Almost everyone listens to music on a computer. But it is much more pleasant when your favorite melodies are accompanied by light. Color music is quite a popular phenomenon. It is controlled by the "Light Music" program. Download the program and install the LPT driver. Launch "Light Music". The presence of an LPT port in the computer will give you the opportunity to solder the necessary elements.
Necessary
Personal computer, LEDs, LPT connector and cable, wires
Instructions
Step 1
It is recommended to connect this device to a DB-25M plug. Connect the diodes to the back of the plug. Connect the first LED to the second and so on. Connect the LEDs directly to the LPT port (if there is no DB-25M plug). The LPT port is symmetrical, so it is very easy to confuse the pins. Be careful and check every wire and pin for problems.
Select the resistor values experimentally. They depend both on the LEDs used and on the characteristics of the particular port. Try with a 33 or 47 ohm resistor. If the brightness is not enough, the resistor can be removed. Measure the current that flows through the LED. Take all 12 diodes of the same brand and the same color. Before soldering, it's best to decide on the polarity. A switch can be used.
Step 2
Place the LEDs in a way that suits you best. Place 12 diodes along a circle with a radius of 30-40mm. Use the case of the system unit, the cover from the compartments, a getinax plate or thick cardboard as a panel. Drill holes of the required diameter and clean out unnecessary debris. The diode should fit tightly into the hole. Solder the LEDs to the PCB first. Check the design. If the computer starts to reboot or shuts down when connecting the device, quickly remove the ribbon cable from the port. Then start looking for errors, and turn it back on. You can control the LEDs using the LptPort.exe program. In order for the computer to blink, neon lamps can be built in. When there is sound, they will start blinking.
Step 3
A very easy way to get music with light is to download the WinAmp player. Install it on your computer. Start the player. Click "Start" and go to the "Configure plug-in" settings. At the top of the window there is a display that displays the spectrum of audio signals. The "Use Effects" option will allow you to display multiple effects at the same time. Go to the "Effect Settings" option. Do whatever works best for you. "Level" - works like a normal sound level, the louder the sound, the more lights are on. "CMU" - allows you to tune each light bulb to the frequency range. "Running lights" - the effect works regardless of the spectrum, uses only its own settings. "Inverting" is intended to display the result in inverse form, ie. instead of a light, there will be a shadow and vice versa. Make the settings and save them with the “Save” button.
