4x4x4 led cube - The Techxperts

4x4x4 led cube is an entry level project for arduino enthusiasts, The cube is made of 3D arrays of led (Use diffused leds for better effects) . It is controlled by any microcontroller like AVR or arduino. I have used arduino uno as it is the most common controller available in the market.

This is how i have made the cube, you may try another way out and comment below:

Hardware components required:
1. wooden jig or cardboard for led soldering
2. solder iron with lead and flux
3.drilling machine(if you are using wooden jig)

Electrical components
1. Arduino uno - (arduino must be pre- configured in your PC_
2. leds(diffused) - 64 pieces
3. 220 ohms resistors( 4 pieces)
4. male to female jumper wires- 20 pieces
5. general purpose board
6 .pin headers
7. connecting wires(flexible)

1. LED TESTING
   First test all the leds whether they are working or not to avoid failure in the latter stage of project.
   If you cant find out the diffused led then you can convert normal led to diffused led by a simple          hack.
   Hold the led by its filament and rub the curved glass portion by all sides using sand paper until you    find whitish powder on the surface. By this way you convert transparent surface of glass to                  translucent.

    Right one is normal led and left one is diffused. Now you get the difference. Diffused led                     distributes light in every directions rather than focusing it.

2. CONSTRUCTION OF CUBE
    You need to drill 16 holes in wooden jig taking appropriate dimensions of your choice.
     I have taken 2.5 cm gap between the holes and used cardboard instead of wooden jig which rules        out the labor of drilling it.

    I have referred to this video above for construction as it explains very clearly.
    Tips:
        1. Use moderate amount of flux for each solder activity. Excessive addition leaves brown marks.
        2. After completion of each layer test for any loose connection
        3. Never touch the solder iron on the nodes for more than 20 secs as it may damage the led.
 

3 CONSTRUCTION OF CIRCUIT
   (a) Insert the cube in general purpose board carefully without breaking the nodes .Insert 16 pin                  headers    (cathode) on one side and 4 pin header(for anode) on another
   (b) Solder 4 220 ohms resistors on each anode pin effectively
   (c) Connect 16 cathode to individual cathode pins by using appropriate numbering and order. Use            flexible wire and solder efficiently
   (d) Connect 4 layer nodes(anodes) to the resistor end.Solder efficiently.
   (e) Check each led by using the pins for any loose connections
 
    It will look like this:
 

4 . TRIAL RUN( Opt)
     Connect a row led or column led , or a layer led to arduino. Try basic runs such as blinking row ,        or layer, or any simple pattern. This will make you understand better.
     Most importantly connect all the leds (20 pins to arduino) and light her up to check any loose               connections
 

This was my trial run

5. CHOOSING APPROPRIATE SONG AND DEVELOPING A CODE

    The cube generally syncs with EDM , Light dubstep , house music in better way.Use Virtual DJ          to mix beats and to know the timings of each beats .

     We can find plenty of codes in the net, you can modify them and get an idea.

     I could not upload the code for this cube as this blog dont have provision for that , but it can be           found out in the web.

    The pins from 0-13 (digital) and A0-A5 (analog) can be used for connections. No need for arduino     shield

APPLICATIONS

This is just an entry level project. Actually 8x8x8 cube is common and can be used at various places.

In DJ Night it can used to make beautiful lighting effects syncing with the beats. The cube and laser effects can be synchronized for hypnotizing effects . 

This can also serve as luminous masterpiece for various interior designers, as it consumes less power and is more effective and responsive

Hope you liked our post. Thank you for reading it.