Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Open LED Race is a maker-built tabletop racing game in which moving lights on an addressable LED strip act as cars. Players press buttons to move their lights toward the finish; the project supports up to four players, with optional slope, pit-lane, and sound features. You can build from the project’s hardware design or choose its ready-to-play kit.
What is Open LED Race?
Open LED Race turns an addressable LED strip into a race track. Each player controls a colored light with a button: press faster to move faster, and reach the finish line first to win. The project began as an activity for Arduino Day Sevilla 2019 at the Sevilla Maker Society makerspace and describes itself as open hardware.
The initial 2019 project description was a work in progress; later software documentation describes a more developed game with up to four players and configurable options. The software page says, “Get the code and modify it as you like !” Open LED Race Project software page.
How a race works
- At startup, the strip displays a red-yellow-green countdown and plays tones.
- Players press their buttons repeatedly to move their colored lights along the strip.
- The first light to reach the finish wins.
Players select the number of racers and optional modes at startup using the controllers, according to the project software documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- 30+ Guided Electronics Projects: Start with LEDs and build toward LCD1602 displays, RFID access, motion detection, distance sensing, motor control and environmental monitoring for STEM learning, coding clubs, classrooms and hobby projects
- 200+ Components Across 63 Types: Includes an ELEGOO UNO R3 controller, LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, HC-SR501 PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, DHT11, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, breadboard and more
- Begin Without Soldering: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, organized storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and help beginners move from lesson to lesson while keeping LEDs, ICs, wires and sensors easy to find
- Learn, Modify and Create: Program the ELEGOO UNO R3 board with Arduino IDE using the included PDF tutorial and example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text and motor behavior to turn guided lessons into original projects
- Flexible Power and Project Setup: Includes a 9 V, 1 A power supply, breadboard power module, 9 V battery and USB cable to support controller, breadboard and module experiments without sourcing basic setup accessories separately
Slope mode
Slope mode makes the uphill section harder, adding a change in difficulty along the route.
Pit-lane mode
Pit-lane mode offers an alternate route; the project documentation says it can provide a speed booster.
Engine sound
The later software configuration includes an engine-sound feature alongside the race modes.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- Powerful ESP-32 Board: Unlock the world of Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced electronics with the heart of this kit: the ESP-32 board. It features a powerful dual-core processor, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, making it perfect for building connected, smart devices that communicate with your phone or the cloud. It's fully compatible with the Arduino IDE for easy programming.
- Super Starter Kit: This kit contains over 35 different modules and electronic components, including sensors, displays, motors, and input devices. From LEDs and buttons to an OLED screen, servo motor, and keypad, you have everything needed to explore a vast range of projects in one box.
- Step by Step Online Tutorial: Jump right in with our detailed, beginner-friendly tutorial. Access 30+ projects with complete code, clear circuit diagrams, and step-by-step instructions. Learn the fundamentals of electronics, coding, and how to utilize the ESP-32's unique capabilities without any prior experience.
- Hands-on Learning for All Skill Levels: Perfect for students, makers, engineers, and hobbyists. Start with basic circuits and coding, then progress to intermediate and advanced IoT applications. Build practical projects like weather stations, smart home controllers, remote-controlled devices, and interactive gadgets. The skills you learn are the foundation for real-world innovation.
- Quality & Great Support: Elegoo is committed to quality. We provide a clear, detailed tutorial guide, refined code, and a well-organized component kit. All modules are carefully selected for reliability and ease of use. Our dedicated technical support team and active online community are ready to help you succeed in your learning journey.
Choose between the ready-to-play kit and a DIY build
| Option | What the project lists | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Plug and Race assembled package | The official product page lists a control box, two push-button controllers, a 5 m LED strip, strip cable, and charger cable. The phone charger is not included; the page says a common 2 A phone charger is suitable. Official Plug and Race page | Choose this if you want the main game components assembled and supplied together. Check the product page for current price and availability. |
| DIY Base Kit design | The FAQ identifies the required core items as a 5 V Arduino Nano, WS2812 or WS2813 LED strip, two push buttons, and an Arduino USB power supply. Official Open LED Race FAQ | You supply compatible parts and assemble the build; requirements can vary if you modify the design. |
The assembled package’s four-player option adds blue and white controllers plus two 3.5 mm stereo splitter cables. Its listed price range was €80–€98 when retrieved; prices and availability can change, so confirm them on the product page.
DIY parts and compatibility
LED strip
The Base Kit FAQ supports WS2812 and WS2813 strips. When searching for a WS2812 LED strip, check its voltage, LED density, total length, connector, and wiring against your build. The project creator’s early parts list specifies a WS2812 or WS2813 strip at 60 LEDs per metre, but that density should not be assumed for every possible configuration.
Arduino board
The Base Kit design expects a 5 V Arduino Nano. The FAQ specifically warns against using a 3.3 V Nano 33 board with that kit design because it can damage the Arduino. Do not treat boards with similar names as interchangeable; match the board to the project’s stated voltage and design.
Rank #3
- All-in-One Electronics & Coding Starter Kit: Learn the fundamentals of electronics, coding, and circuit design with the Horizon Uno board (Arduino-compatible), LEDs, sensors, and specialty components — everything you need to start building.
- Includes Step-by-Step Video Lessons: Gain lifetime access to a full online video course created by robotics engineers. Each lesson walks you through real-world projects, coding examples, and clear explanations designed for beginners. Each kit comes with a unique access code to access on our course website. The course includes lectures, labs, projects and problem sets.
- High-Quality Components for Reliable Learning: Each kit includes premium parts for accurate circuit performance — from durable resistors and sensors to jumper wires and LEDs — ensuring a frustration-free learning experience.
- Perfect for Students, Educators & Hobbyists: Ideal for classrooms, STEM programs, and self-learners. The Horizon Uno Kit makes it easy for beginners to grasp the fundamentals of electricity, coding logic, and microcontroller programming.
- Learn, Build & Innovate with Horizon Robotics Lab: Backed by an experienced team of engineers and educators, Horizon Robotics Lab is dedicated to making robotics and electronics education accessible, inspiring learners to build cool projects and bring ideas to life.
The software page lists a maximum of 300 LEDs with an Arduino Nano and 1,500 LEDs with an Arduino Every. It equates 1,500 LEDs with a 25 m track using strips rated at 60 LEDs per metre. These are project-stated software capacities, not a guarantee that every wiring or power arrangement supports those lengths. Software configuration and LED limits.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsButtons and connectors
The Base Kit uses two push buttons for its basic two-player setup. Its control-box connectors include two 3.5 mm jacks for player buttons, a Mini-B USB connector for the Nano, and a JST connector for the strip, as listed in the project FAQ. The creator’s early parts list also names a Nano adapter PCB, capacitors, a resistor, and a speaker; these are build-specific parts, not universal requirements for every version.
Power requirements
For the project’s standard software operation with a 300-LED strip, its FAQ says a 2 A USB charger is sufficient. The same FAQ notes that lighting all LEDs at maximum white brightness would theoretically require 10 A or more. Treat the 2 A figure as the project’s standard-use recommendation, not a general calculation for modified software, different strips, or maximum-brightness operation. Check the strip’s power requirements if your build lights more LEDs or uses different settings.
Rank #4
![Arduino Starter Kit R4 [K000007_R4] – Learn Electronics and Coding with the UNO R4 WiFi Board, 13 Guided Projects in a Printed Book + Growing Resources Online, Official Certification Voucher](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mjbAi4hGL._SL160_.jpg)
- LEARN ELECTRONICS AND CODING FROM SCRATCH: Start your maker journey or enhance classroom learning with the Arduino Starter Kit R4 – no prior experience required. Includes a printed project book and all components for 13 hands-on tutorials, as well as access to a growing repository of projects that will be added over time.
- POWERED BY THE ARDUINO UNO R4 WIFI BOARD: Discover modern connectivity and performance with the Arduino UNO R4 WiFi, featuring built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and full compatibility with the Arduino ecosystem.
- CERTIFICATION VOUCHER INCLUDED: Once you’ve mastered sensors, motors, displays, and logic through the projects, take the official Arduino Fundamentals certification exam with the voucher that comes with your kit.
- BONUS DIGITAL RESOURCES: Register your kit online to unlock extra projects, multilingual lessons (Italian, German, French), and exclusive online content designed by the Arduino team.
- DESIGNED FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING: Ideal for classrooms, labs, or self-learners. Combine hands-on experiments with clear explanations and an AI coding assistant to support you as you grow.
Configure the track and game
The project’s companion desktop application can configure LED count, race duration in laps, slope position and steepness, and pit-lane length. The project code is available through its GitLab repository, and the software page also describes serial configuration through the Arduino IDE console. Use the project’s software documentation for the applicable code and configuration details.
Two-player or four-player setup
The Base Kit FAQ’s parts list starts with two push buttons, while the assembled Plug and Race package offers a two-player version and a four-player option. On the official assembled setup, four players mean adding the blue and white controllers and two 3.5 mm stereo splitter cables. Confirm that your own control-box wiring and software configuration support the player count you intend to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tutorials to build an Open LED Race device?
The project has an official tutorial index: Open LED Race tutorials. The FAQ also identifies the core Base Kit parts and compatibility constraints.
Best Value
- All-in-One Starter Kit for Beginners: Part of the Powered by Arduino program, this kit includes an original Arduino UNO R4 WiFi, 300+ high-quality components, 50+ hands-on projects (30 basic, 13 fun, and 8 IoT), and 100+ free video lessons co-created with renowned educator Paul McWhorter. Designed for beginners ages 8+, it provides a complete, step-by-step path to learn Arduino, electronics, coding, and IoT. RoHS compliant for added safety and quality, it also makes a thoughtful gift for tech enthusiasts, students, and aspiring makers for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions
- Powerful Arduino Uno R4 WiFi Board: Upgraded from the Arduino Uno R3, the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi features a 32-bit processor, more memory, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, enabling connection to third-party apps for more interactive and practical projects.
- 300+ Components for Endless Possibilities: With 300+ components and sensors, this kit is perfect for portable projects. It features step-by-step tutorials, open-source code, and compatibility with other Arduino boards like Uno R3 and Nano, offering endless customization and learning opportunities.
- Engaging Projects for Every Skill Level: Featuring 50 projects (30 basic, 13 fun, 8 IoT) with IoT app integration like Arduino IoT Cloud , this kit supports Arduino C++ programming, making it perfect for students, teachers, and engineers to learn, code, and create at any skill level.
- Dedicated Support for Beginners: Alongside online resources and video tutorials, SunFounder provides technical support and troubleshooting forums to help beginners solve programming challenges with ease.
If I buy the Base Kit, what else do I need?
For the official Base Kit design, the FAQ says you supply a 5 V Arduino Nano, WS2812 or WS2813 LED strip, two push buttons, and an Arduino USB power supply.
May I use any Arduino Nano with the design?
No. The Base Kit design expects a 5 V Arduino Nano; the FAQ warns that a 3.3 V Nano 33 board is incompatible and can damage the Arduino.
Which power supply do I need?
For standard operation with a 300-LED strip, the project FAQ recommends a 2 A USB charger. Modified software or different brightness and strip configurations may need a different supply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
