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Light-Emitting Diode Projects

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are small electronic components that emit light. Everyday electronics, such as remote controls, computers, cell phones, and televisions use LEDs to display whether they are on and, in some cases, whether they are working properly. Decorations, such as string lights, and some art projects, also use LEDs. Whether you are a novice or an expert, there are many LED projects that you can build.
  1. Beginners' Project

    • If you have never worked with electronics or LEDs before, create an electronic circuit that allows you to turn an LED on and off with a toggle switch or button. You will need an LED, a power source, such as a battery in a battery clip, breadboard, button or switch, and at least one resistor. Use the breadboard to create the circuit. The power flows from the switch or button to the resistor and then the LED. Always connect the power source last to avoid electrocution and the risk of destroying your components.

    Dimmer

    • Add a potentiometer to the beginners' LED project. A potentiometer is a type of resistor that provides variable resistance, which controls the amount of electric current in a circuit, and has three metal posts. Connect one of the outer posts of the potentiometer between the resistor and LED with wire or alligator clips. Connect the middle post to the LED's positive leg and the other outer post to the negative terminal of your power source. Turn the potentiometer's shaft back and forth to dim or brighten the LED.

    LED Clothing

    • If you know how to solder and sew, you can create LED clothing. Add LEDs to t-shirts, jackets, sweaters, and pants. You will need LEDs, conductive thread, a battery, battery holder, solder, soldering iron, and needle or sewing machine. Add a microcontroller, such as the LilyPad Arduino, or timer chips to control the patterns created by multiple LEDs. The exact components required by your project depends on what you are making. Popular LED clothing styles include LED turn signals on cyclists' jackets and basic patterns, such as stars and text.

    Microcontrollers

    • Use a microcontroller, such as the Arduino or Make Controller, to control LEDs with your computer. Create or download a program that allows you to control the amount of power that is output by the microcontroller. Connect a basic on/off LED circuit to the pin of the microcontroller that is being controlled by the computer. Depending on your electronics and programming knowledge, you can create anything from audio-controlled LEDs to LED arrays that display moving images.


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