Arduino project · LEDs and lights · Beginner
LED Chaser Light
A light runs along a row of five LEDs and bounces back, like the scanner on a toy car.
What you will learn
- How to switch one LED on at a time
- How a sequence of steps makes a pattern
- How to plan the order of a light show
How it works
Each step switches exactly one LED on and the others off. The "on" light moves from LED 1 to LED 5 and then back. The delay of 120 ms between steps sets how fast it runs.
Try this next
- Make the light move faster at one end.
- Add a button to start the chase.
- Light two neighbouring LEDs at the same time for a comet effect.
The simulator program and explanation on this page are original. The idea follows a classic Arduino project that students have built for years.
Parts: sensors and actuators (tap to show or hide)
Try the inputs (virtual sensors)
Pins (you can change them)
| Part | Arduino pin (change it here) | How to wire it |
|---|
Every wire, one by one
Red rail = 5 V from the Arduino 5V pin. Black rail = GND. The coloured wires carry signals. Match the wire colours on the drawing to this list.
| # | Colour | From (part and leg) | To |
|---|
Steps run from top to bottom, then start again. While the simulation runs, the active step is highlighted in green.
Quantities come from the parts you added. The store links open a search for that item on Robu.in, Amazon.in and ThinkRobotics, so you always see what is in stock today. Check the model, voltage and price before you order.
| # | Item | Qty | Search term | Buy / compare |
|---|
The PDF has the circuit sketch, pin table, every wire, sequence, full code, the parts list with store links, do’s and don’ts for each part, and the safety notes. The project file lets you come back and keep editing.
In the real world
A running-light sign
Your LEDs run along the shop sign, just like the real chasing lights.
Tip: use the gold tab at the bottom of the circuit drawing to pull the real-world view up over the Arduino board. Your parts stay visible above it, so you can press a button and watch the real scene react.
- LEDs = the bulbs of the sign