Skip to lesson content

Hardware & Sensors · Lesson 10 of 17

Control an LED with Python on Automation HAT Mini

Prerequisites:

  • Pimoroni Automation HAT Mini
  • Raspberry Pi (with Raspbian OS and Python installed)
  • Standard LED
  • Resistor (220 ohm - 1k ohm depending on your LED)
  • Jumper wires

Setup:

Connect the LED to your Automation HAT Mini:

  • First, connect the anode (longer, positive lead) of your LED to one lead (leg) of the resistor.
  • Connect the other lead of the resistor to the 5V or 3.3V Power pin on your Raspberry Pi
  • Make sure you have picked a suitable resistor for your LED and power source. E.g., A 470 ohm resistor would typically be okay for a 2V, 20mA LED at a 5V supply.
  • Connect the cathode (shorter, negative lead) of the LED to the OUT 1 on the Automation HAT Mini.

Python Script:

Here's a simple Python script that will use the Automation HAT's library to control your LED:

This script will blink the LED on and off, spending one second in each state.

Running the Script:

  • Save the python script on your Raspberry Pi.
  • Open terminal and navigate to the directory containing the script:
cd greenwise

Now you can run the script, if your script was named led_control.py for example, you would use:

python3 led_control.py

The LED connected to the Automation HAT Mini should now be blinking every second!

Reminder: Always double-check your connections and ensure you are working within the voltage and current ratings for your particular components.

Always be careful when working with electricity.