Variable LED Wingspan Color

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 control the color of the entire LED wingspan*/ #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 pixels by defining how many pixels (16) and where they are connected to Buzz (always A4 and A5) int color = 0; //Create a variable called 'color' that is an integer (whole number) and starting value of 0 void setup() { pinMode(2,INPUT_PULLUP); //button } void loop() { wings.setPixel(wings.ALL,color); //set all of the pixels (wings.ALL) to the color value equal to the color variable wings.draw(); //send the setPixel data to the wings if(digitalRead(2)==LOW){ color++; //increase the value of the color variable by 1 delay(100); //Wait 100 milliseconds (0.1 second) between color changes } if(color==299){ //If the color variable reaches its maximum of 299... color=0; //reset the color 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!

Change the delay in the first ‘if’ statement. How does this impact the program?

Try to add another button that reduces the value of the color variable when it is pressed. This will let you ‘tune in’ to a very specific color if you want to. For a pattern on how to do this, check out project where buttons raise and lower the brightness of an LED.

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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