Music Reactive LED Lights
As the final project for my microcontroller class at UC Davis, a classmate and I were given the task to design a system using an Arduino to meet an identified need. With a $30 budget as our main constraint, my partner and I designed an LED light strip to follow the beat of song based on the sound of the music.
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Problem Statement
Due to COVID-19, most social interactions have transferred to online settings. Online interactions through Zoom and Facetime aid in social connection. However, there is still an overwhelming sense of isolation.
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One person can be playing music on their end of the video call and the sensor will pick up the sounds coming from the shared device. This allows both, or all individuals, to experience the same sound and light patterns at the same time, simulating an in person gathering.
Solution
Fritzing Diagram
Circuit used to calibrate the sound sensor
Fritzing Diagram
Completed circuit for sound sensing LED lights
Materials Needed
Arduino Uno, Breadboard, Sound Sensor,1kohm Resistor, WS2811 LED Strip, 12V Power Supply, Jumper Wires
Arduino Code
Code used to calibrate the sound sensor
Circuit
Program and test the circuit with various songs and noises
Project Demonstration
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Project Overview
This project was extremely open ended and allowed my partner and I to get creative with light patterns. I really appreciated the opportunity to explore an everyday problem our generation was facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was extremely fun and rewarding to finish the project and have a mini dance party with my classmate over Zoom.
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If you would like to learn more about the project, please check out the link below.
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