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- Larson Scanner Kit - 10mm Diffused LEDs
Larson Scanner Kit - 10mm Diffused LEDs
No, this kit won't help you scan for Larsons. The Larson Scanner kit is actually named after Glen A. Larson, the man responsible for producing both the original Battlestar Galactica and Knight Rider television shows. Why? Look at the thing: it has KITT written all over it! Or Cylon... if that's your thing.
This easy-to-solder kit incorporates 9 large diffused LEDs and an ATtiny2313 microcontroller to create that awesome sweeping light effect from your favorite sci-fi shows. The microcontroller is pre-programmed, so you don't need to code or program anything if you don't want to! If you do want to do some hacking, though, the source code is available as well as all of the design files.
This is a great kit to get started with soldering because there are no surface mount components, it's also a great way to add blinkiness to your Halloween costume... or, like, you're favorite tie.
- 1 x Larson Scanner PCB
- 9 x 16Ohm Resistors
- 1 x .1uF Capacitor
- 1 x Pushbutton Switch
- 1 x ATtiny2313A Microcontroller
- 1 x AA Battery Holder with Switch
- 9 x 10mm Diffused Red LEDs
Larson Scanner Kit - 10mm Diffused LEDs Product Help and Resources
Core Skill: Soldering
This skill defines how difficult the soldering is on a particular product. It might be a couple simple solder joints, or require special reflow tools.
Skill Level: Rookie - The number of pins increases, and you will have to determine polarity of components and some of the components might be a bit trickier or close together. You might need solder wick or flux.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping
If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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Customer Reviews
5 out of 5
Based on 2 ratings:
10mm larson scanner
THE SCANNER IS TERRIFIC!I TRIED BUILDING THE 555-4017 VERSION,BUT I CAN"T GET THE NUMBER ONE LED TO WORK CORRECTLY.WAS FUN TO BUILD THOUGH.THE MICRO PROSSESSER ONE WAS STRAIGHT TO THE POINT,AND VERY EASY TO BUILD.CANT WAITE TO USE IT IN A JACK-O-LANTURN THIS YEAR.I RECOMMENT THIS TO EVERYONE INTERESTED.5 STARS.
Fun build!
Great way for this old crow to get some of his soldering skills back!
The new product video shows the leds fading from one to the next in a group. Does the software also allow the option of one led on at a time? IIRC that's actually how KITT worked on KR. I think the fading effect was used on BSG for the Cylons.
There is a "narrow eye" mode (hold button on power-up to preview, jumper "opt 1" to make permanent) and a mode that cycles each LED down the strip, one at a time. (hold button for about 10 sec to preview, jumper "opt 2" to make permanent).
but then Kitt didn’t need PWM fading he was using real lightbulbs ;) And the cylons always looked like a mechanical actual moving light to me but still I have amused several kindergarden and first grade classes with robot pumpkin carving using these, they are awesome.
Is the chip pre-programmed?
yes
Related Product: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9286
This product is daggett dribble.
It'd be cool to see a production board using Charlieplexed LEDs. For ATTiny2313 @ 20mHz, you can drive 42 LEDs with PWM effects. Of course, firmware needs to be carefully crafted assembly and the board layout will be a bit crazy. Maybe 2 t2313 chips could drive an entire grill effect - AKA Nightrider?