Arduino UNO Q - LED Strip
Learn how to control 12V LED strips with the Arduino UNO Q. Because LED strips run on 12V DC, they cannot be connected directly to Arduino pins — relay modules bridge the gap. This tutorial covers both single-color and RGB LED strips, Bridge mode for software color control, and Telegram remote commands.
In this tutorial, you will learn:
- How 12V LED strips work and why relays are needed
- How to wire a single-color LED strip to the Arduino UNO Q via a relay
- How to wire an RGB LED strip to the Arduino UNO Q via three relays
- How to control RGB color using Bridge and Python on Arduino UNO Q
- How to control the LED strip color remotely via Telegram on Arduino UNO Q
- How to use OpenClaw on Arduino UNO Q with LED strips
※ NOTE THAT:
This tutorial covers Non-Addressable LED Strips (all LEDs change together). For individually addressable LED strips, see the NeoPixel and WS2812B tutorials.
Hardware Preparation
Or you can buy the following kits:
| 1 | × | DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays) |
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Additionally, some of these links are for products from our own brand, DIYables .
Overview of Non-Addressable LED Strips
A Non-Addressable LED strip changes all LEDs simultaneously — you cannot control individual LEDs. These are available in two types:
- Single-color strip: One color, two pins (12V+ and GND). Turn it on or off with a relay.
- RGB strip: Three color channels (Red, Green, Blue), four pins (12V+, R, G, B). Each channel is controlled by a separate relay.
The LED strips run on 12V DC. The Arduino UNO Q MCU cannot switch 12V directly — relay modules are used to switch 12V power using 3.3V logic signals from the MCU.
For individually addressable LED strips (WS2812B/NeoPixel), refer to the dedicated tutorials.
Single-Color LED Strip
Wiring Diagram
This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image
| Connection | Details |
|---|---|
| Arduino UNO Q MCU D3 | Relay IN pin |
| Relay COM | 12V power supply positive |
| Relay NO | LED strip 12V+ pin |
| LED strip GND pin | 12V power supply negative |
Arduino UNO Q Code
The Arduino UNO Q has two processors working together:
- The STM32 MCU toggles the relay pin to turn the LED strip on and off every 5 seconds
- The Qualcomm MPU runs Debian Linux with Wi-Fi — in this section, only the MCU is programmed. A later section shows how both processors work together via Bridge.
/*
* This Arduino UNO Q code was developed by newbiely.com
*
* This Arduino UNO Q code is made available for public use without any restriction
*
* For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit:
* https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-uno-q/arduino-uno-q-led-strip
*/
// Controls a 12V single-color LED strip via a relay
// Relay HIGH = LED strip ON, LOW = LED strip OFF
#define RELAY_PIN 3 // The Arduino UNO Q MCU pin connected to the relay for the LED strip
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(RELAY_PIN, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW); // ensure strip is off on startup
}
void loop() {
Serial.println("The LED strip is turned on");
digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, HIGH);
delay(5000);
Serial.println("The LED strip is turned off");
digitalWrite(RELAY_PIN, LOW);
delay(5000);
}
Detailed Instructions
First time with Arduino UNO Q? Follow the Getting Started with Arduino UNO Q tutorial before proceeding.
- Connect: Wire the single-color LED strip to the Arduino UNO Q MCU via the relay as shown in the wiring diagram.
- Open Arduino App Lab: Launch Arduino App Lab and wait until it detects your Arduino UNO Q.
- Create a new App: Click the Create New App button.
- Give the App a name, for example: LedStrip
- Click Create to confirm.
- Paste the sketch: Copy the MCU code above and paste it into sketch/sketch.ino.
- Upload: Click the Run button in Arduino App Lab.
- Observe the LED strip turning on and off every 5 seconds.
App Lab Console Output
sketch.ino
1#include "Arduino_RouterBridge.h"
Serial Monitor
Python
[2026-04-29 09:00:01] The LED strip is turned on
[2026-04-29 09:00:06] The LED strip is turned off
[2026-04-29 09:00:11] The LED strip is turned on
RGB LED Strip
Wiring Diagram
This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image
| Connection | Details |
|---|---|
| Arduino UNO Q MCU D6 | Relay 1 IN (RED channel) |
| Arduino UNO Q MCU D7 | Relay 2 IN (GREEN channel) |
| Arduino UNO Q MCU D5 | Relay 3 IN (BLUE channel) |
| Each Relay COM | 12V power supply positive |
| Each Relay NO | Corresponding R/G/B pin on LED strip |
| LED strip 12V+ pin | 12V power supply positive |
| LED strip GND | 12V power supply negative |
Arduino UNO Q Code — RGB Color Cycling
/*
* This Arduino UNO Q code was developed by newbiely.com
*
* This Arduino UNO Q code is made available for public use without any restriction
*
* For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit:
* https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-uno-q/arduino-uno-q-led-strip
*/
// Controls a 12V RGB LED strip via 3 relays (one per color channel)
// HIGH = color channel ON, LOW = color channel OFF
#define RED_PIN 6 // The Arduino UNO Q MCU pin connected to the relay for the RED channel
#define GREEN_PIN 7 // The Arduino UNO Q MCU pin connected to the relay for the GREEN channel
#define BLUE_PIN 5 // The Arduino UNO Q MCU pin connected to the relay for the BLUE channel
void setColor(bool r, bool g, bool b) {
digitalWrite(RED_PIN, r ? HIGH : LOW);
digitalWrite(GREEN_PIN, g ? HIGH : LOW);
digitalWrite(BLUE_PIN, b ? HIGH : LOW);
}
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(RED_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(GREEN_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(BLUE_PIN, OUTPUT);
setColor(false, false, false); // all off on startup
}
void loop() {
Serial.println("Red");
setColor(true, false, false);
delay(2000);
Serial.println("Green");
setColor(false, true, false);
delay(2000);
Serial.println("Blue");
setColor(false, false, true);
delay(2000);
Serial.println("Yellow");
setColor(true, true, false);
delay(2000);
Serial.println("Magenta");
setColor(true, false, true);
delay(2000);
Serial.println("Cyan");
setColor(false, true, true);
delay(2000);
Serial.println("White");
setColor(true, true, true);
delay(2000);
Serial.println("Off");
setColor(false, false, false);
delay(2000);
}
App Lab Console Output
sketch.ino
1#include "Arduino_RouterBridge.h"
Serial Monitor
Python
[2026-04-29 09:00:01] Red
[2026-04-29 09:00:03] Green
[2026-04-29 09:00:05] Blue
[2026-04-29 09:00:07] Yellow
[2026-04-29 09:00:09] Magenta
[2026-04-29 09:00:11] Cyan
[2026-04-29 09:00:13] White
[2026-04-29 09:00:15] Off
Bridge: Linux + MCU
This section shows how to use both processors of the Arduino UNO Q to control the RGB LED strip color from the Linux side via Bridge:
- The 3 relays are controlled by the MCU — the MCU exposes a set_color() function via Bridge
- The MPU cannot control the relay pins directly — it calls Bridge to change the LED strip color
- The MPU has Wi-Fi — running full Debian Linux, it can accept Telegram color commands and instantly update the LED strip
- Arduino_RouterBridge enables RPC communication between the two processors
- ⚠️ /dev/ttyHS1 (Linux) and Serial1 (MCU) are RESERVED by the router — never open them in user code
MCU Code (Bridge)
/*
* This Arduino UNO Q code was developed by newbiely.com
*
* This Arduino UNO Q code is made available for public use without any restriction
*
* For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit:
* https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-uno-q/arduino-uno-q-led-strip
*/
#include "Arduino_RouterBridge.h"
#define RED_PIN 6 // The Arduino UNO Q MCU pin connected to the relay for the RED channel
#define GREEN_PIN 7 // The Arduino UNO Q MCU pin connected to the relay for the GREEN channel
#define BLUE_PIN 5 // The Arduino UNO Q MCU pin connected to the relay for the BLUE channel
String current_color = "off";
void applyColor(bool r, bool g, bool b) {
digitalWrite(RED_PIN, r ? HIGH : LOW);
digitalWrite(GREEN_PIN, g ? HIGH : LOW);
digitalWrite(BLUE_PIN, b ? HIGH : LOW);
}
String set_color(String color) {
color.toLowerCase();
color.trim();
if (color == "red") { applyColor(true, false, false); current_color = "red"; }
else if (color == "green") { applyColor(false, true, false); current_color = "green"; }
else if (color == "blue") { applyColor(false, false, true); current_color = "blue"; }
else if (color == "yellow") { applyColor(true, true, false); current_color = "yellow"; }
else if (color == "magenta") { applyColor(true, false, true); current_color = "magenta"; }
else if (color == "cyan") { applyColor(false, true, true); current_color = "cyan"; }
else if (color == "white") { applyColor(true, true, true); current_color = "white"; }
else if (color == "off") { applyColor(false, false, false); current_color = "off"; }
else { return "unknown color: " + color; }
Monitor.println("Color set to: " + current_color);
return "ok:" + current_color;
}
String get_state(String arg) {
return current_color;
}
void setup() {
Bridge.begin();
Monitor.begin();
pinMode(RED_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(GREEN_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(BLUE_PIN, OUTPUT);
applyColor(false, false, false);
Bridge.provide_safe("set_color", set_color);
Bridge.provide("get_state", get_state);
Monitor.println("Arduino UNO Q RGB LED Strip Bridge ready");
}
void loop() {}
Python Code (Bridge)
"""
This Arduino UNO Q script was developed by newbiely.com
This Arduino UNO Q script is made available for public use without any restriction
For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit:
https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-uno-q/arduino-uno-q-led-strip
"""
from arduino.app_utils import *
import time
COLORS = ["red", "green", "blue", "yellow", "magenta", "cyan", "white", "off"]
def loop():
for color in COLORS:
result = Bridge.call("set_color", color)
state = Bridge.call("get_state")
print(f"Set color: {color} → result: {result} state: {state}")
time.sleep(2)
App.run(user_loop=loop)
Detailed Instructions
- Connect: Wire the RGB LED strip to the Arduino UNO Q via 3 relays as shown in the RGB wiring diagram.
- Open Arduino App Lab and create a new App named LedStripBridge.
- Paste the MCU sketch into sketch/sketch.ino.
- Paste the Python code into the Python file.
- Install the library: Click the Add sketch library button (the open book icon with a + sign) in the left sidebar.
- Search for Arduino_RouterBridge created by Arduino and click the Install button.
Bricks
No bricks added...
Sketch Libraries
No sketch libra...
Files
python
sketch
.gitignore
README.md
app.yaml
sketch.ino
- Upload: Click the Run button. Observe the LED strip cycling through all colors.
App Lab Console Output
sketch.ino
1#include "Arduino_RouterBridge.h"
Serial Monitor
Python
[2026-04-29 09:00:01] Arduino UNO Q RGB LED Strip Bridge ready
[2026-04-29 09:00:02] Color set to: red
[2026-04-29 09:00:04] Color set to: green
[2026-04-29 09:00:06] Color set to: blue
sketch.ino
1#include "Arduino_RouterBridge.h"
Serial Monitor
Python
[2026-04-29 09:00:02] Set color: red → result: ok:red state: red
[2026-04-29 09:00:04] Set color: green → result: ok:green state: green
[2026-04-29 09:00:06] Set color: blue → result: ok:blue state: blue
[2026-04-29 09:00:08] Set color: yellow → result: ok:yellow state: yellow
[2026-04-29 09:00:10] Set color: magenta → result: ok:magenta state: magenta
[2026-04-29 09:00:12] Set color: cyan → result: ok:cyan state: cyan
[2026-04-29 09:00:14] Set color: white → result: ok:white state: white
[2026-04-29 09:00:16] Set color: off → result: ok:off state: off
Telegram
Control the RGB LED strip color remotely from Telegram — send /color red, /color blue, or any supported color name to instantly change the LED strip color on your Arduino UNO Q.
MCU sketch: Keep the same MCU sketch from the previous Bridge section.
Python Code (Telegram)
"""
This Arduino UNO Q script was developed by newbiely.com
This Arduino UNO Q script is made available for public use without any restriction
For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit:
https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-uno-q/arduino-uno-q-led-strip
"""
from arduino.app_utils import *
import requests
import time
TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN = "YOUR_TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN"
CHAT_ID = "YOUR_CHAT_ID"
last_update_id = 0
COLORS = ["red", "green", "blue", "yellow", "magenta", "cyan", "white", "off"]
def get_updates():
global last_update_id
url = f"https://api.telegram.org/bot{TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN}/getUpdates"
params = {"offset": last_update_id + 1, "timeout": 5}
try:
response = requests.get(url, params=params, timeout=10)
data = response.json()
if data["ok"]:
return data["result"]
except Exception as e:
print(f"Error getting updates: {e}")
return []
def send_message(chat_id, text):
url = f"https://api.telegram.org/bot{TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN}/sendMessage"
payload = {"chat_id": chat_id, "text": text}
try:
requests.post(url, data=payload, timeout=10)
except Exception as e:
print(f"Error sending message: {e}")
def loop():
updates = get_updates()
for update in updates:
last_update_id = update["update_id"]
if "message" not in update:
continue
message = update["message"]
chat_id = message["chat"]["id"]
text = message.get("text", "").strip()
print(f"Received: {text}")
if text == "/start":
send_message(chat_id,
"Arduino UNO Q RGB LED Strip Bot\n"
"/color <name> - Set color (red, green, blue, yellow, magenta, cyan, white, off)\n"
"/state - Current LED strip color\n"
"Example: /color red")
elif text.startswith("/color"):
parts = text.split()
if len(parts) < 2:
send_message(chat_id, "Usage: /color <name>\nColors: " + ", ".join(COLORS))
else:
color = parts[1].lower()
if color not in COLORS:
send_message(chat_id, f"Unknown color: {color}\nAvailable: " + ", ".join(COLORS))
else:
result = Bridge.call("set_color", color)
state = Bridge.call("get_state")
send_message(chat_id, f"💡 LED strip color set to: {state}")
elif text == "/state":
state = Bridge.call("get_state")
send_message(chat_id, f"Current LED strip color: {state}")
else:
send_message(chat_id, "Unknown command. Send /start for help.")
time.sleep(0.3)
App.run(user_loop=loop)
Detailed Instructions
- Replace YOUR_TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN with your actual bot token from BotFather.
- Replace YOUR_CHAT_ID with your Telegram chat ID.
- Paste this Python code into your App's Python file (keep the same MCU sketch).
- Click the Run button — send /color red in Telegram to change the LED strip color.
App Lab Console Output
sketch.ino
1#include "Arduino_RouterBridge.h"
Serial Monitor
Python
[2026-04-29 09:10:01] Waiting for Telegram messages...
[2026-04-29 09:10:05] Received: /color red
[2026-04-29 09:10:08] Received: /color cyan
[2026-04-29 09:10:12] Received: /state
[2026-04-29 09:10:15] Received: /color off
Telegram
12:45
Welcome to Telegram!
ArduinoBot
10:19
Chatting with Arduino...
BotFather
Yesterday
Your bot has been created.
ArduinoBot
bot
OpenClaw
You can adapt the OpenClaw to this tutorial by refering the instruction on Arduino Uno Q - OpenClaw Tutorial
Project Ideas
You can build many useful projects with the LED strip and Arduino UNO Q:
- Telegram Mood Lighting: Control your room's RGB LED strip color from Telegram at any time — send /color blue for a cool evening atmosphere or /color white for work mode
- Notification Light: Combine with the gas sensor tutorial — when gas is detected, Python sets the LED strip to red (alert) via Bridge; when cleared, it returns to white (normal)
- Schedule-Based Lighting: Use Python's time module to automatically change LED strip colors based on time of day — warm white in the evening, cool white in the morning — without any Telegram input
- Music-Reactive Lighting: Combine with the sound sensor — when the sound sensor detects a beat, Python cycles through colors rapidly for a music-reactive light effect
- Status Indicator Panel: Use the LED strip as a status indicator for a server room or tutorial — green = all systems normal, yellow = warning, red = critical alert — controlled by Bridge from any monitoring script
Challenge Yourself
Ready to go further with the LED strip on Arduino UNO Q? Try these challenges:
- Easy: Add a /blink <color> <count> Telegram command that blinks the LED strip in the selected color a specified number of times, with 500 ms on and 500 ms off per blink.
- Medium: Implement a smooth color-cycling mode: when /mode cycle is sent via Telegram, Python enters a loop that cycles through all 7 colors with a 3-second pause, and /mode stop breaks out of the cycle and turns off the strip.
- Advanced: Build a sunrise alarm: at a user-defined time (set via a /alarm HH:MM Telegram command), Python slowly transitions the LED strip from off → red → yellow → white over 10 minutes, simulating a natural sunrise wake-up experience.