Following on from the project we featured last week that used the affordable £9 IKEA coffee table to create an awesome Raspberry Pi powered retro arcade table, a new Arduino project uses the same style of IKEA table to create a music visualiser.
Check out the video below to see the Arduino music visualiser IKEA coffee table in action, its designer explain more about its inspiration and construction.
It’s based on the Tiny Music Visualizer project from Adafruit, using their I2C multiplexer board for a tiny 8×8 bicolor LED matrix. The Arduino code is from there, the circuit is from there — all I really created was a big handmade LED matrix, and put it into an IKEA table!
Plug its USB cable into a phone charger or any USB port, then crank up the tunes and enjoy watching the giant tricolor pixels dance like splashing fountains of spectrum analyzer goodness!
Project Inspiration and Components
The inspiration for this project comes from the Tiny Music Visualizer project by Adafruit, which is known for its innovative and accessible DIY electronics kits. The core of the visualizer is an 8×8 bicolor LED matrix, controlled by an Arduino microcontroller. The I2C multiplexer board from Adafruit allows for easy control of the LED matrix, making it possible to create intricate light patterns that respond to music.
The designer of this project took the basic concept and expanded it into a larger format by creating a handmade LED matrix and integrating it into an IKEA coffee table. This not only makes the visualizer more visually impressive but also turns a simple piece of furniture into a functional piece of art.
Building Your Own Music Visualiser
If you’re interested in building your own music visualiser, the process is surprisingly straightforward, especially if you follow the detailed instructions available on the MAKE website. Here are some additional tips and considerations to help you get started:
1. Materials Needed: Besides the IKEA coffee table and the Adafruit components, you’ll need some basic tools and materials such as a soldering iron, wires, and a USB power source. You might also want to consider using a diffuser material to soften the light from the LEDs and make the visual effects more pleasing.
2. Coding and Circuitry: The Arduino code and circuit design are provided by Adafruit, making it easier for beginners to get started. However, if you’re more experienced, you can customize the code to create unique visual effects or add additional features such as remote control via a smartphone app.
3. Assembly Tips: When assembling the LED matrix, take your time to ensure that all connections are secure and that the LEDs are evenly spaced. This will help to create a more uniform and visually appealing display. Additionally, consider using hot glue or another adhesive to secure the components inside the table.
4. Testing and Calibration: Before finalizing the assembly, test the visualizer to make sure everything is working correctly. You may need to adjust the sensitivity of the microphone or the brightness of the LEDs to get the best results.
5. Customization: One of the great things about DIY projects is the ability to customize them to your liking. You can experiment with different LED colors, patterns, and even add additional sensors to make the visualizer more interactive.
Plug its USB cable into a phone charger or any USB port, then crank up the tunes and enjoy watching the giant tricolor pixels dance like splashing fountains of spectrum analyzer goodness!
Full instructions on how to create your very own are now available via the MAKE website, via the link below.
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