Temperature Sensor Sets LED Strip Color

Use the ‘Parts List’ image along with the component cards in your box to correctly plug in the electronic hardware to your Maker Board. The colorful dots next to the legs of the components match up to the ports where that leg should go on Maker Board’s ports.

Code

The code in the editor below is ready to run! Plug in the electronic components just like the Parts List card above, connect Maker Board to your computer's USB port with the cable, and hit 'Upload Your Code!'. Tinker with the code and change something! If you get stuck, you can hit the 'Restore' button to make the code go back to the working example.


/* Change the color of the entire LED strip based on the temperature reading */ #include "LEDStrip.h" //The LEDStrip.h library gives your code access to special functions exclusive to the LED Strip LEDStrip strip = LEDStrip(15, 13, 12); //Set up the strip by defining how many pixels (15) and where the wires are connected (green = 13, blue = 12) void setup() { pinMode(A1,INPUT); //temp sensor in the smaller block of ports with the + and - ports } void loop() { int tempF = analogRead(A1)*0.46; //Create a variable called 'brightness' that is an integer (whole number) if(tempF>80){ //if the temperature is above 80 degrees strip.setPixel(strip.ALL,100,10); //set all pixels to a color value of 100 (red) and brightness level of 10 } else if(tempF>70){ //otherwise if the temperature is above 70 degrees strip.setPixel(strip.ALL,200,10); //set all pixels to a color value of 200 (green) and brightness level of 10 } else{ //otherwise (if the temperature is below 70) strip.setPixel(strip.ALL,1,10); //set all pixels to a color value of 1 (blue) and brightness level of 10 } strip.draw(); //send the setPixel data to the strip delay(500); //wait 500 milliseconds (0.5 seconds) between temperature readings //Note: Setting the brightness level higher may make the temperature readings jump around wildly! } // (c) 2019 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!

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!

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?




2. Which syntax ends a single code command?