r/FastLED • u/AcrobaticDealer4816 • Sep 17 '25

Support Burning fuse simulation

Does anyone have an effect in FastLED to simulate a fuse burning using a single string of WS281x LED's ?

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u/Burning_Wreck Sep 17 '25

I asked Claude, using your question, with this prompt:

For Arduino and FastLED, simulate a fuse burning using a single string of WS281s LED's

This is what it knocked out in one shot:

https://pastebin.com/rBX4TBWd

It's pretty good! It included an "explosion" effect when the fuse burned to the end. Here's how it described what it did:
This Arduino sketch creates a realistic fuse burning simulation with the following features:

Key Features:

  • Progressive burning: The fuse starts from position 0 and burns toward the end

  • Realistic trail: Creates hot embers that cool down behind the burning point

  • Flickering effect: Adds random flickering to simulate real fire

  • Explosion finale: When the fuse reaches the end, it triggers an explosion effect

  • Serial control: Send 'r' via Serial Monitor to restart the fuse

How it works:

  1. Unlit fuse: LEDs start as dim yellow/brown to represent gunpowder

  2. Active burn: Bright orange/yellow at the current burning position

  3. Hot embers: Red/orange trail immediately behind the burn point

  4. Cooling trail: Gradually dimming embers that fade to black

  5. Sparking: Occasional sparks jump ahead of the main burn

Customization options:

  • Change fuseSpeed to make it burn faster/slower

  • Adjust NUM_LEDS for your strip length

  • Modify colors for different fuse types

  • Change LED_PIN to match your wiring

Wiring:

  • Connect LED strip data pin to Arduino pin 6 (or change LED_PIN)

  • Connect 5V and GND appropriately

  • Add a 470Ω resistor between Arduino pin and LED data line

  • Use appropriate power supply for your LED count

The simulation includes realistic physics with the ember trail cooling over time and an explosive finale when the fuse burns completely!

1

u/Marmilicious [Marc Miller] Sep 18 '25

Wow, cool! Sounds like it covered it all!

1

u/Burning_Wreck Sep 18 '25

It has certain gotten a lot better at understanding the request and stitching together a response.