Key takeaways
- NeoPixel LEDs are versatile and can be used with various microcontroller boards, not just Adafruit components.
- The Adafruit website offers a beginner-friendly “Make It Glow” project to help users create and control their first LED project.
- There are a wide range of NeoPixel projects available, from a world map LED display to a 3D printed NeoPixel bike light. Explore project ideas online.
The Adafruit NeoPixel ecosystem has long been one of the most popular options for creators wanting to use LEDs in their projects. But how do you get started with the NeoPixel hardware and the class library for the code that controls them? Let’s find out.
An introduction to Adafruit NeoPixels
The NeoPixel brand can be confusing. This name is given to the Adafruit line of individually addressable WS2812, WS2811, and SK6812 LEDs, as well as the class libraries that power them in code. This doesn’t mean you have to use official Adafruit components to use NeoPixel class libraries.
In theory, all WS2812, WS2811, and SK6812 LEDs should work with NeoPixel class libraries for devices like Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Adafruit already offers NeoPixel LED strips, bars, rings, and more, but you can also use custom Third-party LEDs for your project.
“Make It Glow” Startup Project
Everyone has to start somewhere when starting to work with NeoPixels. The Make It Glow startup project on the Adafruit website is a great place to start your NeoPixel journey, with all the information you need to create and control your first LED project.
This guide covers the types of LEDs offered, as well as how to power and wire them together, with code examples to make it even easier. The guide itself is for the Circuit Playground Express board, programmed with the web MakeCode system in this case, but the skills you learn will also apply to Arduinos and other microcontroller boards.
1. World Map of the World of Light
This next project is for those who like to find their creative inspiration online. Although creator Joshua Krosebrink hasn’t released the full source code, take a look at his Hackaday project page to get an overview of how it works.
The World of Light world map has a matrix of LEDs behind it, controlled by a Raspberry Pi. The color and brightness of each RGB LED is based on the number of users visiting the creator’s website at a time given and always reflect the location of the person.
2. 3D Printed NeoPixel Bike Light
Safety is extremely important when cycling, but it doesn’t just depend on your skills. You also need a kit to make sure other road users can see you properly, and this 3D printable NeoPixel bike light project from Adafruit website is a great place to start.
This simple LED light is made with 3D printed parts and an Adafruit Feather M4 Express, with software written in the CircuitPython variant of Python for microcontrollers.
The finished LED light can produce normal white light, as well as RGB light to make your cycling more exciting. There are piles of different Arduino microcontroller boards on the market, and it’s always worth researching them before choosing the board for your next project.
3. Arduino display of table tennis ball
Technology projects don’t always need technical solutions, as this Ping Pong Ball Clock project on Household appliance manufacturer. Made by Pyrohmstr, it uses a series of table tennis balls with an LED behind each to create a digital clock face display.
Thanks to NeoPixels, controlled by an Arduino Uno, many color options are available with this clock. You will need access to a 3D printer and laser cutter to complete this project, but you can find many customs parts services online.
4. NeoPixel Notepad for iPhone
Learning how to create your Arduino interface with a device like an iPhone is a great way to understand the component integration process. This team is going through Hacker project uses the small Arduino-powered LightBlue Bean as its brain, allowing it to connect to an iPhone with Bluetooth. Since the LightBlue Bean is no longer sold, you can replace it with another Arduino microcontroller with Bluetooth connectivity, such as the Nano 33 IoT.
Once built, you can draw on your iPhone screen and watch your NeoPixel matrix react to the shapes you create with your hands. Not only is this project a lot of fun, but it will also teach you a range of valuable skills to apply to future Arduino and NeoPixel projects.
5. Arduino LED VU Meter
Level meters were all the rage back when analog hi-fi systems were the best way to listen to music. Old-school technology like this is becoming more and more popular again, but it’s hard to find physical audio viewing tools without buying something used.
This NeoPixel stereo ring VU meter project on the Arduino Project Center solves this problem, allowing you to turn an Arduino and a set of LEDs into a VU meter that works with just about any audio source. Not only will it teach you DIY technology, but it will also give you a better understanding of music and sound production.
6. Arduino Uno LED Thermometer
LEDs have long been one of the key components of digital displays, but you don’t need to build a full-fledged monitor to use LEDs to display information. This Arduino Uno LED thermometer Hacker project by Jonathan Eskow turns a strip of LEDs into a digital thermometer that displays temperature much like an old-school thermometer.
The project uses a physical temperature sensor, rather than online data, to measure temperature. This makes it simple and affordable to make yourself, but it’s also easy to take with you because it doesn’t require an internet connection to work.
7. Arduino Gemma Infinity Mirror
As one of the smallest Arduino options on the market, the Gemma is ideal for creating costumes and other wearables, as well as for projects with strict space limitations. This makes it ideal for Bekathwia’s portable infinity mirror project on Instructables.
Infinite mirrors give the illusion of an endless tunnel with lights around its edges. Moving the mirror produces a unique 3D effect, providing a great tool for costume designers who want to rock the boat, but you can also explore other LED Costume Projects for Beginners. This type of mirror can also look great on your wall.
8. “Lixie” LED Tube Clock
Nixie tubes have been rare for some time, but that doesn’t mean they’re unpopular. In fact, videos of these old-fashioned exhibitions often go viral. Rather than tubes, this Lixie clock lights up Hackaday uses laser-cut pieces of acrylic with LEDs underneath to create a glowing digital effect. You can use an Arduino (or any other suitable microcontroller or SBC) to control the Lixie clock.
You will need access to a laser cutter for this project, but there are many services available online for this. Other than that, the project is extremely simple and affordable, meaning almost anyone can try it.
Choose the NeoPixel project that suits you
Whether you want to create a clock, a costume, or anything in between, NeoPixel LEDs are a great way to light up your project and bring it to life. While the examples listed above are fun and easy to follow, it’s always worth brainstorming your own project ideas. There are many sources of inspiration available online.