I'm a sculptor, not an EE, but I'm trying to incorporate controllable LEDs into a piece that I'm working on, and I could use some advice figuring out a practical approach. I'd like to be able to control 12 separate channels (the piece is a dodecahedron) of RGB strips, and that means I'll need 36 PWM outs, which is more than I have access to on an Arduino. As far as I can tell I'll need a shield, something like TLC5940 Breakout – though that only gives me 16 PWMs so I'd need to daisy chain three of them, which I know can be done, but I'd like to know what issues might result. Something like Brilldea LED Painter might also be a solution, but I'm relatively pressed for time, so something pre-assembled would be a nice perk.
I'm new to this, so I'm not sure of the accuracy of what I just said, but hopefully some of you can fill me in on what might be a reasonable approach. Thanks for your help.
Best Answer
In my opinion, your approach in using this breakout board by sparkfun sounds really good :)
The big advantages are that this board provides 16 PWM channels that are programmable via a daisy chainable serial interface, all led inputs are easily accessible and easy to keep track of.
Also - you probably know already, if you plan on using Arduino, a library that will help you manipulate the driver already exists.
In case you didn't, you should also check out their project home
Since you said that you are pressed I think this solution would allow you to work fast and easy in order to get those leds up and running the way you want them to - Good luck with your project! :)