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RGB 8x8x8 LED Cube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
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http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
Overall cost for everything above was $80 for all electronics and LEDs, $28 for the PCB, and the base I was able to have laser cut with scrap black acrylic I had sitting
around. I priced it out on ponoko as costing $50 but I suggest visiting your local FABlab or makerspace to save costs.
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
File Downloads
RGB_LED_Cube.zip (1 MB)
[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'RGB_LED_Cube.zip']
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
File Downloads
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
Step 6: Casing
Before continuing on to solder the LEDs to the PCB, it was necessary to insert the top layer of the laser cut case. The top panel had holes laser cut exactly where the
columns would slide into the PCB holes for soldering so it was easy to align. The case is simple to assemble and can be glued together using a small dab of superglue.
The bottom panel will be the very last thing we put onto the cube at the end.
Alongside the box as shown in the pictures above, I cut out a jig to aid in the soldering of LEDs. This was just a backbone acrylic with 8 slots for LEDs to fit into and hold
the bracing wires in place while I soldered them in. This is shown in the last 2 pictures above.
Lastly, there are some extra tabs in the laser cutting file that can be used to glue in place the PCB to the top of the box. They aren't needed but can be helpful during
soldering.
The svg for the laser cutting file is included on this step.
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
File Downloads
Thread 3 copper wires through the holes and solder them to the PCB. I always threaded from the PCB side through the acrylic side.
Bend the leads as shown for 8 LEDs.
Pop the LEDs into the jig (in the shown orientation with the common lead (longest) back)
Slide the jig into position against the copper wires
Solder each LED in (3 point per LED, 8 LEDs per column)
Clip excess leads off
Slide jig up and away from wires and LEDs
***Every other sheet of columns (starting with the first sheet) must have the common pins connected with rows of copper wire. see below***
I forgot to include in the video how to connect the common anodes between columns. Hopefully the pictures below help clarify this. In the first picture below you can see
the rows that must be added to connect the anodes to each other. Highlighted in red are the rows. Highlighted in yellow are the common anode pins. Note how the pins
alternate which direction they point such that you only need half the number of rows (each pair of sheets shares a set of rows instead of each sheet having its own rows
to collect anodes). The picture below illustrates this by showing the first two sheets of LEDs sharing one row per layer (layers are horizontal, sheets are vertical). I hope
what I am trying to say makes sense. If not, let me know and I will try to re-write this page or video.
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
Image Notes
1. Notice how the grooves match up with the wires
Image Notes
1. Common pin point back
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
Image Notes
1. Short these two wires together
2. From dc power jack
3. Power supply for entire PCB
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/
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Comments
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MsSweetSatisfaction says:
Awesome, I love all the color patterns! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.instructables.com/id/RGB-8x8x8-LED-Cube-1/