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Blog Natasha's NeoPixel LED Bike
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Engagement
  • Author Author: TechnoChic
  • Date Created: 17 Jun 2024 6:10 PM Date Created
  • Views 2560 views
  • Likes 5 likes
  • Comments 10 comments
  • Microsoft MakeCode
  • micro:bit
  • arduino nano
  • neopixels
  • micro:bit project ideas
  • neopixel
  • neopixel controller
  • arduino nano 33 iot
  • arduino
  • micro:bit and neopixels
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Natasha's NeoPixel LED Bike

TechnoChic
TechnoChic
17 Jun 2024
Natasha's NeoPixel LED Bike

Welcome back! Natasha here. :)  

This is the 10th 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.

Watch the FULL Story of Natasha's NeoPixel Bike:

This video tells the whole story of how I built my LED bike - the idea, the prototypes, the animations, the setbacks, the code, the - everything.

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I started with 30 pixel-per-meter NeoPixel strips on the frame of my bike that were controlled by Arduino. Then, I switched the whole project to micro:bit to utilize the onboard radio and sync the LED animations across the frame, wheels, and helmet.

I tell the whole story of my journey - from connecting the pixels to trying out music-reactive animations - to maxing out the capabilities of MakeCode with some pretty advanced code - all made from blocks! Along the way I share tips for addressing NeoPixels, weatherproofing the project, and designing a user interface that’s easy to understand and use while riding.

This video summarizes almost 4 years of work — and I have much more to do! I plan to keep going with this project so please stay tuned for more. Slight smile Please subscribe to my YouTube channel (Subscribers make me so happy!) and join Discord to share your questions and ideas.

Natasha's NeoPixel Bike Pics:

{gallery}Natasha's NeoPixel Bike

image

NeoPixel Bike Silhouette

NeoPixel LED Bike

LED Bike From Afar

NeoPixel Bike Helmet

NeoPixel Bike Process:

{gallery}Making the NeoPixel Bike

30 Pixel per meter NeoPixel Strips

Making Twin NeoPixel Strips

NeoPixel Strips in Rope Light Channels connected to Bike With Velcro

Version 1 with Arduino

micro:bit and liPo Battery for Bike Wheel

The micro:bit NeoPixel Controller

The micro:git NeoPixel controller on the bike
Button Controlled NeoPixels over Radio
 Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit code with many functions

What's Next for Natasha's LED Bike?

Next, I’d like to create a NeoPixel jacket or cape and maybe some more accessories too! And, I want to improve on the controller, potentially adding a button matrix to make a more robust interface for changing animations. And, I want to explore more interactive animations that better utilize the radio and make the bike into a true VU meter that reacts to music! 

What else should I consider adding? Let me know below!

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  • TechnoChic
    TechnoChic over 1 year ago in reply to DAB

    Thanks so much!

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  • DAB
    DAB over 1 year ago

    Very good finish.

    You did an awesome job with your series of blogs in showing how simple it is to light up the world around you.

    Well done.

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  • TechnoChic
    TechnoChic over 1 year ago in reply to beacon_dave

    Thank you! Relaxed️

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  • beacon_dave
    beacon_dave over 1 year ago

    This project series has been great !

    Nice end result. The attention to detail with the LED spacing has paid off as it is really effective when viewed from a distance. 

    The Larson scanner, comet and CMYK sparkles animations work really well.

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  • TechnoChic
    TechnoChic over 1 year ago in reply to beacon_dave

    true

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