Since version 1.70, the Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator has supported ambient bridge lights under program event control using intelligent lights that use the DMX standard for communication. There are several options for plug-in-ready DMX lights, but it's also quite easy to put together an Arduino and three transistors to make your own Artemis-compatible bridge lights for less than half the cost of the commercial alternatives. All you really need is any AVR microcontroller with at least three PWM channels and an FTDI serial interface (like an Arduino Duemilenove)
Components
1×
Arduino Duemilenove
Must have FTDI chip, so Uno will not work as substitute
3×
N-channel MOSFET TO-220 package
Must be able to handle 2A @ 12V. Many parts are suitable.
1×
Strip of common-anode 12V RGB LEDs
Can be flexible ribbon or individual modules.
1×
12V power supply with 2.1mm barrel connector
2A will drive approximately 60 RGB LEDs
1×
Arduino Prototype shield
optional - provides place to mount MOSFETs