Blinkenlichten Project

Project Overview

The "Blinkenlichten" project is an interactive cityscape created using Arduino boards, motion sensors, and LED lights. The project was developed by a group of four students as part of a course at HBK Braunschweig. The goal was to combine physical crafting with programming to create a visually engaging and interactive experience.

Tools and Materials Used

Electronics

• Arduino Uno: Used to control the LED lighting sequence.
• FastLED Library: A library for controlling LED strips.
• Motion Sensors: Detect movement to trigger the lighting sequence.
• LED Strips (WS2811): Provide the lighting for the houses.
• Power Supply: Powers the Arduino and LED strips.
• Soldering Tools: Used to connect wires and components.

Construction

• Recycled Materials: Tea boxes, egg cartons, cans, and plastic packaging were used to build the houses.
• Spray Paint: Blue paint was used to give the houses a uniform appearance.
• Cutter Knife: Used to cut windows into the houses.
• Glue: For assembling the houses and securing components.

Key Features

• Interactive Lighting: Motion sensors trigger a chain reaction of lights as viewers move through the installation.
• Sustainability: The project uses recycled materials to construct the houses.
• Collaborative Effort: Tasks were divided among team members, combining programming, electronics, and crafting.

Lessons Learned

• The importance of careful planning and testing when working with physical components.
• How to use Arduino boards and the FastLED library to control LEDs.
• Soldering and wiring techniques for creating reliable circuits.
• The value of teamwork and task delegation in completing a complex project.

Future Improvements

• Adding more houses to create a denser cityscape.
• Refining the motion sensor logic for more dynamic interactions.
• Including miniature scenes inside the houses for added detail and immersion.
• Placing the houses at eye level to enhance the viewer's experience.