See Light show in action:
Why did I make this?
I made this light show because I have seen the giant laser shows and Christmas displays on TV and in person. I wanted to learn how to make all the circuits and parts needed for the show. I set out two months before Christmas with a budget of $100 USD. After about 70 hours of research, testing, circuit building, and coding, I was able to make a small light show for my living room. Below I have shared what I did and used so it may help guide other people looking to get started.
Disclaimer: Complete this project at YOUR OWN RISK
I am not a professional and this is only a guide not a tutorial. If you want to build a completely safe circuit you need to use a opto-isolator and correct resistors for the triacs used.
How to recreate this project:
Quick video with behind the scenes of the light show
Parts/Software
Software/Programs:
-Vixen 3 (Used to create light show)
-Arduino (Used to program the Arduino)
-TimerOneClass (Plugin for Arduino light Hz sync)
-Code for vixen communication
-Code to test lights through serial
Parts:
-Shallow Switch/Outlet Wall Electrical Box (Lowe's or Home Depot)
-Wall Plate
-BT136-600E 120VAC Triacs
-Extension cord (Can be what ever you want. Use heavier gauge depending on your load you want to switch)
-PCB Boards (Use a board that makes sense for the type of circuit and box you are using)
-Solder (Does not matter what type really)
-Soldering Iron (If you don't have one)
-Bell wire (Find at Home Depot also)
-Wire strippers (Find at local hardware store)
-Arduino Mega 2560 (Probably buy somewhere cheaper)
-Zero Cross Tail (Used for Triac firing detection)
-Vixen 3 (Used to create light show)
-Arduino (Used to program the Arduino)
-TimerOneClass (Plugin for Arduino light Hz sync)
-Code for vixen communication
-Code to test lights through serial
Parts:
-Shallow Switch/Outlet Wall Electrical Box (Lowe's or Home Depot)
-Wall Plate
-BT136-600E 120VAC Triacs
-Extension cord (Can be what ever you want. Use heavier gauge depending on your load you want to switch)
-PCB Boards (Use a board that makes sense for the type of circuit and box you are using)
-Solder (Does not matter what type really)
-Soldering Iron (If you don't have one)
-Bell wire (Find at Home Depot also)
-Wire strippers (Find at local hardware store)
-Arduino Mega 2560 (Probably buy somewhere cheaper)
-Zero Cross Tail (Used for Triac firing detection)