In this series, I'll show you how to make a simple LED project that displays custom animations you design yourself. I'll use a light-up bike helmet as the example project, and you can build along with me or apply the skills you learn to your own project.
In the next two videos, I'll talk about the materials and supplies needed to make the LED Bike Helmet project and share some alternatives that can be used for other designs too. Then, I'll show you the proper connections between the components to prepare for downloading code.
Next, we'll create Neopixel LED code for the micro:bit with a free website called MakeCode. This block coding language is easy to start with but is also powerful enough to create complex animations so you can keep exploring what it can do as you learn more. I'll show you how to animate the LED pixels, organize your animations, make them interactive, and even sync with other micro:bits via radio. And by then I bet you'll want to add Neopixels to everything!
So--- I've included a video about exploring the many form factors that Neopixel LEDs come in -- that I hope will inspire your next project. I'll also share ways to plan durability into your project so that it can withstand the elements. Finally, I've created a video about the journey of creating my Neopixel-covered bike and the decisions I made that led me to a successful build and the creation of this tutorial series. :-D
Please -- join in and support this community by commenting below, joining the Discord channel, supporting the channel with membership, and sharing this series with anyone who might enjoy creating with LEDs!
Thank you!
Natasha
kzfaq.info
technochic
Discord - Join the Channel for Project Help, Community, and Inspiration!
discord.gg/vdeyy9rWSN
Participate in the Element 14 Community:
community.element14.com/microbit
Ride with Bike JC:
bikejc.org/light-up-rides
The Full Playlist:
kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rMd3gNBlrq3Fqac.htmlsi=WPFdW1lsL6mUnCg7
Episode 01 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rMd3gNBlrq3Fqac.html ✨ YOU ARE HERE
Episode 02 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fJinard6rdTZe6s.html
Episode 03 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a75pdN2GutbQmqs.html
Episode 04 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mZZjpKqC2NWymo0.html
Episode 05 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jMuoqJxjpsW9nGw.html
Episode 06 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ndaZftt5taqUmIE.html
Episode 07 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pLSGZ5hjnbe6gaM.html
Episode 08 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gNZ4fatmttnGhIE.html
Episode 09 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mZ6CYLRq0M7dnWg.html
Episode 10 - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hauViJyltZzIimg.html
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro & Welcome
00:27 - We're Making a DIY Light-Up Bike Helmet!
00:56 - We'll use Microsoft MakeCode, micro:bit, NeoPixels and LiPo Batteries
01:05 - What to Expect From This Series:
02:03 - Adult Supervision Required! - Batteries - Traffic Laws - Safety Equipment
03:08 - How the Light-Up NeoPixel Bike Project Began
03:39 - This is a Community, Not a Class - So Join the Discord!
04:12 - You Can Do It! ❤️ Natasha
04:37 - Up Next: What Electronics To Buy For Your LED Project!
PROJECT SUPPLIES:
(some links earn commissions)
NeoPixel LEDs:
Neopixel LED Strip with Alligator Clip Connector:
adafruit.com/product/3812
www.newark.com/adafruit/3812/adafruit-neopixel-led-strip-w/dp/62AC0997?ost=adafruit+3812
micro:bit Controller:
amzn.to/3uRqn3x
www.newark.com/bbc-microbit?ost=microbit&rd=microbit
LiPo Batteries for micro:bit: *double check polarity before buying!*
LiPo Battery (get 500 mAh or more)
amzn.to/3Tb3DE7
www.newark.com/adafruit/1578/battery-voltage-3-7v/dp/52X6819?ost=adafruit+1578
LiPo Battery Charger:
amzn.to/3SPnGaW
micro:bit Cases: *check version before buying!*
amzn.to/3VuQoRk
www.newark.com/MarketingProductList?orderCode=75Y0420,75Y0419,29AC0390,29AC0391,14AC4497,44AC5616,01AH8675,01AH8676,01AH8677,01AH8679,01AH8680,01AH8681,01AH8682
Accessories:
Velcro Dots (Industrial Strength!): amzn.to/4bRDsuG
Velcro Cable Ties: amzn.to/3Ice2du
Mounting Tape: amzn.to/3OWtpum
micro:bit watch accessory: amzn.to/3uH8zbv
Link to Neopixel Bike Lights with Arduino (older LED bike version):
technochic.net/search?q=Arduino+Bike
Battery Safety:
technochic.net/blogs/tech-craft-tutorials/battery-safety
THANK YOU!! To everyone who helped make this series possible:
Ayla Schermer, Tony Borelli, Beatriz Bofill, The Entire Bike JC Team, Matt Palasz, Casey Walker, Wozzy the Best Dog Ever, Becky Stern, Maria Paula Saba, Zach Kling, Julian C, All the workshop participants, Ian Cole, Allen Paschel, Bright Bikes, The Maker Effect Foundation, Anthony Rubalcaba, Sophy Wong, Allie Katz, Debra Ansell, Charlyn Gonda, Xyla Foxlin, Doug Malnati, Adafruit, The Element 14 Presents team, Jordan Johnson, Kelly Hensen, Pat Standley, The Jersey City Theatre Center team, Olga Levina, Lance Michel, The Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund
SUPPORTED BY PUBLIC FUNDS FROM THE JERSEY CITY ARTS AND CULTURE TRUST FUND www.jerseycityculture.org/programs/arts-and-culture-trust-fund/