LED color organ ideas

Roger Lee

I would like to make an LED color organ. Who wouldn't, right?
The general idea is to play sound files (music) from an IPAD for example,
have LEDs respond to the sound with visually pleasing patterns.

It seems this can be done using:

MSGEQ7 - Graphics Equalizer Display Filter
ADC0831 - 8 bit analog-digital converter DIP
and a few resistors and caps from the parts cabinet.


Before I dive in, I'd like to ask if there is an easier (better) way.
ie: is there a chip similar to the MSGEQ7 that provides the frequency information in usable digital form?
Any ideas welcome.

Thank you,
Roger.

MikeDYur

I would think a Propeller could handle both jobs, input through a line level or microphone or two, and output to an:

https://www.parallax.com/product/28086

Behind a piece of appropriate plexiglass, and a wood cabinet, it would be a great display.


EDIT: Sorry for being so way off base, I see now what your goal is.

xanadu

I did the electronics for a helmet the same way. http://www.instructables.com/id/Two-Daft-Punk-Helmets-in-One-Month

There's a forum post and some more info on the MSGEQ7 and ADC http://forums.parallax.com/discussion/162407/guy-manuel-gold-daft-punk-helmet-completed

There's an FFT object in OBEX, but I've never used it and don't know if it will help. http://obex.parallax.com/object/622

Roger Lee

@xanadu

That helmet is off the top of the coolness chart. Thanks for the links.
I did a quick run though of the instructables looking for some code
If I read that right the MSGEQ7 part of it did not work the way you wanted.
Did you get it working?

xanadu

Thank you. At first the EQ7 didn't work because I was connecting it to an amplified source. After that it was great. I still need to swap out the Prop with a Prop mini. The Intructable has pics of it many months later at a makerspace meetup on Cinco de Mayo. I think they have it on display at their house and turn it on so hopefully the freakin thing is still working...