“Combine the rainbow lights of NeoPixels with 3D printing to program, design, and assemble a groovy, illuminated butterfly!
This is a great project to dive into basic electronics and programming using Arduino and NeoPixels, and to combine electronics with 3D design using Tinkercad and 3D printing.
This project uses the following electronic parts:
Arduino Uno with USB cable24 NeoPixel RingJumper wires (you only need 3 from this set)We’ve also created wishlists on Sparkfun and Adafruit for these components.
You’ll also need the following tools:
Soldering iron and solder (also available from Adafruit and Sparkfun)Wire strippers (also available from Adafruit and Sparkfun)Wire cutters/snips (also available from Adafruit and Sparkfun)Helping hands (optional but handy for holding your parts in place when you solder - also available from Adafruit and Sparkfun)For more info on getting started and leveling up with 3D printing, check out one of the free Instructables classes on 3D printing. This is an intermediate level Arduino project, so if you’re an ultra-beginner or a bit rusty, brush up with the free Instructables Arduino Class or the earlier Arduino Tinkercad lessons.
First, you’ll first learn how NeoPixels work by programming a NeoPixel ring to light up every color of the rainbow in the Tinkercad Circuit simulator:
After that, you’ll customize a 3D butterfly design in Tinkercad that attaches to a special holder for securing your design and a Neopixel ring to an Arduino Uno.
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Finally, you’ll assemble your circuit and 3D printed parts to create a butterfly light show.
Let’s get started!”