Light Sensor Sets LED Wing Brightness

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.

//Less light on Buzz's light sensor = brighter LED pixels. More light = dimmer pixels #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 it's connected to Buzz (always A4 and A5) void setup() { pinMode(A1,INPUT); //light sensor } void loop() { int brightness = analogRead(A1); //Create a variable called 'brightness' that is an integer (whole number) brightness = map(brightness,0,1023,100,0); //map the brightness readings (0-1023) onto the LED strip brightness range (0-100) //This mapping means a low light reading = a high LED pixel brightness. 0 light = 100 brightness, 1023 light = 0 brightness wings.setPixel(wings.ALL,200,brightness); //set all pixels to a color value of 200 and a brightness value of 'brightness' variable. wings.draw(); //send the setPixel data to the wings } // (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!

This graphic represents how some values from the light sensor will be 'mapped' onto the LED pixels.

Challenges

Can you complete the challenge? 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!

Swap the last two arguments of the map function so that the wings get brighter the more light hits the light sensor.

Change the color of the LED pixels.

Swap out the light sensor for the turn knob. Notice how different components can make the exact same code act differently.

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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