LEDs
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are small, powerful lights that are used in many different applications. Blinking an LED is the classic starting point for learning how to program embedded electronics. It's the "Hello, World!" of microcontrollers. We recommend looking at the LED tutorial and SIK experiment guide to get started.
ESP32 Thing Power Control Shield Hookup Guide
June 9, 2017
This tutorial shows you how to get started with the ESP32 Thing Power Control Shield.
Electric Power
June 26, 2013
An overview of electric power, the rate of energy transfer. We'll talk definition of power, watts, equations, and power ratings. 1.21 gigawatts of tutorial fun!
Interactive 3D Printed LED Diamond Prop
April 19, 2018
In this tutorial, we will learn about how to create an interactive theatrical prop for a performance by 3D printing a translucent diamond prop using a non-addressable RGB LED strip and AT42QT1011 capacitive touch sensing.
LuMini 8x8 Matrix Hookup Guide
January 24, 2019
The LuMini 8x8 Matrix (APA102-2020) are the highest resolution LED matrix available.
LuMini Ring Hookup Guide
January 17, 2019
The LuMini Rings (APA102-2020) are the highest resolution LED rings available.
Addressable LED Neon Flex Rope Hookup Guide
April 19, 2018
The addressable (UCS1903) LED neon flex rope adds cool lighting effects for outdoor and indoor uses including in hallways and stairs, holiday lighting, and more! In this hookup guide, you will learn how to connect, power, and control the LED segments with an Arduino and the FastLED library.
Mean Well LED Switching Power Supply Hookup Guide
June 28, 2018
In this tutorial, we will be connecting a Mean Well LED switching power supply to an addressable LED strip controlled by an Arduino.
Origami Paper Circuits
May 26, 2015
A quick tutorial to get you started in the world of light up origami flowers.
Building Large LED Installations
July 16, 2015
Learn what it takes to build large LED installations from planning to power requirements to execution.
3D Printed Illuminated Wand Prop
November 29, 2018
In this tutorial, we will learn about how to create a theatrical prop for a performance by 3D printing a wand and adding an LED.
Light Up Your 3D Printer's Bed
June 27, 2018
Having issues viewing your print in a dark lit room? In this tutorial, we will be using LED strips to light up a print bed's area on a LulzBot 3D printer!
LilyPad Tri-Color LED Hookup Guide
April 20, 2018
Learn how to hook up the LilyPad Tri-Color LED and use a common anode RGB LED in e-textile projects.
Powering LilyPad LED Projects
December 17, 2016
Learn how to calculate how many LEDs your LilyPad project can power and how long it will last.
Wireless Glove Controller
April 24, 2019
Build a wireless glove controller with Arduinos to trigger an LED using XBees!
Interactive Hanging LED Array
April 10, 2014
Learn how we converted 72 lightbulbs into an interactive LED array for our conference room.
SparkFun LED Array (8x7) Hookup Guide
March 10, 2016
Getting started with the Charlieplexed 8x7 LED array.
BadgerHack: Gaming Add-On Kit
February 16, 2016
Make a Breakout clone with the BadgerHack Gaming Add-On Kit.
LP55231 Breakout Board Hookup Guide
November 3, 2016
Get to know the LP55231 9-channel LED driver., and learn how to configure and program this surprisingly flexible IC.
Prototype Wearable LED Dance Harness
February 8, 2018
A project tutorial to add an extra effect for dancers performing a choreographed piece. The harness can be added quickly under a costume.
TEMT6000 Ambient Light Sensor Hookup Guide
October 26, 2016
Bring the ability to detect light levels to any project with the SparkFun TEMT6000 Ambient Light Sensor Breakout.
MAX30105 Particle and Pulse Ox Sensor Hookup Guide
December 1, 2016
The SparkFun MAX30105 Particle Sensor is a flexible and powerful sensor enabling sensing of distance, heart rate, particle detection, even the blinking of an eye. Get ready. Set. Shine!
Sound Detector Hookup Guide
February 27, 2014
The Sound Detector is a microphone with a binary output. This guide explains how it works and how you can use it in your projects.
LilyPad Safety Scarf
November 21, 2017
This scarf is embedded with a ribbon of LEDs that illuminate when it gets dark out, making yourself more visible to vehicle and other pedestrians.
Old Tutorials
Looking for the old, archived tutorials? Head on over to the
archived tutorials on the main
SparkFun site.
Please be aware that the tutorials you find there are no longer
actively maintained.