Now available through the Project Forum, parts to build a Stribe Prototype or similar device. The boards could be useful for a number of projects, not just a Stribe. The Driver board alone could be quite useful for midiboxers as it allows you to control 1024 LEDs via a 3-wire interface (16 MAX7221’s chained together), plus it runs on 5V 0.5A USB power! The LED board mounts 112 10-segment LED bargraph displays and brings all the wiring out to the edges. The Stribe is Arduino-based (right now) but could use any logic circuit, really. Take a look and let me know what you think, and please join the forum!
I find this project very attractive, it could be used as MBSEQ extension, as MBLC motorfader replacement, MB64E encoder/LEDring replacement etc… I guess that it will be a lot of fun working with it, therefore I would like to purchase two kits (without Arduino hardware) once you are starting the order.
Well that’s 4! :) Only 6 more to go and I can make an order (I need a minimum of 10 orders to get good prices).
I’ve added a “uC Hacker” kit option without the Arduinos. I get no break on the Arduino stuff currently so it’s actually easier for me if you get them yourself. Or use your own controller w/ your own firmware.
You can find out how to order over at the Stribe Project Forum:
i cannot see the price break down for the led bargraphs . ?
I get the bargraphs from Futurlec.com and the price varies from 30 to 40 cents each (times 112) depending on color. If I make a big enough order (1000+) I can get a slight discount. These are not high-quality name-brand bar-graphs with ceramic bodies like you are used to seeing in fancy audio gear. These have skinny wire legs and the cases are made of plastic and vary in quality. Typical name-brand 10-segment displays go for around $1.25 ea as far as I can tell, though, so the Furulec ones are a great deal, unless you can arrange a quantity discount with a high-end manufacturer. If you have that kind of relationship with someone who makes LED bargraphs please introduce!
Yeah - I’d love to see a Stribe made with parts that actually fit together so you could skip all the IC sockets - it would be 1/4-1/2" thinner, and lighter, though not re-configurable of course.
I’m sure a machine could make something with SM leds that would be super light and thin. There are also SM versions of the MAX7221s, etc, so the whole stribe could be designed for a single circuit board and made with surface-mount parts by a robot.
Don’t worry, the problem is on my side: I just thought 8 softPots and some LEDs wouldn’t be that expensive, but after taking a look at the used parts, it makes absolutely sense.
Hi Michael - no worries - and I hope I don’t seem defensive. I wish it was cheaper, too. Maybe with some more heads working on the design it can be made less expensive. Or if it catches on and enough people want one then economies of scale will bring the price down.
