# Blink The LED Blink application is a project that allows the user to control the blinking of an LED using an [SMD ](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/smd-red)and an [RGB LED Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/add-on-modules/rgb-led-module). This project is designed for simplicity, making it an ideal starting point for those wishing to experience the SMD hardware control using [the SMD libraries](https://docs.acrome.net/software/libraries).

"Blink" Project

**About Tools and Materials:** [SMD Red](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/smd-red) ([Purchase Here](https://www.robotshop.com/products/acrome-smd-red-smart-brushed-motor-driver-with-speed-position-and-current-control-modes)) [SMD USB Gateway](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/gateway-modules/usb-gateway-module) ([Purchase Here](https://www.robotshop.com/products/acrome-usb-gateway-module-acrome-smd-products)) [Arduino Gateway Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/gateway-modules/arduino-gateway-module) ([Purchase Here](https://www.robotshop.com/products/acrome-arduino-gateway-shield-module-acrome-smd-products)) [RGB LED Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/add-on-modules/rgb-led-module) ([Purchase Here](https://www.robotshop.com/products/acrome-rgb-led-add-on-module-acrome-smd-products)) ## **Step 1: Hardware & Software Overview** **Project Key Components** * [**SMD**](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/smd-red) The SMD acts as a bridge between the script and the [RGB LED Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/add-on-modules/rgb-led-module). It is responsible for interpreting the commands sent by the script and translating them into actions that toggle the RGB module. * [**RGB LED Module**](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/add-on-modules/rgb-led-module) The [RGB LED Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/add-on-modules/rgb-led-module) is designed to emit different colors, allowing users to experiment with different lighting effects. * [**SMD Libraries**](https://docs.acrome.net/software/libraries) The SMD library is at the heart of the application. It communicates with the SMD using a specific communication protocol, sending commands to turn the RGB LED on or off, adjust the color, or set a specific blinking pattern. **Project Key Features** * **Detailed Control over the LED** The user can easily control the LED of the [RGB LED Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/add-on-modules/rgb-led-module) colors by simply using the necessary function of SMD libraries. The LED on the module can emit all RGB color values. ## **Step 2: Assemble** 1. **Hardware Setup** * Connect the SMD to the PC or Arduino board using [USB Gateway Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/gateway-modules/usb-gateway-module) or [Arduino Gateway Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/gateway-modules/arduino-gateway-module). * Connect the [RGB LED Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/add-on-modules/rgb-led-module) to the SMD using an RJ-45 cable. * Make sure that the SMD is powered and all connections are correct. #### Project Wiring Diagram
## Step 3: Run & Test 1. **Run the Script** * Run the script on your computer. This will establish communication with the SMD and initiate control of the [RGB LED Module](https://docs.acrome.net/electronics/add-on-modules/rgb-led-module). 2. **Experience and Customize:** * Explore different blinking patterns, change the color of the RGB LED to suit your preferences. ## Codes {% tabs %} {% tab title="Python Code" %} {% code lineNumbers="true" %} ```python import time from smd.red import * from serial.tools.list_ports import comports from platform import system def USB_Port(): """ Detects the USB serial port based on the operating system. Returns the detected port or None if no suitable port is found. """ ports = list(comports()) usb_names = { "Windows": ["USB Serial Port"], # Serial port names specific to Windows "Linux": ["/dev/ttyUSB"], # Serial port names specific to Linux "Darwin": [ # Serial port names specific to macOS "/dev/tty.usbserial", "/dev/tty.usbmodem", "/dev/tty.SLAB_USBtoUART", "/dev/tty.wchusbserial", "/dev/cu.usbserial", ] } # Get the operating system name os_name = system() if ports: for port, desc, hwid in sorted(ports): # Check if any known USB name matches the port or its description if any(name in port or name in desc for name in usb_names.get(os_name, [])): print("Connected to:", port) return port # If no suitable port is found, display all available ports print("Available ports:") for port, desc, hwid in ports: print(f"Port: {port}, Description: {desc}, HWID: {hwid}") else: print("No ports detected!") return None # Detect the serial port dynamically SerialPort = USB_Port() if not SerialPort: print("No suitable USB port found! Exiting...") exit(1) # Define constants baudrate = 115200 # Baud rate for communication ID = 0 # ID of the SMD rgb_module_id = 5 # ID of the RGB LED module try: # Initialize the Master module for communication with the SMD master = Master(SerialPort, baudrate) # Sets up the USB gateway module master.attach(Red(ID)) # Connects to the SMD with the specified ID master.scan_modules(ID) # Scans and identifies connected modules to the SMD # RGB LED control loop while True: # Set the RGB LED to red master.set_rgb(ID, rgb_module_id, 255, 0, 0) # RGB values: 255 (Red), 0 (Green), 0 (Blue) time.sleep(0.5) # Delay to control blinking frequency # Turn off the RGB LED master.set_rgb(ID, rgb_module_id, 0, 0, 0) # RGB values: 0 (All colors off) time.sleep(0.5) # Delay to control blinking frequency except FileNotFoundError as e: # Handle the case when the serial port is not found print(f"Error: {e}") print("Make sure the specified serial port exists and is connected.") except Exception as e: # Handle any unexpected errors print(f"Unexpected error: {e}") # Value can be changed to see how the blinking frequency changes ``` {% endcode %} {% endtab %} {% tab title="Arduino Code" %} {% code lineNumbers="true" fullWidth="false" %} ```cpp #include #define ID 0 // ID of the SMD #define BAUDRATE 115200 // Baud rate of the communication Red master(ID, Serial, BAUDRATE); // Defines the Arduino gateway module int rgb_module_id = 1; // ID of the RGB LED module void setup() { master.begin(); // Starts the communication master.scanModules(); // Scans for the connected modules } void loop() { master.setRGB(rgb_module_id, 255, 0, 0); // Numbers are correspond to the R - G - B color values delay(500); // Value can be changed to see how the blinking frequency changes master.setRGB(rgb_module_id, 0, 0, 0); // Sets all colors to zero, meaning turning the RGB LED off delay(500); // Value can be changed to see how the blinking frequency changes } ``` {% endcode %} {% endtab %} {% endtabs %}