#Overview# This project describes building an educational Arduino connected to an RGB led strip and a rotary encoder

• playlist of related videos describing the concepts and steps: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEn3R4esjTgkLwjWCui7rWVhmKn9WuJTh

#Build Environment#

• the best way to build this project is with the Arduino IDE
• Arduino IDE available here: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
• Possibly helpful driver for CH340 USB devices here: https://github.com/Makeblock-official/Makeblock-USB-Driver
• this project uses two libraries
• for controlling the RGB LEDs: https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_NeoPixel
• for reading the rotary encoder: http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/td_libs_Encoder.html

#Parts List# The lists below are intended to be helpful examples, not an endorsement of any particular seller or product. The links and prices are going to become outdated quickly. I make no promise to keep them updated constantly but let me know if you find an issue.

##suggested parts list from Sparkfun

Part	Price	Notes
redboard_with_arduino	$19.95
jumper_wires	$1.95
rotary_encoder_with_rgb	$4.95	The pinout is different on this encoder. Just ordered one and will post an update video when i get a chance to try it out.
knob_for_encoder	$0.95
1m_led_strip	$15.95	this has 60 leds instead of 30

##suggested parts list from Adafruit

Part	Price	Notes
arduino_uno_starter_kit	$34.95	Has a few extra parts but overall a great deal
rotary_encoder	$4.50	Includes a plastic knob
1m_led_strip	$16.95	This may or may not have the JST connector on the end. If not, just solder 3 wires (or a 3 pin JST socket connector) directly onto the strip. The longer 5m strip will definitely have a connector

##suggested parts list from Amazon

Part	Price	Notes
arduino_uno_r3	$16.06
jumper_wires	$7.97	lots of wires!
rotary_encoder_with_knob	$8.97	adafruit encoder with knob
1m_led_strip	$12.88

Schematic