I am currently researching platforms to build my project on. I am building a propeller clock that will use either 32 or 40 smd rgb leds, I feel that I need more power than the arduino platform is capable of, and I am loving the looks of the Maple mini. However Arduino has a library build for TLC5940, and I was wondering if there is similar support implemented or planned for the maple?
TLC5940 support
(9 posts) (3 voices)-
gbulmer
ModeratorWhen you say "propeller clock" do you mean a persistence of vision thing?
I haven't noticed anything about TLC5940 on this forum, and I might have noticed because I am working on something using TLC5925, but I might have missed it.
How complex is the Arduino library? It is mainly SPI + timer, I guess?
They exist on Maple of course, but the details are different, so it might be challenging to port across if you are not familiar with programming microcontroller hardware.Sorry I can't be more helpful.
(full disclosure: I am not a member of LeafLabs staff)
Posted 4 years ago # -
ericyanush
MemberI do mean a persistance of vision display! Similar to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jstN8YY2eIg&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
As far as what's in the library I'm not too sure, as I am not to familiar with programming microcontroller hardware, that's why the maple looks alot more appealing than a discrete AVR!
The library can be found here: http://code.google.com/p/tlc5940arduino/
Posted 4 years ago # -
gbulmer
ModeratorI do mean a persistance of vision display! ...
That is probably the best PoV I've seen - go for it!
If I had some spare time, I'd make it too.... I am not to familiar with programming microcontroller hardware ...
Have you programmed before? Are you an electronics person?
That code looks translatable to Maple, but you will be reading two hardware manuals (one for ATmega48/88/168/328, and one for STM32F103xB, figuring out what the code does, which is quite well commented, and then making the hardware on Maple do the same thing)
So it will be quite a slog.You could also try to implement it from 'first principles' using the Maple library.
If you used two or three TLC5940 to drive the LEDs, you could get the SPI hardware interface on Maple to do some of the work.I must admit, I'd be tempted to get something like a Freeduino Nano, and wire everything up the same as the Aduino library needs.
You can use breadboard with the TLC5940.
You might eventually need a second power supply (a linear voltage regulators and few capacitors) to supply enough power to get the LEDs nice and bright, but if it is needed, you'd need it in either case. You won't need that to start with. A few LEDs will be enough to prototype everything else.
Then you would have a clearer idea about what you need.By all means have a go with a Maple Mini. Your project would be a great way to learn how to use a microcontroller, and a Maple mini has a lot more headroom than an Arduino.
(full discolosure: I am not a memeber of LeafLabs staff)
Posted 4 years ago # -
ericyanush
MemberSorry I should have been more specific.. I have experience with the arduino, and have a decent knowledge of c, c++, obj-c but have never done any low level micro programming. Ie assembly for avr or pic. I haven't really taken a good look at the library at this point, I just wanted to see if there was support already, and if not I didn't want to be duplicating effort.
As far as power goes I am in the early stages of testing a head assembly from a VCR (bldc motor coupled with a rotary transformer) so I am not sure exactly how much power will be available yet.
As far as the freeduino, I think the maple will be a better choice as this is going to get a few improvements over the one from YouTube, like wifi;)
Thanks
Eric
Posted 4 years ago # -
gbulmer
Moderatorericyanush - okay I think I understand.
There should be no reason to write assembler. The hardware peripherals are the things you might need to understand.
I absolutely agree the Maple will be a better choice. The extra RAM alone makes it a better fit for something that might use 3KB of RAM, or more, to store its frame buffer (32 x 32 x 3Bytes).
This might offend your sensibilities or wallet, but, if you are familiar with an Arduino then starting with something you feel confident with, may save you a lot of time and angst.
IMHO the Arduino is less ideal for making robust breadboard/prototype electronics than something like a Freeduino Nano. So my suggestion is to use a Freeduino Nano as a 'throw-away' tool, to help you test code and electronics. Once you have used it to test stuff, replace it with a Maple. I'd expect a Freediuno Nano to come in useful one day in the future.
Posted 4 years ago # -
robertcook
MemberEricyanush -- I've used the TLC 5947 before, which is a similar chip (TSSOP, 24 channels instead of 16) on the Arduino using Garrett Mace's code as a starter:
http://docs.macetech.com/doku.php/octobrite
It could be that the 5940 and 5947 have a slightly different protocol.
I believe you could port this easily to the Maple SPI interface. I just did the same thing with the WS2801 PWM controller (3 channel, no latch line) in very little time.
Also, a student at CMU made a bunch of boards intended for POV spinners using the TLC5947, which he sells:
http://electronoblog.allanw.org/rgb-stick/His board assumes through-hole 10mm LEDs. I personally think that will look better in POV than surface-mount chips as it will blend away the "scan lines", and also allow you to scale to a larger size. But, obviously, that's just a personal preference.
Posted 4 years ago # -
gbulmer
Moderatorrobertcook -
Also, a student at CMU made a bunch of boards intended for POV spinners using the TLC5947, which he sells: http://electronoblog.allanw.org/rgb-stick/
That one offers a great opportunity for collaboration because they haven't figured out how to get power onto it when it spins (IMHO pretty fundamental), and it hasn't got a microcontroller (or anything) to control the LEDs (IMHO also fundamental). So they might appreciate co-operation with someone.
Posted 4 years ago #
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