Quote: Originally Posted by 2n193r
PWM – would allow me to give power to the light then off at different on intervals. It would do that relativity fast so I don’t get it going on and off?
Yes. Around 60hz, human eyes can no longer see flicker, and you'll just see a constant light with a brightness determined by the on/off ratio.
Quote: Originally Posted by 2n193r
DAC – I don’t under stand this as much because I did not o read as much, will do this week end (have a paper I have to do tonight and a few tests/quizzes fri). It seems like it does the same thing but converts the signal to a analog one, right?
Well, yes on the analogue aspect, but it's a very different approach from PWM. There's no on/off switching, instead each LED gets a constant current of varying amount based on the voltage.
Quote: Originally Posted by 2n193r
What way would you think is best for a noob like me?
I would recommend giving PWM at least a shot first, since it's much simpler from the hardware end. The complexity is pushed onto the software, but I take it you're not as newbiesh on that end.
Quote: Originally Posted by 2n193r
solderless breadboard – getting one when I get the test supplies, at RadioShack I saw these wires that are for them, are they good or would help?
Yeah, the hookup wire packs are very handy in making circuits on a breadboard. Definately get some.
Quote: Originally Posted by 2n193r
I was looking on digikey and I found TUNS of those and I have no clue what I need. Can you give me a part number or specs that I would need. (just if any one knows what they are doing and want to help a noob learn
)
Digikey can be pretty overwhelming if you don't know exactly what you're looking for, particularly if it's common part
You can calculate the resistor value you'll need using one of the LED calculators floating around the 'net.
Get some NPN & PNP bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). You don't actually need both types, but it's good to get an understanding of how they work, since this is a point of confusion for a lot of people.
Digikey may not be the best place to get parts, since they charge handling below the $25 minimum order. Check out
www.allelectronics.com or
www.sparkfun.com, which incidentally have a lot less overwhelming selections
You can find this stuff at the RatShack too; they're overpriced, but you do save on shipping when you just need a couple.
For LEDs, I recommend
www.lsdiodes.com.