instructables
LED CUBE 4X4X4 USING ARDUINO UNO
by The_Technocrat
Hello !
In this Instructables we shall learn how to make a
4x4x4x LED Cube using Arduino. I have explained
the making of the cube step by step in a sequence.
The total cost of this project is 500 Rupees.
Watch this Video For Better understanding..
//www.youtube.com/embed/0qYi1MYT5Lk
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I have attached the link to the arduino code and the
references from where i learned to make the cube.
You can ask me what is the use of making this
project....of course.. it's for decoration purpose
only...but this can explain the smallest block of a 3D
imaging system.
This cube requires 16 vertical LED rows and 4
horizontal layers. So the total required pins are 20. I
have explained the working in detail in coming steps.
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Step 1: List of Materials

Arduino UNO

Diffused LED 4mm (64 nos)

220 ohm resistor (Color Code: Red-Red-Brown)

Soldering kit ( Iron,Solder,Flux..)

General Purpose PCB

Wires

Wire stripper,

Nose Pliar

Terminal Strip

Drill

Hot Glue Glue

3mm Ply-wood

Hexa Blade

Stationaries like Scale, Marker,etc

LED CUBE 4X4X4 USING ARDUINO UNO: Page 3

 1

1. Hexa Blade 1. Terminal strip

1. Ply-Wood

Step 2: Preparation of Jig to Place the LED

The jig helps to place the LEDs in place and helps in soldering.

Find some Ply-Wood and use a marker to mark the position of LEDs. The LEDs should be placed 1 inch apart.

Use a Drilling machine to drill 4mm holes in the marked places.

LED CUBE 4X4X4 USING ARDUINO UNO: Page 4

Step 3: Placing the LEDs on the Jig and Soldering.
Use a 3 volt cell to check the working of LEDs before
proceeding.
Place 16 LEDs on the jig placed on a table. Bend the
positive leads of the LEDs to interconnect the
Positive terminals of all the LEDs. The leads facing
upwards towards you will be Negetive. Watch my
video for better understanding.
You need not worry if you did the opposite way. You
LED CUBE 4X4X4 USING ARDUINO UNO: Page 5
will only have to make small changes in Arduino
code.
Apply small portion of flux on each joint and solder
the joints to interconnect all the positive leads (Bent
leads) .
This is your first layer. You will have to make similar 4
of these.
Step 4: Solder the 4 Layers

Let's name the four layers as A,B,C and D. Insert the Cube into the PCB and Solder the pins.

In this step we shall attach the four layers. Now we Strip the insulation of a single strand wire. Connect
will have to connect the vertical pins(Negative these wires on to four layers(Positive Terminals) and
Polarity) of each layer. the other end is connected to PCB.

Start by soldering the corner pins of each layer one Connect 220 ohm resistors to these 4 layer
after the other. Apply required amount of flux and connections.
solder the vertical terminals.

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Step 5: Wiring the LED Cube to Arduino.

Before wiring it is essential to know the terminal (2,4)-6

names.
(3,1)-5
Imagine holding the cube and seeing from the top.
Consider a corner LED and that is your reference. (3-2)-4
Corner towards right becomes your 'x' axis and the
other becomes 'y'axis. (3-3)-3

I have named the pins and terminals after connecting (3,4)-2

on PCB.(Refer to the image)
(4,1)-1
Solder each wire to the terminal strip and hot glue it
to avoid the breakage of solder joints. (4,2)-0

The following is the connection details. Example: Pin (4,3)-A5

Name (1,1) goes to Digital pin 13 on Arduino.
(4,4)-A4
[(x,y)-Pin]
Layers [Layer-Pin]
(1,1)-13
a-A0
(1,2)-12
b-A1
(1,3)-11
c-A2
(1,4)-10
d-A3
(2,1)-9
I made a Small simple wooden casing to hide the
(2,2)-8 wiring. Cut required size ply-wood and hot glue them
to form a Box.
(2,3)-7

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Step 6: Programming the Arduino

Note: The code uploaded here is not Designed by You can power your Arduino using a mobile phone
me. View the Original Code HERE. charger.

Download the Code and open it in Arduino software. The Link for the Code from the Creator

Connect the arduino to your PC USB port. https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/F8M/CBGA/HXD

PG8...
Select the Correct Port and your Arduino Board.

Upload the code and your done!

1
1

1. Select your board. 1. Select Your COM Port.

Mine is COM4.... May vary

1. Press Upload icon. 1. Cube Start Working When successfully done

LED CUBE 4X4X4 USING ARDUINO UNO: Page 12

 http://www.instructables.com/ORIG/F8A/Y498/J6IF2DJ7/F8AY498J6IF2DJ7.ino
… Download (https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/F8A/Y498/J6IF2DJ7/F8AY498J6IF2DJ7.ino)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/ORIG/F8A/Y498/J6IF2DJ7/F8AY498J6IF2DJ7.ino)

Step 7: Working Video and References

Congragulations!! https://www.instructables.com/id/4x4x4-LED-Cube-
A...
You made yourself a Cool looking LED CUBE to
place on a corner of your Desk..! https://playground.arduino.cc/Main/ArduinoPinCurre...

Watch the Full working video from here. Thank you very much for checking out my
Instructables

//www.youtube.com/embed/qtgMto8_3_8
If you have any quires , please feel free to post the
questions and comments in Section below.

H S Sandesh Hegde
References

Bengaluru, INDIA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtgMto8_3_8&t=1s

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