Hi!

Today I would like to introduce you to a new exciting project that I have built in my home, an LED Cube in the dimensions 4x4x4.

For this I used:

1 x Nano V3

4 x NPN 2n2222 transistors

4 x 1k Ω resistors

16 x 220 Ω resistors

64 x blue diffused LEDs (5mm)

Micro USB port

Yellow LED (SMD)

For the construction of the LED Cube:

For all 64 LEDs, the anode is bent over by 90 ° (always in the same position). These are then led down to the positive pole.

As can be seen in the picture above, the cube consists of an X-Y axis and 4 layers stacked on top of each other. The bottom layer has the number 0 and the top the number 3. Similarly, the LEDs are numbered like a three-dimensional matrix. The lower left LED is on layer 0 (1,1). The overlying LED is also on layer 1 (1,1). The right LED on layer 0 (2,1) and so on. All horizontal layers are the negative pins of the LEDs soldered together.

All positive pins of the LEDs are treated as columns of this matrix cube. So we have 4 layers and 16 columns that make it 20 wires connected to the Arduino. The positive pins (layers) have 220 ohm resistors.

The assembly of the cube:

First, we need a moderately thick cardboard or wood. Now we drill holes in it so that a 4 × 4 cube pattern with equal distances between all holes is created.

5mm holes (each hole is 2.4cm from the nearest (center-center)) were drilled as a template for the LEDs.

Now you have to test and prepare your LEDs. You can use a 3V button cell for this purpose. Test all LEDs so you will not have any problems later!

If you want the light to come out from all sides of the LED, you can spread the light by rubbing the plastic dish with sandpaper.

Put the LEDs in the box, but pay attention to their orientation. The positive pins of the LEDs must be bent and the negative ones connected like a layer. That's because we're going to make four such layers and it's easy to solder them together.

Repeat these layers 4x and finish them over each other, connecting all the + pins and putting them on top of each other.

The board, pinout and connections:

In my case, I chose the following pinout to drive the cube like in a matrix:

You should make these connections and also pay attention to the correct choice of pins, otherwise the animation will not run correctly later.

Under that Link you can download the Code for programming the arduino;D

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1509/1638/files/Gerber_LED_Cube_Niklas_Heinzel.zip?104356

Have fun with your Cube!:D

Niklas