Toggle LED Strip Between Two Colors

Code

The code in the editor below is ready to run! Plug Buzz in to your computer's USB port with the cable and hit 'Upload Your Code!' to see what it does. Change something in the code, like a delay or pin number. Try to add something new to the program - it's yours to tinker with! You can always press the 'Restore' button to return the code to the working example.

/* Use a button to toggle Buzz's wings between two colors */ #include "LEDStrip.h" //The LEDStrip.h library gives your code access to special functions exclusive to the LED Pixels LEDStrip wings = LEDStrip(16, A4, A5); //Set up the strip by defining how many pixels (16) and where it's connected to Buzz (always A4 and A5) int pressCount = 0; //Create a variable called 'pressCount' that is an integer void setup() { pinMode(12,INPUT_PULLUP); //button } void loop() { if(digitalRead(12)==LOW){ //if button 12 is pressed pressCount++; //increase the value of pressCount by 1 delay(250); //delay long enough to release the button before a press is } if(pressCount==1){ wings.setPixel(wings.ALL,100); //set the entire pixel to a color value of 100 wings.draw(); //send the setPixel data to be displayed on the strip } else{ wings.setPixel(wings.ALL,200); //set the entire pixel to a color value of 200 wings.draw(); pressCount = 0; //reset the pressCount variable to 0 } } // (c) 2023 Let's Start Coding. License: www.letsstartcoding.com/bsdlicense

Walkthrough Video

Watch the video for a line-by-line explanation of how the example program works. Then you'll be ready to make some changes of your own!

Buzz’s LED Pixel Color Spectrum

Use this spectrum to estimate the color values you'll need for your 'setPixel' arguments to achieve your favorite color!

Challenges

Can you complete the challenges? Change the code in your code editor above. Upload your code to see the effect when you're finished. Complete a challenge? Check it off the list!

What happens if you hold down the button? How do you think the value of the pressCount variable is changing each time the loop runs?

Change the delay value to something really small, less than 10. Now what happens when you hold down the button? Can you explain how that is happening?

Change the colors that the LED wings toggle between by changing the color value arguments in the setPixel functions.

Concepts

These are the new code concepts covered in this example program. To become a great coder, read through these concepts to learn new vocabulary.

Quiz

If you're having trouble, try to run an experimental program or look at the example code to help you find the answer.

1. Which syntax ends the entire 'void loop' function?

semicolon ;
parentheses )
closing curly brace }

2. Which syntax ends a single code command?

semicolon ;
closing curly brace }
period .

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