Introduction
Connect a Crazy Circuits NeoPixel and a Push Button to a Bit Board and control them with code.
We'll explore how to control an RGB LED (a "NeoPixel") using a push button.
Video Overview
Featured Document
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We'll use Maker Tape to connect the NeoPixel and the Button to the Bit Board on a LEGO baseplate.
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We'll connect our Button to Pin 8 and to Ground (GND) BUT! We're going to use the "gutter" between the LEGO baseplate studs so we can have two layers of tape that do not touch.
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See the photos to show how this works. It's a technique we'll use for certain projects. It can also be used when you're tight on space for tape paths.
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Once the Button is connected we'll need to connect the NeoPixel. One side goes to Ground (GND) and the other side to 3.3v
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We'll then connect the center pin labeled DI (for Digital Input) to Pin 0, which will control the NeoPixel. Run the tape on top of the studs so it does not touch the tape connected to the Button.
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You'll notice the Ground on the Bit Board (as well as the NeoPixel and other Crazy Circuits components we'll use) is color coded White.
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The 3.3v hole on the Bit Board is labeled and is actually two holes right next to each other on the Bit Board. (There is a small line showing the connection between them.)
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If you've never used a micro:bit before you'll want to check out this guide: Bit Board V2 Setup and Use
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We're going to load the following code for our NeoPixel Button Array If Else program: https://makecode.microbit.org/_Kw7ewq68P...
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We'll use an array (which is a list of values) and then use the Button to cycle through different colors by keeping track of the number of presses.
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Once the code is loaded it should start running immediately.
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You can power the micro:bit via the USB cable you used to load the code or you can use a battery pack plugged into the Bit Board.
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Press and release the Button repeatedly and the NeoPixel will cycle through various brightness levels.
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We've added a small piece of paper on top of the NeoPixel so you can see it better in video.
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Follow along with our recorded Live Stream!
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You can watch the full video of us walking through this project, along with explaining and exploring the code: https://youtube.com/live/9q4F1wQKCTs
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Attached Documents
