Introduction: LED Bike Light Programmable With Python

By https://github.com/pearsonkyle
About: Sometimes a bot, always pythonic

This tutorial will show you how to create some cool LED bike lights that are programmable with Python. First, make sure you have all the supplies:

  • Gemma M0 Microcontroller
  • 10k Potentiometer
  • 1m NeoPixel LED strip 30 pixels/meter
  • USB Battery pack

Alligator clips and bread boards can be useful for quickly debugging the circuit before installing

Step 1: Circuit Set Up

  • NeoPixel Power (red) -> Gemma Vout
  • NeoPixel Analog (white) -> Gemma A1
  • NeoPixel Ground (black) -> Gemma GND
  • Potentiometer Power (red) - > 3Vo
  • Potentiometer Analog (white) -> Gemma A2
  • Potentiometer Ground (black) -> Gemma GND

If you're using a NeoPixel strip that is greater than ~1m then an additional power source (5V >2A) may be required (see circuit diagram)

Step 2: Uploading Code

After connecting the circuit, plug your Gemma m0 into your computer via usb. Make sure your usb cable supports power and data otherwise you can not upload code.

If your Gemma m0 does not show up as a usb drive (CIRCUITPY) when plugged into your computer then please follow the instructions at: https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-gemma-m0/over... to set up drivers

The code for this project is publicly available here: https://github.com/pearsonkyle/Animated-LED-Strip

Download "main.py" and drop it into your gemma's file system.

Step 3: ???

does anyone ever know step 3?

Step 4: Profit

Attach the strip to anything!

This LED strip can be easily attached to a bike with some duct tape and zip ties. Perfect for Burning Man