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  • Author Author: TechnoChic
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Learn to Animate LEDs with micro:bit, NeoPixels, and Microsoft Make Code, the series!

TechnoChic
Learn to Animate LEDs with micro:bit, NeoPixels, and Microsoft Make Code, the series!

Hi! I'm Natasha. Welcome! 

This is the beginning of 10 blog posts featuring each video in my series on animating LEDs with micro:bit and Make Code. I created these tutorials with artists and creatives in mind. It's for people who want to add lights to their designs --- but have never tinkered with electronics before. So, if you're a beginner (or know a beginner who needs to hear this) you're in the right place!

Make this LED NeoPixel Helmet

We'll learn a lot! I'll share the materials and supplies needed to make this LED Bike Helmet project, including some alternatives for those designing a similar project. Then, I'll show you how to connect the components to prepare for downloading code.

Next, we'll dive into creating Neopixel LED code for the micro:bit using a free website called Make Code. This block coding language is easy to start with but powerful enough to create complex animations as you continue to explore what it can do. I'll show you how to animate the pixels, organize your animations, make them interactive, and even sync with other micro:bits via radio.

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 to inspire your next project. Then, I'll go over ways to make your project more durable, and finally, I'll share the journey I took to create my custom Neopixel bike --- that's completely covered in NeoPixels.

Get started by watching the intro video now, and be sure to subscribe for more!

See you there!

Natasha

  • in reply to TechnoChic

    Looks like someone has done something close to what I was imagining here:

    where the animation effect speed can be set independently of the varying wheel speed but still able to use it to influence the animation.

  • in reply to beacon_dave

    That’s not a part of my design, but if you do this please share your results! 

  • in reply to TechnoChic

    Cool. Doug's bike sounds interesting.

    Yes, I suspect that you can get a lot better results with the DotStar strips when attempting POV type effects. Quite a few different timings to consider to get it looking at its best both on and off camera.  

    The gyro sensor was actually more for the wheel rim lighting effects especially at stationary / lower speeds. At higher speeds then you can typically get a sync pulse from a hall effect sensor every rotation so you at that point you have position and then after one rotation you can start calculating speed, but if you are stationary and your bike wheel is just rocking back and forth then the micro:bit program won't know where the top of the wheel currently is or if it is rotating slowly forwards or backwards until it gets another sync pulse. So if you are trying to do smooth slower motion type effects then it may help.

    Perhaps need multiple spare front wheels to test various different prototypes out on Slight smile

  • in reply to beacon_dave

    YEah! I plan to add the circle around the rim (l'm a bit jealous of "Doug's Bike" coming up soon in Episode 8). If you look at my bike, there are 3 NeoPixel spokes already installed. That design is intentional and I won't change it. As far as I know, the refresh rate of NeoPixels isn't consistent enough for POV displays (you need to switch to Dot Stars to have the additional clock pin to make the timing more accurate). My work needs to have a breadcrumb trail back to absolute beginner makers, but I'd love for you to try adding a gyro sensor and NeoPixels to see if you can make it accurate enough! Please report back if you do!