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6. First light – verification test

In this part we will get to see the much awaited for moment of the first illumination of the LEDs. Using an Arduino or similar, run a test program to verify all connections are OK and that all of the soldering is OK. For this part you will need an Arduino, its usb cable, jumpers, and your computer to program it.

Now it is time to test the LEDs. Obtain an Arduino or similar microcontroller for testing and jumper wires.

Following the connections on the header on the super bright lights board, make the following connections:
Gnd -\> Gnd on the Arduino
+5V -\> 5V on the Arduino
1 -\> Pin 9 on the Arduino
2 -\> Pin 10 on the Arduino
3 -\> Pin 5 on the Arduino
4 -\> Pin 6 on the Arduino

*Note: In this photo we used F-M jumpers. If you have additional solid core wire, that can be used as a makeshift way to turn F-F jumpers to F-M. We included F-F headers as this allows for an easier connection to the Bowie Brain.

Upload the code and see that all the LEDs illuminate. If one of the LEDs does not illuminate, this is indicative of a problem. Go back and double check the wiring and your soldering.

In the case of this photo, we determined the problem was with a circuit board mistake. This has since been fixed, and this problem is not the case your your kit with the new circuit boards.

If you do have an error, take time to diagnose it, then try fixes. Try the code on the Arduino again and see if it works.

Congratulations! You have successfully illuminated the LEDs.
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Page last updated on: Fri Jan 17 22:48:53 2020