Programming Interactive Art with RGB LEDs

Partially unrolled strip of bright purple LEDs against a wall
Traffic light circuit assembled on a breadboard with resistors, coloured LEDs, and jumper wires connected to an Arduino Uno microcontroller
Macro picture of a RGB LED strip made of surface mount LEDs and resistors

Create Vibrant Lighting Displays with NeoPixels and Arduino

Discover the world of programmable RGB LEDs in this beginner-friendly workshop. Learn to create artistic designs and interactive displays using NeoPixels and Arduino. Start with the basics of working with LEDs, power requirements, and wiring, before diving into the versatile world of NeoPixels.

NeoPixels are programmable LEDs that only need one data-wire to control hundreds of RGB LEDs, making your designs compact, scalable, and visually stunning.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to working with LEDs and their power requirements
  • Wiring techniques for LED projects
  • NeoPixels and their advantages in creating artistic designs and interactive displays
  • Integrating NeoPixels with Arduino for seamless control
  • Discussion of how to use sensors to create interactive installations
  • Discussion of the types and form factors for NeoPixels

Included Take-home Package:

  • Take home materials from class (depending on ticket tier selected)
  • Comprehensive course notes and resources for continued learning
  • Guidance on material sourcing and recommended tools
  • Arduino troubleshooting guide
  • Suggested at-home exercises

Duration: 3 hours.

Price:

  • $79 Admission ticket, borrow materials for the duration of the class.
  • $119 Admission ticket, keep materials after class. Take-home materials include Arduino Uno, 50cm strip of Neopixels, 170-point breadboard, 5V power supply, assorted LEDs, resistors, and wires.

Prerequisites: None.

Ages: Suitable for ages 15 and up.

Required Equipment: Participants are required to bring their own laptop and charger with a USB Type-A port (or appropriate adapter). Participants must be computer literate, comfortable installing software packages, and managing files.

Location: MakerLabs, 780 East Cordova Street, V6A 1M3, Vancouver, Canada

Cancellation Policy: You may request a refund or reschedule to a future date up to 24 hours before the event by contacting us via email. Refunds cannot be provided with less than 24 hours notice; however, 50% of the price can be
credited towards a future session. No refunds or credits will be provided for no-shows. Please note that Eventbrite fees are non-refundable and will be deducted from the refund.

Keywords: RGB LEDs, NeoPixels, Arduino, Interactive Displays, LED Workshop, Hands-on Learning, STEAM Education, LED Art, DIY LED Projects