Summary of Arduino Basics: Working One LED
This beginner-friendly Arduino project guides users step-by-step in setting up an Arduino Duemilanove to control an RGB LED via a USB connection. It requires basic components like the Arduino board, a USB printer cable, RGB LED, and a PC with a USB port. The instructions cover hardware connections—connecting the LED to pin 13 and ground—and software installation from the Arduino download page, making it accessible for newcomers to get started with Arduino basics effectively.
Parts used in the Beginner Arduino LED Project:
- Arduino Duemilanove
- USB Printer Cable
- RGB LED
- PC with USB Port (Mac OSX, Windows, or Linux)
I’ve been encountering lots or Arduino projects but generally most are on intermediate and advanced level and only a few basic instructions on how to start with Arduino. This project I made were actually inspired by this example on the Arduino page, but a much in depth step by step instructions.
Assuming that you already have the basic idea on the parts and pin assignments of Arduino, you can now skip reading about them on this page.
Step 1: What you need?
1) Arduino – I used the Duemilanove since this is the only model currently available in local stores.
2) USB Printer Cable – Any USB printer cable you have at home.
3) LED – I used RGB LED.
4) PC with USB port – Any PC with USB Port. Preferably, PC with MAC OSX, Windows and Linus Operating System.
Step 2: Getting Started
1) Connect your USB Printer cable to your Arduino.
2) Connect your Arduino to your PC via the USB port.
3) Connect your LED’s Anode (+) longer pin to PIN 13 (Ideally pin number 13 because of the resistor connected to it) and the Cathode (-) shorter pin to the ground (GND).
Step 3: Downloading Software
1) Access Arduino download page.
2) Choose the appropriate download based on your operating system.
3) Extract files on your target folder.
For more detail: Arduino Basics: Working One LED
