Glo Is an Open Source, Quad-Channel LED Strip Controller

This Arduino-compatible board provides a rugged way to control up to four independent RGB strips.

Jeremy Cook
3 years agoLights

Controlling a strip o' LEDs with an Arduino Uno and the like is fairly trivial these days. However, when you want to install multiple strips, potentially in an environment where they’ll be jostled around, you’ll need to work out a few more details. For an all-in-one package that allows for control of up to four strips with screw terminals, Glo — "a hackable, Arduino-based RGB/NeoPixel controller" — could suit your needs nicely.

The PCB runs on an ATmega328P microcontroller, making it fully Arduino-compatible, and features an FT232 USB-to-serial chip for easy programming. A Mini USB port is provided for programming, along with separate Mini USB port for power, or you can also power it through screw terminals. LED channels 1-4 are conveniently broken out on their own screw terminal blocks, and there’s two interface buttons as well as a Hall effect sensor to enable it to react to magnets.

The build write-up includes Gerber and drill files for this particular design, plus an outline of how you can customize things to your own needs. There’s even a nice 3D-printed case design available. Finally, if this seems interesting, but you’d prefer something with wireless control capabilities, the WiFi-enabled “Glo Rev 2” is scheduled to launch on Kickstarter this March!

Jeremy Cook
Engineer, maker of random contraptions, love learning about tech. Write for various publications, including Hackster!
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