Embedded Micro

3x3x3 RGB LED Cube

by on Aug.20, 2010, under Electronics

This kit contains everything you need to build a 3x3x3 RGB LED cube. That includes 27 RGB LED, custom PCB, ATmega168 microcontroller, and other supporting electronics.

The basic patterns that ship with the cube.

V04 features the USART (serial) pins of the ATmega168 broken out. With your own custom code you can utilize this to control it with anything that has a serial port. An example of what can be done is show below.

To build this kit you need basic soldering tools. Read through the instructions before you buy a kit and make sure you are capable of building it.

This kit is available through SparkFun

Build Instructions
Schematic
Source Code
PulseAudio Plugin


13 Comments for this entry

  • Stymied

    Please publish a beginners guide to programming and flashing the 3x3x3 cube. Thanks.

  • Sunny

    Whats with flashing the 3x3x3 cube? What do I need? can someone help please :S?

    Thanks

    • admin

      Have you checked out the kit? It has everything you need to get it going.

      If you want to program it you need a USB to Serial (TTL not RS-232) adapter and a right angle header to solder on the board. Look at the product description, SparkFun carries both of these.

  • Jourdan

    Is there a way you can help me with how to build a 3x3x3 led cube without the kit on here but with all the same parts minus the PCB?

    • admin

      Looking at the parts list and the build manual should be enough to make your own. However, I really appreciate when people buy the kit as it helps support me.

  • FUFR

    I want one, but only when an idiot like me can build this or when I can buy one finished

  • Koi

    Is there anyway you could make a 4x4x4 kit? I would gladly pay the extra for ya. Infact, as high as you could go, I would pay for the extra. Lets just say I make a living off of “expanding” peoples minds, and I want that thing sooo damn bad!

  • Owen Rubin

    OK, I supported you and I bought your kit from Sparkfun. Unfortunately, all the parts were just tossed into one small plastic bag, and not separated out like in your instructions here.

    In general, this would not be a problem if the parts matched the description in the instructions, but here in lies the problem. I can find the 9 1K (brown, black red) resistors, but there are 10 other resistors that match none of those listed. I have 9 220 Ohm (red red brown) and 1 10K Ohm resistor (brown black orange) which I assume is a mistake?

    Can I just assume that they have substituted 220′s for the 3 each 169 ohm, 200 ohm, and 100 ohm resistors you call out in your instructions?

    What will be the result of making this change?

    There are also 4 capacitors in the box, you call out only two in the parts list, and I assume “K2J” is a 22pF capacitors you call out? The other small one is labeled “5KM” and I have no idea where that goes, if anywhere, and there is also 10 mF 25V electrolytic that is also not mentioned anywhere. Where does that go?

    The RED sparkfun board looks a little different and is dated 4/22/10. Are there updated instructions?

    Thanks in advance for the help

    • Owen Rubin

      I guess I can answer my own question. never mind. A quick look at the PCB shows the proper part info silk screened onto the board.

      Also, the graphics no longer match the new PCB, so maybe you should update those too, as if one follows your images, they will be putting the LEDs in wrong.

      maybe time to update your instructions, especially given the price of this kit!

  • Owen Rubin

    Hi. Just finished building the kit, slowly and carefully. I checked that all LEDs are properly built and inserted, no solder bridges, and everything looks good, but NOTHING happens when I apply power (yes, checked power polarity). I should not say nothing, occasionally, an LED will flash a color momentarily but that is about it.

    Suggestions for debugging? I am wondering if the ATMEL is faulty and just not running, and how could I tell? Any help would be appreciated.

    Cheers.

  • Tracy Fort

    Mine quit after about 6 months…just died! Any suggestions?

Leave a Reply

Looking for something?

Use the form below to search the site:

Still not finding what you're looking for? Drop a comment on a post or contact us so we can take care of it!

Archives

All entries, chronologically...