The Satellite Module 001 is an RGB LED module by macetech, containing ten 100 mA 5-chip wide-angle (140 degree) red, green, and blue LEDs. The module runs at 10 V, for a maximum power of 3 W, and it is connected in a common-anode configuration.

The Satellite Module is a balanced array of 4 red, 3 blue, and 3 green LEDs, each of which supplies ~35,000 mcd over a 140 degree viewing angle. Combine with the ShiftBar current-control module to create a string of super-bright clusters (about as bright as 15 ShiftBrites.) Each channel of the Satellite Module requires 9 to 10 VDC at 100mA. There are no current control resistors, you can add your own or use this with a ShiftBar, which has current control. When using a ShiftBar, the potentiometer should be set around 75%.

An example setup using a Micro Maestro to control a ShiftBar and Satellite Module is shown below. Digital outputs 0, 1 and 2 are used to send the control signals to the clock, latch, and data lines of the ShiftBar, the enable line is connected directly to GND, and 12V power to the Maestro is delivered from the ShiftBar chain. Maestro source code to control a ShiftBar is available in the Example scripts section of the Maestro User’s guide.

Satellite Module 001 bottom view.

Connecting the Micro Maestro to a chain of ShiftBars. A single 12V supply powers all of the devices.

A similar setup can be used to connect the ShiftBar to other controllers, such as the Baby Orangutan, Arduino, or BASIC Stamp.