Arduino RGB LED Control with Python GUI

This project demonstrates how to control an RGB LED connected to an Arduino board using Python's PyFirmata2 library and a custom graphical user interface (GUI) built with CustomTkinter (CTk). It allows users to control individual LEDs on/off, select custom colors using a color picker, and control LED brightness using sliders.

Prerequisites

• Arduino IDE: Installed and configured.
• Arduino Board: Connected to your computer.
• Python 3.x: Installed.
• PyFirmata2: Install using pip install pyfirmata2.
• CustomTkinter (CTk): Install using pip install customtkinter.
• CTkColorPicker: Install using pip install CTkColorPicker.

Hardware Setup

1. Connect an RGB LED to your Arduino board using PWM-capable digital pins (specifically, pins 6, 10, and 11 as configured in the code).
2. Connect current-limiting resistors in series with each LED pin.
3. Connect the Arduino board to your computer via USB.

Circuit Diagram

Here's the circuit diagram for this project:

Software Setup

1. Upload StandardFirmata:

   • Open the Arduino IDE.
   • Go to File > Examples > Firmata > StandardFirmata.
   • Upload the StandardFirmata sketch to your Arduino board.

2. Run the Python Script:

   • Save the Python code (e.g., rgb_led_control.py) in a directory.
   • Open a terminal or command prompt.
   • Navigate to the directory where you saved the script.
   • Run the script using python rgb_led_control.py.

Installation Instructions

1. Install Python:

   • Ensure you have Python 3.x installed on your system.
   • If not, download it from python.org and follow the installation instructions.

2. Install PyFirmata2:

   • Open a terminal or command prompt.
   • Run the following command:

     pip install pyfirmata2

3. Install CustomTkinter (CTk):

   • In the same terminal, run:

     pip install customtkinter

4. Install CTkColorPicker:

   • In the same terminal, run:

     pip install CTkColorPicker

Code Explanation

• PyFirmata2: Establishes communication with the Arduino board and controls the LED pins using PWM.
• CustomTkinter (CTk): Creates the GUI with buttons and sliders for controlling the LEDs.
• CTkColorPicker: Provides a color picker dialog for selecting custom colors.
• hex_to_rgb(hex_code): Converts hexadecimal color codes to RGB values.
• blue_on(), blue_off(), green_on(), green_off(), red_on(), red_off(): Functions to control individual LEDs.
• multi_on(): Function to set the RGB LED color using the color picker.
• all_off(): Function to turn off all LEDs.
• red_analog_value(value), green_analog_value(value), blue_analog_value(value): Functions to control LED brightness using sliders.

How to Use

1. Set Port Number:

   • Modify the port variable in the script to match your Arduino's serial port (e.g., "COM3", "/dev/ttyACM0").

2. Run the Script:

   • Execute the Python script.
   • A GUI window will appear.

3. Control LEDs:

   • Use the "ON" and "OFF" buttons to control individual LEDs.
   • Click "SET COLOUR" to open the color picker and select a custom color.
   • Use the sliders to control the brightness of each LED.
   • Click "ALL OFF" to turn off all LEDs.

Practical Video

Practical.2.mp4

Important Notes

• Pin Configuration: The code is configured to use digital pins 6 (red), 10 (blue), and 11 (green) for the RGB LED. Adjust these pins in the code if needed.
• Serial Port: Ensure the correct serial port is specified in the port variable.
• Firmata: Make sure you have uploaded the StandardFirmata sketch to your Arduino board.

Customization

• Modify the GUI layout and appearance using CustomTkinter's widgets and options.
• Expand functionality by adding more LEDs, sensors, or other components.

Troubleshooting

• Serial Port Issues: Ensure the correct serial port is selected.
• Firmata Upload: Verify that StandardFirmata is uploaded correctly.
• Wiring: Double-check your LED and resistor connections.
• Library Installation: Ensure that all necessary libraries are installed.

This project provides a foundation for controlling RGB LEDs using Python and a GUI.