are applied. Trimmer resistors can be both domestic and imported.

Capacitors produced by industry are divided into oxide and electrolytic. It won’t be difficult to select the ones you need by doing basic calculations. Some oxide capacitors may have polarity that must be observed during installation.

You can take a ready-made diode bridge, but if you don’t have it, then a rectifier bridge can be easily assembled using diodes of the KD or 1N4007 series. LEDs are taken as usual, with a multi-colored glow. The use of LED RGB strips is a promising direction in radio electronics.


 LED RGB strip

Possibility of assembling a color and music console for a car

If you manage to please with color music from an LED strip made by yourself, then a similar installation with a built-in radio can be made for a car. It is easy to assemble and quick to set up. It is proposed to place the set-top box in a plastic case, which can be purchased in the electrical and radio engineering department. The installation is reliably protected from moisture and dust. It is easy to install behind the dashboard of your car.

You can also make a similar case yourself using plexiglass.

The plates of the required dimensions are selected, two holes are made in the first part (for power supply), and all parts are sanded. We assemble everything using a heat gun.

An excellent lighting effect is achieved if you use multi-colored (RGB) tape.

Conclusion

The well-known saying “it is not the gods who burn the pots” remains relevant today. A diverse range of electronic components gives craftsmen wide scope for imagination. DIY color music on LEDs is one of the manifestations of limitless creativity.

We all want a holiday from time to time. Sometimes you want to be sad or experience other emotions. The simplest and effective method achieve the desired result - listen to music. But music alone is often not enough - visualization of the sound flow and special effects are needed. In other words, we need color music (or light music as it is sometimes called). But where can you get it if such equipment in specialized stores is not cheap? Do it yourself, of course. All you need for this is a computer (or a separate power supply), several meters of LED RGB strip with a power consumption of 12V, a USB development board (AVR-USB-MEGA16 - perhaps the cheapest and simplest option), as well as a circuit diagram for , what and where to connect.

A little about the tape

Before moving on to the work itself, it is necessary to determine what exactly this 12V LED RGB strip is. And it is a simple, but at the same time very ingenious invention.

LEDs have been known for decades, but thanks to innovative developments they have become a truly universal solution for many problems in the field of electronics. They are now used everywhere - as indicators in household appliances, independently in the form energy saving lamp, in the space industry, as well as in the field of special effects. The latter also includes color music. When three types of LEDs - red (Red), green (Green) and blue (Blue) are combined on one strip, an RGB LED strip is obtained. Modern RGB diodes have a miniature controller. This allows them to emit all three colors.

The peculiarity of this tape is that all the diodes are grouped and connected into a common chain, controlled by a common controller (it can also be a computer if connected via USB, or special block power supply with control panel for autonomous modifications). All this allows you to create an almost endless tape with a minimum of wires. Its thickness can reach literally several millimeters (if you do not take into account options with rubber or silicone protection from physical damage, moisture and temperature). Before the invention of this type of microcontroller, the simplest model had at least three wires. And the higher the functionality of such garlands, the more wires there were. In Western culture, the phrase “unraveling the garland” has long become a common noun for all long, tedious and extremely confusing tasks. And now this has ceased to be a problem (also because the LED strip is prudently wound onto a special small drum).

What do we need?

DIY color music from tape GE60RGB2811C

Ideally, to organize color music with your own hands, we will use a ready-made LED strip powered by USB port computer. All we need is to download the necessary application on the same computer, set up file associations with the desired audio player, and enjoy the result. But this is if we are very lucky, and if we have the money to purchase all this. Otherwise, everything looks a little more complicated.

Electronic components stores sell LED strips of various lengths and power, but we only need 12V. She happens to be the best option for connecting to a computer via USB. For example, you can find the GE60RGB2811C model, which consists of 300 RGB LEDs connected in series. One of the advantages of any such tape is that it can be cut as you wish - to any length. All you need to do after this is connect the contacts to electrical circuit was not open, and the circuit was complete (this must be done).

Color music setup scheme

Also we may need a development board for USB connections. The most popular, cheapest, yet functional connection option is the AVR-USB-MEGA16 model for USB 1.1. This version of USB is considered somewhat outdated because transmits a signal to the LEDs at a speed of 8 milliseconds, which is too slow for modern technology, but since the human eye perceives this speed as the “blink of an eye,” it is quite suitable for us.

If we omit most of the most complex technical subtleties and nuances, then all that such a connection diagram requires of us is to take a tape of the required length, release and strip the contacts on one side, connect and solder them to the output on the breadboard (the board itself shows the symbols which connector is needed and what is it for) and, in fact, that’s all. There may not be enough power for the full length of the 12V tape, so you can power them from an old computer power supply (this will require a parallel connection), or simply cut the tape. With this option, the sound will come from the computer speakers. For those who are particularly experienced in electronics, we can recommend connecting a microphone amplifier and a small “tweeter” speaker directly to the AVR-USB-MEGA16.

Scheme for attaching the contacts of the tape to the USB cord from the smartphone

If you couldn’t get this board, then as a last resort, the connection can be made via a 12V LED RGB strip to USB cable from a smartphone or tablet computer(the diagram for setting up color music with your own hands allows this). It is only important to make sure that the cord will provide the required 5 watts of power. At the end of all these manipulations, install the SLP program (or write down all the steps in a txt file, if programming knowledge allows and the diagram and algorithm of all actions is clear), select desired mode(by the number of diodes), and enjoy the work done with our own hands.

Conclusion

Color music is not a necessity, but it makes our lives much more interesting, and not only because we can now look at flashing multi-colored lights that light up and go out to the beat of our favorite melody. No, we're talking about something else. Having made something like this with your own hands, rather than buying it in a store, everyone will feel a surge of strength from the satisfaction inherent in every master and creator, and the realization that he, too, is worth something. But in essence, the color music is installed, blinks and pleases the eye with minimal costs and maximum pleasure - what else is needed?..


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