So in reference to this reccomended PWM controller
https://www.ebay.com/itm/0-10V-Anal...hash=item283250fbe6:m:mUSSpNlHYs34HroI58YK-HQ

is this the only one that i could use? Could i program the LEDs to dim without it? if that's possibe would it be worth the time spent writing the code? Is there a cheaper dimmer, cause I do need some kind of dimmer, correct? cause I am a little hesitant to spend $28 on something im not positive i need.

Now that you're in the Arduino world, I don't think you need that anymore. I believe the Arduino can produce the PWM signal for you, and you'll just need to add an external transistor to switch the current to the LEDs on and off in response to the PWM signal. Mind you, I've never used an Arduino.

 

Now that you're in the Arduino world, I don't think you need that anymore. I believe the Arduino can produce the PWM signal for you, and you'll just need to add an external transistor to switch the current to the LEDs on and off in response to the PWM signal. Mind you, I've never used an Arduino.

OK thanks for the quick response, I have found that a couple of my friends are knowledgable on programming, specifically arduino. So i will ask, and i'll report back so that you can know for further reference. but from my understanding an arduino is capable of that

 

In short it can. In a longer variant, there are a couple ways to do it wether I do each LED say 1-10 and go to the next LED or I stary all the LED's at once and go from 1-10. I am in the proccess of trying to figure out how I'd do this, i was thinking I might use a shift register if I like "straight wire it." So thats my update so far for today

 

In short it can. In a longer variant, there are a couple ways to do it wether I do each LED say 1-10 and go to the next LED or I stary all the LED's at once and go from 1-10. I am in the proccess of trying to figure out how I'd do this, i was thinking I might use a shift register if I like "straight wire it." So thats my update so far for today

You might benefit from this blog. There's no shortage of things you can do with LEDs.

 

You might benefit from this blog. There's no shortage of things you can do with LEDs.

thanks man, ill give it a read

 

Hey i need a LCD compatible with Hitachi HD44780 driver, I found one but i just want to see what you might come up with, as long as its under $20 I dont care what you reccomend, cause im not set on what pixel H x W that i use. Just want to make sure im not being stupid with the one I am looking at. Thanks

 

Hey i need a LCD compatible with Hitachi HD44780 driver, I found one but i just want to see what you might come up with, as long as its under $20 I dont care what you reccomend, cause im not set on what pixel H x W that i use. Just want to make sure im not being stupid with the one I am looking at. Thanks

If someone doesn't come along with advice here, you might start a thread on this specific topic. You may get more/better feedback.

 

Nevermind the last question i figured it out.

So I've reached a little road block in my project, I'm kind of lost as to what I need for the lighting aspect, im trying to find an LED strip thats bright enough but is also not to expensive. I don't want to give you guys the one im looking at cause my heart isnt set on it because I don't know what level resistors and capacitors i will need, nor a driver since the arduino can't send out over a 5.5 v PWM signal, and I dont think that is strong enough for any led strip to run. Is there something I could do with a DC to DC converter, cause i think that might be the best way to change the current

In short I don't know what pieces I need to run the lights proberly from the arduino, please ask any follow up questions you have because as im writing I don't think what ive written makes much sense

 

Nevermind the last question i figured it out.

So I've reached a little road block in my project, I'm kind of lost as to what I need for the lighting aspect, im trying to find an LED strip thats bright enough but is also not to expensive. I don't want to give you guys the one im looking at cause my heart isnt set on it because I don't know what level resistors and capacitors i will need, nor a driver since the arduino can't send out over a 5.5 v PWM signal, and I dont think that is strong enough for any led strip to run. Is there something I could do with a DC to DC converter, cause i think that might be the best way to change the current

In short I don't know what pieces I need to run the lights proberly from the arduino, please ask any follow up questions you have because as im writing I don't think what ive written makes much sense

You're correct that the Arduino cannot drive the LEDs directly. It might handle a couple LEDs on its own, but not a strip that takes significant power.

So you need a driver that can accept the digital PWM signal and switch the power to the LED strip. There are many, many choices. To make a choice you need to know the needs of the LED strip. It should be compatible with PWM (most are, except maybe the ones with built-in drivers). Then you have to choose a power supply. It has to provide adequate voltage and current to power your LED strip.

A lot of this you could build your own but there are many for sale.

My advice is to choose the LEDs you like and the source of power you want to use. Figuring out what to place in between is not too hard.

 

I was thinking of running the pwn signals from the Arduino to a transistor. What are your thoughts?