Category: Finished Projects

NeoPixel Arduino Assignment

I added a sparkle animation to the Arduino code. Here is an explaination below:

uint32_t c
This animation starts the function by telling the Arduino to output color across a range of RGBW. As this represents 4 different colors with their respective intensities, this information has to be stored within a large enough range. As color intensity varies from 0-255, the color parameter requires a 32-bit parameter in order to account for the 0-255 range for each color (RGBW). This is because 32-bits represents 256 different combinations of 1s and 0s, for all 4 colors RGBW

uint8_t wait
This animation then defines the ‘wait’ time as an 8-bit function — meaning it has the capacity to count to 256 milliseconds (2^8th power). Using an 8-bit variable here saves a few bits of storage and is particulary useful in this case as the pauses between the loop running are very short within the 0 -256 millisecond range.
*I found this part particularly interesting as I’ve learned about quartz watches in the past and I wanted to know how this relates.

strip.clear();
This clears the strip of any colors/brightness before the wipe begins

strip.setPixelColor(random(NUM_LEDS), c);
This defines the random value that will be assigned to any of the 4 LEDs in this chain. We know there are 4 LEDs because we’ve pre-defined it for our variable NUM_LEDS

strip.show();
The color isn’t pushed to an LED until this ‘show’ line is run.

delay(wait);
There is a delay before the loop is run again. This delay is defined by the 100 in the following line sparkle(strip.Color(255, 255, 255), 100);

Halloween Costume Ideas

Daft Punk (MTA Edition)

Daft Punk is back except its not all fun and dancing, its practical MTA train times so you never miss the F again! I could implement a LED strip across the 3D printed visor that would allow light animations to sweep over the screen to display text. With this I may want to change the helmet just slightly to make it more my own and less a replica.

Eve Glasses

In Pixar’s Wall-E (one of the top sci films of this century) Eve’s eyes squint up when she laughs. I thought this is a cool feature to implement into glasses that could be a main piece of a halloween costume. Perhaps the glasses have a gyroscope to squint when the head tilts up.

NYC Crosswalk Sign

Another idea is to have a shirt which functions like the NYC crosswalk. Perhaps a custom animation that is a bit different or unique from the NYC signs could give it an extra kick. Or maybe it walks when I walk and then the stop hand comes up when I stop moving.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KKhCLXVgtoT4WzKiftRgyxOGWy52NAIj/view?usp=sharing

Ideation1:Squid Game Mask – Interactive NeoPixel LED Costume

Concept:
This interactive Squid Game mask merges pop culture with creative engineering. The square LED frame on the front of the mask is made of NeoPixel LEDs controlled by an Arduino board. Each LED is individually addressable, allowing dynamic lighting effects such as color transitions, breathing effects, and rainbow animations.
The wearer can switch between lighting modes using a small push button hidden inside or behind the mask.

Objective:
To create a visually stunning, programmable Halloween mask that demonstrates Arduino’s control over addressable LEDs, while preserving the iconic Squid Game guard design.

Ideation2:Mario Secret Box – Interactive NeoPixel Hit-Activated Light Box

Concept:
This Super Mario Question Block — when you hit the bottom of the box, it lights up, sparkles, and changes color just like in the game.
It’s powered by an Arduino Uno and NeoPixel LED strip, using a push button (or vibration sensor) to detect when the box is struck.

Objective:
To build an interactive object that uses Arduino Uno to control NeoPixel lighting effects triggered by physical input — combining creativity, electronics, and game-inspired design.

Ideation3:Glowing Stick Figure Costume with Dynamic Expression Face

Concept:
Combine with wearable technology and creative expression. The costume transforms the wearer into a glowing stick figure — every limb is outlined with addressable NeoPixel LEDs controlled by an Arduino Uno.
The head features a programmable digital face screen, capable of displaying different facial expressions such as happy, angry, or surprised.

Users can press a button or use a sensor to switch between expressions, giving the illusion of a living, reactive digital character.

Objective:
To design a full-body interactive costume that demonstrates both LED control and real-time facial animation using Arduino Uno and a small display module.