First Bytes 2013

Welcome! This is the website for Project Illuminate, the lab project for First Bytes 2013.

Project Illuminate will use the Arduino Uno to control 16 color changing G-35 lights. These lights are individually addressable, which means that we can control each one separately.

In this project, you will learn to use the Arduino board to create patterns in the lights. At the end of the week, we will have a project showcase where you can show off your creation (i.e. the patterns your program can make in the lights) and compete for prizes.

The Arduino Uno programming environment uses the Arduino programming language, which is based on C/C++, so first everyone must complete the C++ tutorial. This tutorial covers only the aspects of C++ you'll need for this project.

The tutorial (and all programming for this project) must be completed using Pair (or Group) Programming. Your log will be turned in with the rest of your materials at the end of camp.

Once you are familiar with the aspects of C++ used in this project, you will begin working with the Arduino board.

Project Illuminate Guide
Getting Started with Arduino
Connecting the Lights
Controlling the Lights
Basic Patterns
Advanced Topic:Dancing Lights
Advanced Topic:Displaying a Message

Troubleshooting and Bug Fixes

For more information about the competition, please review the competition rules.

More Resources
Instructions to Make Your Own Arduino and Light Set

Massimo Banzi, a co-founder of Arduino, gave a TED talk about Arduino. The talk is titled, "How Arduino is Open-Sourcing Imagination", and it is a really interesting talk---Mr. Banzi includes many examples of projects completed using Arduino.



This lab was originally created and led by myself and Ashley Oudenne, and Clare Coleman has updated and adapted the lab for a new environment. Please let either Clare or me know if you have any questions! My contact information is on my main page, and Clare's email address is: ccoleman@cs.utexas.edu

Acknowledgments: Special thanks to John Graham-Cumming who coded the framework from which these frameworks are adapted.