Smart Christmas Decoration with Raspberry Pi Pico and MQTT -- Episode 582

I like it!!!

For Xmas 2023, how about some sort of 'Wizards in Winter' type diorama made up of PCB modules similar in construction to what you have been making here as individual ornaments.

Separate Xmas tree, house, star, arches, snowperson, canes, trees, etc. modules that can be arranged into different scenes and programmed so they are synchronised to music and optionally triggered from sensors.

Modules could be dual role - either hung as ornaments or plugged into a diorama base to build a scene.

The tricky bit perhaps is how to get enough LED density at a small enough scale for good animation effects without requiring access to special assembly tools.

For those not familiar with TSO 'Wizards in Winter' type light shows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V245QDDXqU

I definitely going to continue the compatibility on future projects like this, it's so nice to have them all on one system, and have the ability to add more functionality without damaging the previous parts/features.

The Mini-Fit could be another one to try and compare against the last 2 I've used. It would be a lot cheaper.
I've used them previously a lot on projects. I think I ruled it out in the bauble project due to size (and possibly stock availability) compared to the KK, but I didn't go back to it as a consideration for v2, when maybe I should have, as they were a good tight lock on the latch iirc

Nice project, the PCB and the final result looks great! Also it is very neat that it was made compatible with the previous system you built last year. It's all a really nice ecosystem for experimenting with a range of technology including the software.

Another connector candidate could perhaps be Mini-Fit Jr, it has a locking latch. However, it relies on the metal crimp inserts for strain relief per insulator (i.e. unfortunately no grip on any outer insulator around all wires, unlike the parts that Dave mentions). Main benefit is very low-cost, and a reasonable size for 2-way power connections (it will take up about 10 x 16mm footprint on the PCB, so not the tiniest, but that's no bad thing sometimes).

Thanks for linking the connector, I haven't come across that one before. I'll order a couple and take a look as they look interesting, especially if a little less bulky. Always good to have part numbers for different connectors to try at hand.

Thanks.
I was really please to give the hotplate a try, we've had it for months, but had never used it it. If being critical, it was a little slow, the temperature drop when I added the PCB was more than I expected, and it took a while to get back up and melt the solder paste, but overall was great when considering the size (for storage) and the price. I think next time I'll consider the temp drop and over heat it to begin with.

Thanks

Thanks, Sounds a likely pronunciation

Nice addition to the Xmas decorations.

The miniature hotplate technique looked like it worked well for the Neopixel LEDs.

I didn't think that the order code was noticeable enough to worry about.

Something like the Binder 'snap-in' series connectors might be worth a look 
https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2704068.pdf  
They have a light snap action on the shell housing when they mate together and may be a bit less bulky than the Squba ones.

Great build Katie.