What is in it?

The board (19mm X 27mm X 15mm tall) has a single RGB LED (very bright!) that is microprocessor controlled in 4 main modes with selectable speeds in each mode. Each mode is changed to by a 4 second press, with speed selection by momentary press. It can run off a computer USB port or a standalone USB changer supply. It is ideal for small, stand alone lighting displays. You can even use it with a battery pack (not included) for a wearable display. This listing is for the board only. The items used as illumination examples are not included, but if you want to know how we made them let us know and we will add instructions. We have added an "Instructable" to show you how to make the pyramid.

Do I have to solder anything?

NO! The board is fully assembled, programmed and tested for operation.

Do I have to program anything?

NO! ColorBeam is a ‘have fun with it out of the box’ gizmo. There are plenty of other products out there that you can learn to program with. We are more interested in seeing the use of the color display. Send us a picture of your application and if we like it enough, we will add it to our gallery of photos and send you a free ColorBeam!

Is it a complete photon-based yoga program?

Well, that might be stretching it a bit, but in the slower modes, it is pretty mesmerizing to watch and can be very calming. Notice: not responsible for lost work time due to the entrancing effect of the hypnotic color changes.

What color modes are available?

• RGB mode. This one cycles through all of color space. The ‘original’ one made.
• Christmas. Heck, everyone needs a Red and Green display, even for something besides Christmas.
• Halloween-ish. This one is Orange. Makes a nice small portable Jack-O-Lantern, for sure.
• Candle. Flickery using some sneaky computational algorithms to simulate wick flutter and wind effects

What speeds are there?

• Turtle slooooooow
• Nice and easy
• Not bad
• Fast changin’
• Look quick!
• Induce seizure? (see which of your friends can stand to watch it longest!)

I might forget the sequence, how do I remember it?

Easy! We send a nice business card with the instructions printed in full color.

Where can I use it?

Pretty much anywhere, though we really don’t suggest putting it in Fido’s kibble! We have them running by the computer, some at the house for nice color displays in things we have made or 3D printed, in tea lights (just don’t try to float it!), on wearable items with a battery pack. Buy a few to perk up an aquarium or back side illuminate a fancy glass gizmo. String a few together for an LED bandolier from the future, the applications are pretty much only limited by your imagination. There is a custom-designed base for it that you can 3d print at thingiverse

How do I use it?

Just plug ‘er in and off she goes!

Suggestions for interesting effects:

Use some parchment paper to make a more diffuse display. We chose a clear type LED so you have the option of a more spot-like effect or a more diffuse look (with added diffuser). Note: even normal transparent tape can be used as a diffuser in a pinch, just don’t stick it to the LED, fold it over on itself (sticky side ‘in’). Let it reflect off something and back scatter (think disco ball). Anything else you can imagine. Have fun with it!

Are you guys making a ton of money off these or what?

When you factor in the cost of the board, components, shipping supplies, etc. we really are just breaking even, but we thought this thing was so neat that we had to share it.

Who are you?

Not to name names, but we are a couple of physicists (really!) that work in a small R&D firm. Just don’t tell the boss we have enough spare time to spend on this kind of thing or he will make us stay late every day of the week.

Disclaimers, etc.

The power supply can only be that as for a standard USB port (nominal 5 volts DC). Use of an unregulated supply or excessively high voltage can kill ColorBeam! Not meant to be used inside foodstuffs or anything that a human or pet might accidentally ingest!