This might be the most complex How-To we’ve posted yet, as constructing this 8×8×8 LED Display cube will take you about four days (after gathering all the necessary materials) from prototyping to completion, and another four to five days to program the software if you want to add visual effects and set your cube to music. And while this behemoth of a project will also require some previous experience working with electronics, soldering, using a multimeter, and writing code in C, we just couldn’t resist sharing a project that so closely resembles one of our favorite art installations of 2010.That being said, the full Instructables How-To provides a great tutorial (in a thorough 72 steps) explaining everything from theory of operation, how to build the cube (which we will focus on in this post), the ins and outs of the software, and tips on how to create amazing animations. Even if your skills don’t measure up quite yet, the complete version is worthy reference as it is an informative glimpse at the kind of technical prowess, intricacy, and time that goes into something like Muti Randolph’s installation Deep Screen. Randolph’s version was slightly bigger than this one, and you can test run a virtual version of it in this online interactive, or learn more about Randolph’s process in this video.Step One: Research and Gather Materials
Read steps 1-6 for a full materials list, tips on where to find parts (the author recommends futurlec.com and eBay), explanations and videos on how the cube works, its anatomy, and a terminology refresher.Step Two: Plug In
Study steps 7-9 and determine your cube size and port requirements. To drive your LED cube, decide whether you will use a microcontroller (for smaller cubes), or follow the steps to construct a multiplexer circuit.Step Three: Power Up
Calculate the current of your LEDs to determine the power requirements for your cube in order to get a stable, high-current 5V supply. Reference steps 10-12 for power supply specifications or instructions on how to make your own power supply.Step Four: Pick and Choose
The author recommends using diffused LEDs because they will be equally bright from all sides, choosing smaller LEDs for bigger cubes, and also favors round LEDs because of their compatibility with 3mm drill bits (for the solder). Keep in mind the leg length of the LEDs should be equal to or greater than the distance you want in between each leg. Consulting the data sheet that comes with your LEDs, refer to the “burst” rating to help you determine the value of your resistors (step 14).Step Five: Construct Scaffolding
Bend the legs of the LEDs and attach some straightened steel wire for added length, leaving a 1mm for soldering (see step 16).Step Six: Build the Cube
Closely refer to steps 18-29 for a step-by-step walk through on assembling your cube. Read up on soldering advice, and find out how to create a soldering jig, build the base level by level, and create and mount your cube. Don’t forget to test each LED before attaching in the cube, as replacing them in the finished product will be a major buzzkill.
Step Seven: Build the Controller
Figure out how you are going to arrange your components on the circuit board, and determine your clock frequency to ensure proper timing (step 31). Wire, solder, and attach power source. See steps 32-45 for specifics.Step Eight: Test and Program
Download the test program to see if the LEDs work and are wired correctly (step 46), and compare visuals with the video in step 47 (or see below). If everything is working correctly and you don’t want to experiment with any more code, your cube is complete!Step Nine: Writing Software for Animation
Read steps 49-72 for instruction on writing the software for visual effects including rain, ripples, waves, fireworks, and even streaming words. Learn how to use an Arduino to control the cube, and also read up on what to do when an LED inevitably flickers out.We strongly suggest visiting the Instructables "How-To" for in-depth instruction and additional photographs and videos. If you have some experience with electronics and code, but aren’t ready to undergo the 8×8×8, visit the Instructable for the 4×4×4 LED cube.
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Read steps 1-6 for a full materials list, tips on where to find parts (the author recommends futurlec.com and eBay), explanations and videos on how the cube works, its anatomy, and a terminology refresher.Step Two: Plug In
Study steps 7-9 and determine your cube size and port requirements. To drive your LED cube, decide whether you will use a microcontroller (for smaller cubes), or follow the steps to construct a multiplexer circuit.Step Three: Power Up
Calculate the current of your LEDs to determine the power requirements for your cube in order to get a stable, high-current 5V supply. Reference steps 10-12 for power supply specifications or instructions on how to make your own power supply.
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The author recommends using diffused LEDs because they will be equally bright from all sides, choosing smaller LEDs for bigger cubes, and also favors round LEDs because of their compatibility with 3mm drill bits (for the solder). Keep in mind the leg length of the LEDs should be equal to or greater than the distance you want in between each leg. Consulting the data sheet that comes with your LEDs, refer to the “burst” rating to help you determine the value of your resistors (step 14).Step Five: Construct Scaffolding
Bend the legs of the LEDs and attach some straightened steel wire for added length, leaving a 1mm for soldering (see step 16).Step Six: Build the Cube
Closely refer to steps 18-29 for a step-by-step walk through on assembling your cube. Read up on soldering advice, and find out how to create a soldering jig, build the base level by level, and create and mount your cube. Don’t forget to test each LED before attaching in the cube, as replacing them in the finished product will be a major buzzkill.
Figure out how you are going to arrange your components on the circuit board, and determine your clock frequency to ensure proper timing (step 31). Wire, solder, and attach power source. See steps 32-45 for specifics.Step Eight: Test and Program
Download the test program to see if the LEDs work and are wired correctly (step 46), and compare visuals with the video in step 47 (or see below). If everything is working correctly and you don’t want to experiment with any more code, your cube is complete!Step Nine: Writing Software for Animation
Read steps 49-72 for instruction on writing the software for visual effects including rain, ripples, waves, fireworks, and even streaming words. Learn how to use an Arduino to control the cube, and also read up on what to do when an LED inevitably flickers out.We strongly suggest visiting the Instructables "How-To" for in-depth instruction and additional photographs and videos. If you have some experience with electronics and code, but aren’t ready to undergo the 8×8×8, visit the Instructable for the 4×4×4 LED cube.