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  • Author Author: TechnoChic
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Connecting NeoPixels and micro:bit // Creative LEDs * 03 *

TechnoChic
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

image

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!

  • in reply to beacon_dave

    I hope this series changes that! I made the videos because there wasn’t easy-to-follow documentation about how to use the NeoPixel Library and therefore most people don’t get very far with it. One of my goals is to create enough of an audience that making a micro:bit + NeoPixel edge connector board has financial viability. :)

    I’d love to be able to charge the LiPo without disconnecting it, and turn off power to the NeoPixels when the micro:bit is connected to a computer. 

    Right now, I can get away with powering my entire bike with one LiPo and one micro:bit, but  if the code calls for too many NeoPixels to draw power, the micro:bit can no longer connect to the computer (and the workaround is just to disconnect the pixels before programming it, but that’s annoying).

    When dreaming of a NeoPixel breakout, I bet it’s even possible to step up the power to 5V for the NeoPixels. ThinkingSmile

  • 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 LiPo and NeoPixels along with a 3V regulator to power the micro:bit via the edge connector plus a few additional pads for those wanting to solder and a power switch.

    That would also allow powering the NeoPixels from battery rather than via the micro:bit which appears to be limited to 90mA (V1) / 190mA (V2) according to:

    https://tech.microbit.org/hardware/powersupply/