Initial commit: D1 Mini Blinkin LED Driver Emulator for FTC

QUICK_FLASH_GUIDE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,178 @@
+# Quick Flash Guide - D1 Mini Blinkin Emulator
+
+## What You'll Build
+A $7 replacement for the $35 REV Blinkin LED Driver that works identically with FTC code!
+
+## Parts List
+- **D1 Mini** (ESP8266) - $4
+- **2.2kΩ resistor** - $0.10
+- **3.3kΩ resistor** - $0.10
+- **Servo extension cable** - $2
+- **WS2812B LED strip** (30-60 LEDs) - $10-15
+- **Soldering supplies**
+
+## Step 1: Build the Voltage Divider
+
+### Why It's Needed
+- Servo port outputs 5V signals
+- D1 Mini only handles 3.3V
+- Without this, you'll fry your D1 Mini!
+
+### Quick Assembly
+1. Cut servo cable 6" from female connector
+2. Strip wires (Red=5V, Black=GND, White=PWM)
+3. Solder resistors like this:
+```
+White wire ──[2.2kΩ]──┬── Wire to D2
+                       │
+                    [3.3kΩ]
+                       │
+                    Black wire
+```
+4. Heat shrink everything
+
+## Step 2: Flash the D1 Mini
+
+### Install Arduino IDE
+1. Download from [arduino.cc](https://www.arduino.cc/en/software)
+2. Open Arduino IDE
+3. File → Preferences → Additional Board URLs:
+   ```
+   http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
+   ```
+4. Tools → Board → Board Manager → Search "ESP8266" → Install
+
+### Install Library
+Tools → Manage Libraries → Search "Adafruit NeoPixel" → Install
+
+### Flash the Code
+1. Open `D1Mini_Blinkin_Ready.ino`
+2. **IMPORTANT: Edit line 20-21 for your setup:**
+   ```cpp
+   #define NUM_LEDS 60        // Change to your LED count
+   #define BRIGHTNESS 100     // Adjust brightness (0-255)
+   ```
+3. Tools → Board → "LOLIN(WEMOS) D1 R2 & mini"
+4. Tools → Port → Select your COM port
+5. Click Upload (→ button)
+
+## Step 3: Wire Everything
+
+### Final Connections
+```
+Servo Port          D1 Mini            LED Strip
+==========          =======            =========
+Red ───────────────→ 5V
+Black ─────────────→ GND ─────────────→ GND
+White ─→[Divider]──→ D2
+                     D4 ───────────────→ Data In
+                                        5V ← External Power
+```
+
+### Power Notes
+- < 30 LEDs: Can use servo port power
+- > 30 LEDs: Need external 5V supply for LEDs
+
+## Step 4: Test It
+
+### With Serial Monitor
+1. Open Tools → Serial Monitor
+2. Set to 115200 baud
+3. You should see:
+   ```
+   D1 Mini Blinkin Emulator v2.0
+   Kraken Koders FTC Team
+   Ready for PWM signal...
+   ```
+
+### With FTC Robot
+1. Configure as servo in robot config
+2. Name it "blinkin"
+3. Use this test code:
+```java
+RevBlinkinLedDriver blinkin = hardwareMap.get(RevBlinkinLedDriver.class, "blinkin");
+blinkin.setPattern(RevBlinkinLedDriver.BlinkinPattern.RAINBOW_RAINBOW_PALETTE);
+```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### LEDs Don't Light
+- Check D4 → LED data connection
+- Verify LED strip arrow points away from D1 Mini
+- Test with simple color first
+
+### No PWM Reading
+- Measure voltage divider output (should be ~3V)
+- Check servo port is powered
+- Verify resistor values
+
+### Wrong Colors
+- Some strips are RGB instead of GRB
+- Change line in code:
+  ```cpp
+  // Change from:
+  Adafruit_NeoPixel strip(NUM_LEDS, LED_DATA_PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);
+  // To:
+  Adafruit_NeoPixel strip(NUM_LEDS, LED_DATA_PIN, NEO_RGB + NEO_KHZ800);
+  ```
+
+### D1 Mini Keeps Resetting
+- Too many LEDs for power supply
+- Reduce brightness or LED count
+- Add external 5V power
+
+## Quick Test Without Robot
+
+Use a servo tester or Arduino to generate PWM:
+```cpp
+// Arduino test signal generator
+void setup() {
+  pinMode(9, OUTPUT);
+}
+void loop() {
+  // Sweep through patterns
+  for(int pw = 1000; pw <= 2000; pw += 10) {
+    digitalWrite(9, HIGH);
+    delayMicroseconds(pw);
+    digitalWrite(9, LOW);
+    delay(20);
+  }
+}
+```
+
+## Pattern Reference
+
+| PWM (μs) | Pattern |
+|----------|---------|
+| 1005-1015 | Rainbow |
+| 1065 | Confetti |
+| 1315 | Breath Red |
+| 1325 | Breath Blue |
+| 1515 | Solid Red |
+| 1645 | Solid Blue |
+| 1595 | Solid Green |
+| 1675 | Solid White |
+| 1995 | Off |
+
+## Success Checklist
+
+- [ ] Voltage divider outputs 3V (measured)
+- [ ] D1 Mini powers on
+- [ ] Serial monitor shows "Ready"
+- [ ] Green sweep on startup
+- [ ] Responds to PWM changes
+- [ ] Works with FTC code
+
+## Total Cost
+- D1 Mini: $4
+- Resistors: $0.20
+- Cable: $2
+- **Total: $6.20** (vs $35 for REV Blinkin)
+
+## Need Help?
+- Check serial monitor for debug info
+- Onboard LED blinks = receiving PWM
+- Green startup = code running
+- No response = check voltage divider
+
+**You now have a fully functional Blinkin emulator for 1/5 the price!**