Introduction: Harry Potter Sorting Hat With Circuit Playground Bluefruit

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This sorting hat was constructed for Professor Gallaugher's Physical Computing course at Boston College. It plays Hedwig's theme before sorting the user into a random house. It truly makes my childhood Harry Potter dreams come to life!

Supplies

  • Sorting Hat base ordered from Amazon
  • Circuit Playground Bluefruit
  • NeoPixel LED strand
  • Speaker
  • Battery pack
  • Sewing materials (needle, thread, hot glue, felt)
  • Screws and washers to connect wiring to CPB

Step 1: Finding the Sounds

The CPB has very limited storage space, so I was unable to include all of the desired sounds. I chose the essentials: Hedwig's theme and a sound for each house.

Attachments

Step 2: Writing the Program

This program is standard and incorporates different elements from the course. Playing sounds, LED animations, debounced buttons, and random numbers.

Attachments

Step 3: Piecing Together the Hat

This was the most gruesome part of the project.

Steps:

  • Sew NeoPixel strand into the hat
  • Attach CPB to hat - I created a pocket out of felt that can deattach
  • Make a label for the PUSH HERE button
  • Attach velcro for the speaker
  • Attach battery using velcro and zipties

Step 4: Time to Be Sorted!

What house will you be sorted into?