LED Chaser Heart
This project marked a significant milestone in my learning journey, as it was my first attempt at soldering multiple components without using a PCB. Built about two years ago, the design combines simplicity with creativity, resulting in a visually captivating heart-shaped LED chaser.
Project Overview
Core Components:
NE555 Timer: Used to generate the clock pulses for driving the LED sequence. A potentiometer is connected between two pins of the timer, allowing the speed of the clock pulses to be adjusted and, in turn, controlling the LED chasing speed.
CD4017 Decade Counter: Acts as the brain of the circuit, controlling the sequence in which the LEDs light up.
LED Arrays: Three separate LED circuits connected to different output pins of the CD4017, creating a "chasing" effect.
How It Works
The NE555 timer produces a consistent pulse, which is fed into the clock input of the CD4017. The pulse speed can be adjusted using the potentiometer, enabling control over how quickly the LEDs appear to "chase" each other. The CD4017 sequentially activates its output pins, each connected to a set of LEDs, forming a mesmerizing pattern.
Challenges & Achievements
Challenges:
Soldering components onto a custom wire frame for the first time, ensuring proper connections without a PCB.
Managing power distribution and stabilizing the circuit to achieve smooth operation.
Achievements:
Successfully completed the project, igniting my interest in hands-on electronics and pushing me to explore advanced topics like circuit design and microcontrollers.
Integrated a functional potentiometer, providing dynamic control over the speed of the LED sequence.
