Connecting NeoPixels and micro:bit // Creative LEDs * 03 *

5 Apr 2024

Connecting NeoPixels and micro:bit // Creative LEDs * 03 *

Welcome back! Natasha here.

This is the third of 10 blog posts featuring each video in my series on animating LEDs with micro:bit and Make Code. If you've just stumbled upon this post, start from the beginning here.

ln this video, I'll show you how to connect micro:bit, a LiPo battery, and NeoPixel LEDs to prepare the project for downloading code.

micro:bit and liPo

After I show you how to connect the components properly, I'll offer ideas for attaching the LED strip to a bike helmet or other accessory. Then, I'll go over some other micro:bit connection types to consider when you are designing your own project.

How'd it go?

Did you find a new way to connect your components to inspire others? Did your project fall apart?

Comment below with details, or join the Discord channel to share your questions, concerns, and especially your successful builds. See you there!

Top Comments

beacon_dave 7 months ago +1

It's surprising that there doesn't appear to be many micro:bit breakout adapters aimed primarily at NeoPixel strip projects. It could have the edge connector for the micro:bit and JST connectors for the…

embeddedguy 7 months ago

Good assembly and application.
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beacon_dave 7 months ago in reply to TechnoChic

For a bit lower cost you could perhaps use something like the MiniBoost circuit

https://www.adafruit.com/product/4654

to give your NeoPixels around 1A @ 5V direct from the battery then use a low cost regulator solution between the battery and the micro:bit 3V
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DAB 7 months ago

Nice presentation.

I do worry about water getting to the battery or connections, so you might want to put some plastic around them so that If you get into any unexpected moisture, you won't short out the battery.

A flaming helmet could be bad.
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TechnoChic 7 months ago in reply to beacon_dave

Yeah, that power boost is expensive- I’ve never bought one.

Some edge connectors made for servo motors (a few of them are shown in my video) output 5V, but don’t have the handy LiPo port.

We’re not the target audience for what I want to build, but the goal would be to make an all-inclusive breakout for NeoPixels that requires no soldering for those who want to assemble it and focus on the animations, and keep the whole thing under $20.
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beacon_dave 7 months ago in reply to TechnoChic

I spotted an edge connector pass-through which basically allows you to solder to a sacrificial edge connector as opposed to directly to the micro:bit edge connector. That might appeal to some that are ready to move to soldering but not directly to their micro:bit. Also pretty easy to DIY with the likes of KiCad and a PCB service and modify to include options for JSTs.

As for charging the LiPo, something like the Adafruit PowerBoost 1000 charger perhaps might help you out there.

https://www.adafruit.com/product/2465

Power the micro:bit off the USB output of the charger and power the NeoPixel strip off the 5V solder pad via a switch.

What it is missing is the data pass-through from the USB in to the USB out, however AdaFruit have addressed that here

https://learn.adafruit.com/booster-cable/tools-and-materials
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