Pi 3 GPIO PWM LED Dimmer
Build a Potentiometer-Controlled LED Dimmer on Raspberry Pi – Complete Kit
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Turn a physical knob into software-controlled light. Using a Raspberry Pi 3 and an MCP3008 ADC, you’ll write Python code that reads a potentiometer’s analog position and translates it into smooth, flicker-free LED brightness via software PWM. This project bridges the gap between physical knobs and digital control, a foundational skill for robotics, home automation, and IoT prototypes.
What You'll Build
With this kit, you’ll assemble a functional dimmer switch: turn a 10kΩ potentiometer to adjust the brightness of three white LEDs from fully off to maximum illumination. The circuit mounts directly on the Pi’s GPIO header, and the Python script uses RPi.GPIO’s PWM capabilities to deliver a smooth, real‑time response you can feel.
What You'll Learn
- Configure the SPI interface and MCP3008 ADC on Raspberry Pi
- Read analog voltage from a 10kΩ potentiometer in Python
- Generate and control software PWM on any GPIO pin with RPi.GPIO
- Map potentiometer values to smooth LED brightness using linear scaling
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ | 1 |
| MCP3008 ADC | 1 |
| 5mm White LED | 3 |
| 10kΩ Potentiometer | 1 |
| 220Ω Resistors | 5 |
| 40-pin GPIO Header | 1 |
| M-F Wires | 20 |
| MicroSD Card 16GB | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Ideal for CBSE Class 11–12 students tackling computer science and electronics projects, B.Tech ECE/CSE undergraduates building mini projects, and participants in Smart India Hackathon or ATL Tinkering Lab workshops. It’s equally useful for college makers at IITs, NITs, VIT, or BITS Pilani who need a ready‑to‑code Raspberry Pi analogue interface without the hassle of sourcing and verifying parts.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code to start a chat with the AI companion, or send a WhatsApp message with a photo of your circuit — the support team responds within a few hours.
Do I need prior Arduino or electronics experience?
This is an intermediate‑level project. Basic familiarity with Python and connecting jumper wires is helpful, but every step is explained in the companion guide and AI assistant.
Is the Raspberry Pi OS preloaded on the microSD?
No, you’ll flash Raspbian Lite onto the 16GB card yourself. The QR‑linked setup guide walks you through the entire OS installation in under 15 minutes.
Can I connect more LEDs or different sensors later?
Absolutely. The MCP3008 has 8 analog channels, so you can expand the circuit to read multiple potentiometers, LDRs, or temperature sensors with minor Python code changes.
Python RPi.GPIO controls LED brightness via software PWM from potentiometer ADC on MCP3008.
What's in this kit
- Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+
- MCP3008 ADC
- 5mm White LED x3
- 10kΩ Potentiometer
- 220Ω Resistors x5
- 40-pin GPIO Header
- M-F Wires x20
- MicroSD Card 16GB
Other projects you can build
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items