Build a sci-fi inspired bike light using Adafruit Feather and NeoPixels! learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-hea... youtu.be/l0AmRR9w0nw #3dprinting #cirucitpython #neopixels
November 9, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Build a sci-fi inspired bike light using Adafruit Feather and NeoPixels! learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-hea... youtu.be/l0AmRR9w0nw #3dprinting #cirucitpython #neopixels
Here’s the code for that sequence. Still a few bugs to work out and plenty of UI issues, but getting there.
Currently running on @pimoroni.com Servo2040; Pico 2 W also targeted at present. Supporting servos, steppers, buttons and Neopixels (buggily!), with I2C devices and more planned. Wheeee!
Currently running on @pimoroni.com Servo2040; Pico 2 W also targeted at present. Supporting servos, steppers, buttons and Neopixels (buggily!), with I2C devices and more planned. Wheeee!
November 6, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Here’s the code for that sequence. Still a few bugs to work out and plenty of UI issues, but getting there.
Currently running on @pimoroni.com Servo2040; Pico 2 W also targeted at present. Supporting servos, steppers, buttons and Neopixels (buggily!), with I2C devices and more planned. Wheeee!
Currently running on @pimoroni.com Servo2040; Pico 2 W also targeted at present. Supporting servos, steppers, buttons and Neopixels (buggily!), with I2C devices and more planned. Wheeee!
Had a disastrous day of ‘leave’, but did manage to work with my 7 year-old to make an animatronic owl with light-up eyes to test the fab new computational tinkering development environment I’ve built.
@pimoroni.com Servo2040, Neopixels, servos. Haven’t added the planned stepper motor yet.
@pimoroni.com Servo2040, Neopixels, servos. Haven’t added the planned stepper motor yet.
October 29, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Had a disastrous day of ‘leave’, but did manage to work with my 7 year-old to make an animatronic owl with light-up eyes to test the fab new computational tinkering development environment I’ve built.
@pimoroni.com Servo2040, Neopixels, servos. Haven’t added the planned stepper motor yet.
@pimoroni.com Servo2040, Neopixels, servos. Haven’t added the planned stepper motor yet.
NeoPixel Brick Holiday Wreath
NeoPixel Brick Holiday Wreath
3D print a brick branch inspired wreath for the holidays with NeoPixels and Sparkle Motion Mini
learn.adafruit.com
October 27, 2026 at 1:32 PM
NeoPixel Brick Holiday Wreath
#Small_Spacecraft_Effects_Project
Earlier, we discussed the idea of using a QT Py microcontroller to work the lighting effects of a small spacecraft build. You could go about this two different ways. Use an SPI Interface with a TLC59711 PWM Driver, or a NeoPIxel BFF to drive a line of NeoPIxels.
Earlier, we discussed the idea of using a QT Py microcontroller to work the lighting effects of a small spacecraft build. You could go about this two different ways. Use an SPI Interface with a TLC59711 PWM Driver, or a NeoPIxel BFF to drive a line of NeoPIxels.
October 26, 2026 at 5:57 AM
#Small_Spacecraft_Effects_Project
Earlier, we discussed the idea of using a QT Py microcontroller to work the lighting effects of a small spacecraft build. You could go about this two different ways. Use an SPI Interface with a TLC59711 PWM Driver, or a NeoPIxel BFF to drive a line of NeoPIxels.
Earlier, we discussed the idea of using a QT Py microcontroller to work the lighting effects of a small spacecraft build. You could go about this two different ways. Use an SPI Interface with a TLC59711 PWM Driver, or a NeoPIxel BFF to drive a line of NeoPIxels.
Build a #3Dprinted light up tombstone with an animated eye! Use the HalloWing M4 and NeoPixels to make a backlit sign with a custom message or spooky face! Guide learn.adafruit.com/hallowing-to... #adafruit #3dprinting youtu.be/ch_fyu6Uoz4
October 24, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Build a #3Dprinted light up tombstone with an animated eye! Use the HalloWing M4 and NeoPixels to make a backlit sign with a custom message or spooky face! Guide learn.adafruit.com/hallowing-to... #adafruit #3dprinting youtu.be/ch_fyu6Uoz4
Oh this looks so cool! My best Xmas present was probably the RPI Pico. Yes I'm currently just running a phototransistor and a set of neopixels off it, but I'm having so much fun.
October 22, 2026 at 9:07 AM
Oh this looks so cool! My best Xmas present was probably the RPI Pico. Yes I'm currently just running a phototransistor and a set of neopixels off it, but I'm having so much fun.
Just remembered when, back in 2019, in lieu of an Xmas tree I made a short chain of NeoPixels and dipped them in a jar of homemade eggnog
October 11, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Just remembered when, back in 2019, in lieu of an Xmas tree I made a short chain of NeoPixels and dipped them in a jar of homemade eggnog
NeoPixels get daisy-chained together, but you get to the point where you're drawing too much current. You need to break apart power (EPS) from data (ODN). EPS would be a star configuration. ODN maintains the serial daisy-chain.
Nav lights would have to be handled differently.
Nav lights would have to be handled differently.
October 4, 2026 at 10:27 PM
NeoPixels get daisy-chained together, but you get to the point where you're drawing too much current. You need to break apart power (EPS) from data (ODN). EPS would be a star configuration. ODN maintains the serial daisy-chain.
Nav lights would have to be handled differently.
Nav lights would have to be handled differently.
A friend of mine was showing me some parts he printed of an Ambassador-class Enterprise. It got me thinking of how one would print one - which resin, structural considerations, lighting, power distribution, etc.
I had thought about lighting it all with NeoPixels - say, roughly 100.
I had thought about lighting it all with NeoPixels - say, roughly 100.
October 4, 2026 at 10:17 PM
A friend of mine was showing me some parts he printed of an Ambassador-class Enterprise. It got me thinking of how one would print one - which resin, structural considerations, lighting, power distribution, etc.
I had thought about lighting it all with NeoPixels - say, roughly 100.
I had thought about lighting it all with NeoPixels - say, roughly 100.
Let's say you have three main strings - port nacelle and starboard nacelle (at roughly 30 NeoPixels each), add another 30 to flood the saucer section with light for the windows, and 10 to make the impulse engines glow.
(You're right. I forgot main deflectors. Let's add them later.)
(You're right. I forgot main deflectors. Let's add them later.)
October 4, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Let's say you have three main strings - port nacelle and starboard nacelle (at roughly 30 NeoPixels each), add another 30 to flood the saucer section with light for the windows, and 10 to make the impulse engines glow.
(You're right. I forgot main deflectors. Let's add them later.)
(You're right. I forgot main deflectors. Let's add them later.)
a little while back i did some looking into cosplaying votv kerfur omega since i think i'm built like that and could probably finagle the head/face using cleverly laid out neopixels but idk. the grid that makes up the face is really dense and some expressions seem like they'd just be infeasible
October 3, 2026 at 9:21 PM
a little while back i did some looking into cosplaying votv kerfur omega since i think i'm built like that and could probably finagle the head/face using cleverly laid out neopixels but idk. the grid that makes up the face is really dense and some expressions seem like they'd just be infeasible
i guess i could gut an lcd that's the right size/shape and use a light guide to illuminate it such that i could still see out? but then i'd need a much more complex setup to drive it compared to neopixels and it'd all have to be built into the head since there's not exactly room on me elsewhere
October 3, 2026 at 9:21 PM
i guess i could gut an lcd that's the right size/shape and use a light guide to illuminate it such that i could still see out? but then i'd need a much more complex setup to drive it compared to neopixels and it'd all have to be built into the head since there's not exactly room on me elsewhere
The purpose of the NeoPixel BFF is to shift the logic voltage of 3.3V from the QT Py to 5V for the NeoPixels, and to provide a JST PH 3-wire connection for the NeoPixels.
The NeoPixels are addressable and you can set the RGB (or RGBW) values independently.
The NeoPixels are addressable and you can set the RGB (or RGBW) values independently.
October 2, 2026 at 4:06 PM
The purpose of the NeoPixel BFF is to shift the logic voltage of 3.3V from the QT Py to 5V for the NeoPixels, and to provide a JST PH 3-wire connection for the NeoPixels.
The NeoPixels are addressable and you can set the RGB (or RGBW) values independently.
The NeoPixels are addressable and you can set the RGB (or RGBW) values independently.
I’m playing with some new prototype projects today. 😁
October 2, 2026 at 8:01 PM
I’m playing with some new prototype projects today. 😁
You can daisy chain NeoPixels of various form factors together.
You can program the QT Py microcontroller in CircuitPython (or Arduino IDE) via a USB cable to your PC.
I use the Thonny - a Python IDE for Beginners.
You can program the QT Py microcontroller in CircuitPython (or Arduino IDE) via a USB cable to your PC.
I use the Thonny - a Python IDE for Beginners.
October 2, 2026 at 4:13 PM
You can daisy chain NeoPixels of various form factors together.
You can program the QT Py microcontroller in CircuitPython (or Arduino IDE) via a USB cable to your PC.
I use the Thonny - a Python IDE for Beginners.
You can program the QT Py microcontroller in CircuitPython (or Arduino IDE) via a USB cable to your PC.
I use the Thonny - a Python IDE for Beginners.
In this case, I am building a 1:1000 scale USS Defiant from Star Trek. I plan on making three arrays of two NeoPixels each. Two arrays will be for Warp Engines, and the other will be for the Main Deflector.
At this point, I have not test fitted any parts. I'll try that once they're assembled.
At this point, I have not test fitted any parts. I'll try that once they're assembled.
October 2, 2026 at 4:17 PM
In this case, I am building a 1:1000 scale USS Defiant from Star Trek. I plan on making three arrays of two NeoPixels each. Two arrays will be for Warp Engines, and the other will be for the Main Deflector.
At this point, I have not test fitted any parts. I'll try that once they're assembled.
At this point, I have not test fitted any parts. I'll try that once they're assembled.
#Small_Spacecraft_Effects_Project
I used a program called Fritzing (1.0.8) to show you two possible layouts for QT Py microcontrollers and NeoPixel BFF boards. BFF boards are made to solder to the backs of QT Py microcontrollers via two 7-Pin Headers, but I wanted this to be as flat as possible.
I used a program called Fritzing (1.0.8) to show you two possible layouts for QT Py microcontrollers and NeoPixel BFF boards. BFF boards are made to solder to the backs of QT Py microcontrollers via two 7-Pin Headers, but I wanted this to be as flat as possible.
October 2, 2026 at 3:48 PM
#Small_Spacecraft_Effects_Project
I used a program called Fritzing (1.0.8) to show you two possible layouts for QT Py microcontrollers and NeoPixel BFF boards. BFF boards are made to solder to the backs of QT Py microcontrollers via two 7-Pin Headers, but I wanted this to be as flat as possible.
I used a program called Fritzing (1.0.8) to show you two possible layouts for QT Py microcontrollers and NeoPixel BFF boards. BFF boards are made to solder to the backs of QT Py microcontrollers via two 7-Pin Headers, but I wanted this to be as flat as possible.
#Small_Spacecraft_Effects_Project
I'm happy to report that the various parts have arrived. I'll need some time to put together the three sets of NeoPIxels that I'll need. Even more time to get the QT Py RP2040 and NeoPixel BFF on a solderless breadboard and programmed.
I'm happy to report that the various parts have arrived. I'll need some time to put together the three sets of NeoPIxels that I'll need. Even more time to get the QT Py RP2040 and NeoPixel BFF on a solderless breadboard and programmed.
October 1, 2026 at 1:49 AM
#Small_Spacecraft_Effects_Project
I'm happy to report that the various parts have arrived. I'll need some time to put together the three sets of NeoPIxels that I'll need. Even more time to get the QT Py RP2040 and NeoPixel BFF on a solderless breadboard and programmed.
I'm happy to report that the various parts have arrived. I'll need some time to put together the three sets of NeoPIxels that I'll need. Even more time to get the QT Py RP2040 and NeoPixel BFF on a solderless breadboard and programmed.
Add NeoPixels to your drone to make it look like a it has a tractor beam! This is really simple project for lighting effects for a video or just in time for Halloween! Guide: learn.adafruit.com/ufo-drone #3dprinting #adafruit #diy #electronics www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT_3...
September 28, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Add NeoPixels to your drone to make it look like a it has a tractor beam! This is really simple project for lighting effects for a video or just in time for Halloween! Guide: learn.adafruit.com/ufo-drone #3dprinting #adafruit #diy #electronics www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT_3...
The QT Py and the NeoPixel BFF would connect via 3V3, GND, and A3, with the NeoPIxels array chain plugging into the 3-pin JST PH connector on the BFF.
Power via a USB-C connector would need to be sourced externally.
Power via a USB-C connector would need to be sourced externally.
September 25, 2026 at 4:40 PM
The QT Py and the NeoPixel BFF would connect via 3V3, GND, and A3, with the NeoPIxels array chain plugging into the 3-pin JST PH connector on the BFF.
Power via a USB-C connector would need to be sourced externally.
Power via a USB-C connector would need to be sourced externally.
I do have some 10mm clear silicone hemispheres (feet) that might be placed over the NeoPIxels themselves to diffuse the light. The result might look like a capsule with pigtails. ([||])
September 25, 2026 at 4:49 PM
I do have some 10mm clear silicone hemispheres (feet) that might be placed over the NeoPIxels themselves to diffuse the light. The result might look like a capsule with pigtails. ([||])
... so that the pigtail with the female pins gets soldered to the Din side, and the pigtail with the male pins gets soldered to the Dout side. The two mini-buttons could be folded together perpendicular to the jumpers, so that the NeoPIxels face away from each other.
September 25, 2026 at 4:29 PM
... so that the pigtail with the female pins gets soldered to the Din side, and the pigtail with the male pins gets soldered to the Dout side. The two mini-buttons could be folded together perpendicular to the jumpers, so that the NeoPIxels face away from each other.
Replacing the second Mini-Button with a NeoPixel stick might work for lighting longer warp nacelles. But, first things first.
NeoPixels arrays would need to be controlled by a microcontroller (QT Py RP2040) running #CircuitPython. Level shifting would be done with the NeoPIxel BFF.
NeoPixels arrays would need to be controlled by a microcontroller (QT Py RP2040) running #CircuitPython. Level shifting would be done with the NeoPIxel BFF.
September 25, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Replacing the second Mini-Button with a NeoPixel stick might work for lighting longer warp nacelles. But, first things first.
NeoPixels arrays would need to be controlled by a microcontroller (QT Py RP2040) running #CircuitPython. Level shifting would be done with the NeoPIxel BFF.
NeoPixels arrays would need to be controlled by a microcontroller (QT Py RP2040) running #CircuitPython. Level shifting would be done with the NeoPIxel BFF.
Here's my Companion Core #PCB: a microcontroller breakout (bread)board that makes it easy to swap out brains!
One of my favorite designs, and I've used it in every #robot since. 🤖💙✨
www.hackster.io/glowascii/co...
One of my favorite designs, and I've used it in every #robot since. 🤖💙✨
www.hackster.io/glowascii/co...
Companion Core: Robot Heart
A minimal breakout for using a Teensy or Arduino Nano 33 with servos and NeoPixels. Designed for building companion bots! By Alex Glow.
www.hackster.io
September 18, 2026 at 3:50 AM
Here's my Companion Core #PCB: a microcontroller breakout (bread)board that makes it easy to swap out brains!
One of my favorite designs, and I've used it in every #robot since. 🤖💙✨
www.hackster.io/glowascii/co...
One of my favorite designs, and I've used it in every #robot since. 🤖💙✨
www.hackster.io/glowascii/co...