# 3D Print Ratcatcher 2 Controller Device

## Overview

https://youtu.be/K0WxoSY3dtg

In this project we’re making Rat Catchers Communicator from The Suicide Squad.

The Rat Communicator is a device used by Ratcatcher to control and manipulate swarms of rats.

We were inspired by The Suicide Squad to 3D print the device and light it up with an Adafruit Circuit Playground Express.

CircuitPython is great for beginners who are looking to use NeoPixels color LED lights in their cosplay projects!

![3d_printing_hero-solo.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/280/medium640/3d_printing_hero-solo.jpg?1630416307)

![3d_printing_cpx-hero.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/281/medium640/3d_printing_cpx-hero.jpg?1630416504)

## CircuitPython Powered

 

With the LED animation library, you can experiment with different effects using demo code.

With CircuitPython you can quickly make changes and see your projects update in real time on just about any computer.

The parts are 3d printed using different colors of filament. The various pieces are joined together with some hardware screws.

![3d_printing_cp-hero-b.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/297/medium640/3d_printing_cp-hero-b.jpg?1630421153)

## Rechargeable

Easily power up the wand with an Adafruit Micro-Lipo Charger! 

Simply plug it via USB cable into a USB port and our Cylindrical rechargeable battery into the JST plug on the other end. There are two LEDs - one red and one green. While charging, the red LED is lit. When the battery is fully charged and ready for use, the green LED turns on. Seriously, it could not get more easy!

![3d_printing_charge.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/307/medium640/3d_printing_charge.jpg?1630434905)

## Parts
Components are housed in the handle and dome. The built-in LEDs on the Circuit Playground illuminate the dome and the battery is stored inside the handle.

##  

## 3D Printed

 

The parts are 3D Printed with an easy to assemble parts.  

![3d_printing_parts.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/298/medium640/3d_printing_parts.jpg?1630422462)

### Circuit Playground Express

[Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
 **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides)
![A Black woman's manicured hand holds a round microcontroller with lit up LEDs.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3333-05.jpg)

### Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh

[Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781)
Need a big battery for your project? This lithium-ion battery contains a 2200mAh and a protection circuit that provides over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-current protection. Yet, it is slim and easy to fit into many project cases.  
  
This cell can provide 2 **C** of...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1781/guides)
![Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh with JST PH connector](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1781-04.jpg)

### JST-PH Battery Extension Cable - 500mm

[JST-PH Battery Extension Cable - 500mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1131)
By popular demand, we now have a handy extension cord for all of our JST PH-terminated battery packs (such as our LiIon/LiPoly and 3xAAA holders). One end has a JST-PH compatible socket, and the other end has a matching plug. Between the two, 500mm of color coded wire. Handy for wearable...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1131)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1131/guides)
![Front shot of JST-PH Battery Extension Cable.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1131-00.jpg)

### Adafruit Micro-Lipo Charger for LiPo/LiIon Batt w/MicroUSB Jack

[Adafruit Micro-Lipo Charger for LiPo/LiIon Batt w/MicroUSB Jack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1904)
Oh so handy, this little lipo charger is so small and easy to use you can keep it on your desk or mount it easily into any project! Simply plug it via any MicroUSB cable into a USB port and a 3.7V/4.2V lithium polymer or lithium ion rechargeable battery into the JST plug on the other end....

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1904)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1904/guides)
![Adafruit Micro-Lipo Charger for LiPo/LiIon Batt w/MicroUSB Jack connected to battery. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1904-06.jpg)

### Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 1 meter long

[Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 1 meter long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5153)
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pink and purple Blinka-like pattern, it's also made for USB C for our modernized breakout boards, Feathers, and more.  [If you want something just like it but for Micro B, we...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111)

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5153)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5153/guides)
![Angled shot of coiled pink and purple USB cable with USB A and USB C connectors.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5153-02.jpg)

### Adafruit Micro-Lipo Charger for LiPoly Batt with USB Type C Jack

[Adafruit Micro-Lipo Charger for LiPoly Batt with USB Type C Jack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4410)
Oh so handy, this little lipo charger is so small and easy to use you can keep it on your desk or mount it easily into any project! Simply plug it via any USB C cable into a USB port and a 3.7V/4.2V lithium polymer or lithium ion rechargeable battery into the JST plug on the other end. There...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4410)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4410/guides)
![Adafruit Micro-Lipo Charger for LiPoly Batt with USB Type C Jack connected to Lipoly battery and USB cable. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4410-05.jpg)

### Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 2 meters long

[Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 2 meters long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5044)
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pink and purple Blinka-like pattern, it's also made for USB C for our modernized breakout boards, Feathers and more.  [If you want something just like it but for Micro B, we have a B...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111)

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5044)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5044/guides)
![Angled shot of a pink/purple woven USB cable plugged into a laptop port and a small dev board.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5044-04.jpg)

### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread

[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
Totaling 380 pieces, this **M2.5 Screw Set**  is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! M2.5 size screws fit almost all of the Adafruit breakout/dev board mounting holes...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3299/guides)
![Black Nylon Screw and Stand-off Set with M2.5 Threads, kit box](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3299-00.jpg)

# 3D Print Ratcatcher 2 Controller Device

## CircuitPython

Danger: 

# Install or update CircuitPython!

Follow this quick step-by-step for super-fast Python power :)

[Download the latest version of CircuitPython for this board via CircuitPython.org](https://circuitpython.org/board/circuitplayground_express/)
 **Click the link above and download the latest UF2 file**

Download and save it to your Desktop (or wherever is handy)

![circuit_playground_uf2.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/047/217/medium640/circuit_playground_uf2.png?1507849069)

Plug your Circuit Playground Express into your computer using a known-good USB cable

**A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! So make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync**

Double-click the small **Reset** button in the middle of the CPX, you will see all of the LEDs turn green. If they turn all red, check the USB cable, try another USB port, etc.

(If double-clicking doesn't do it, try a single-click!)

![circuit_playground_led_strips_3333_giffy1.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/047/218/medium640thumb/circuit_playground_led_strips_3333_giffy1.jpg?1507849085)

![circuit_playground_greens.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/047/219/medium640/circuit_playground_greens.jpg?1507849107)

You will see a new disk drive appear called **CPLAYBOOT**  
  
Drag the **adafruit-circuitpython-etc...uf2** file onto it

![circuit_playground_cplayboot.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/047/221/medium640/circuit_playground_cplayboot.gif?1507849132)

![circuit_playground_drag.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/047/222/medium640/circuit_playground_drag.png?1507849146)

The **CPLAYBOOT** drive will disappear and a new disk drive will appear called **CIRCUITPY**

That's it! You're done :)

![circuit_playground_circuipy.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/047/223/medium640/circuit_playground_circuipy.png?1507849179)

## Further Information
For more detailed info on installing CircuitPython, check out [Installing CircuitPython](../../../../welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-circuitpython).

# 3D Print Ratcatcher 2 Controller Device

## Code

## Coding Circuit Playground Express

Once you've finished setting up your Circuit Playground Express with CircuitPython, you can access the code and necessary libraries by downloading the Project Bundle.

To do this, click on the ** Download Project Bundle**  button in the window below. It will download as a zipped folder.

![3d_printing_cp-close.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/299/medium640/3d_printing_cp-close.jpg?1630423830)

https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Ratcatcher_CPX/code.py

## Upload the Code and Libraries to the Circuit Playground Express

After downloading the Project Bundle, plug your Circuit Playground Express into the computer USB port. You should see a new flash drive appear in the computer's File Explorer or Finder (depending on your operating system) called  **CIRCUITPY**. Unzip the folder and copy the following items to the Circuit Playground Express **CIRCUITPY**  drive. 

Your Circuit Playground Express **CIRCUITPY**  drive should look like this after copying the  **lib**  folder and the **code.py**  file.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/302/medium800/3d_printing_circuitpy-drive.jpg?1630428302)

# 3D Print Ratcatcher 2 Controller Device

## 3D Printing

## Parts List

STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Original design source may be downloaded using the links below.

- Rat-Wand-handle
- Rat-Wand-pommel
- Rat-Wand-collet
- Rat-Wand-CPX-mount
- Rat-Wand-button-screw
- Rat-Wand-button-top
- Rat-Wand-box-button
- Rat-Wand-frame-btm
- Rat-Wand-frame-top
- Rat-Wand-sphere-half

![3d_printing_3d-parts.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/293/medium640/3d_printing_3d-parts.jpg?1630420182)

![3d_printing_3d-parts-b.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/294/medium640/3d_printing_3d-parts-b.jpg?1630420447)

[Download the STLs](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4946357)
[Edit Design](https://a360.co/2WBBJHx)
## Slicing Parts

 

Supports are required. Slice with setting for PLA material. 

The parts were sliced using CURA using the slice settings below.

- PLA filament 220c extruder
- 0.2 layer height
- 10% gyroid infill
- 60mm/s print speed
- 60c heated bed

![3d_printing_slice-loop--.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/295/medium640thumb/3d_printing_slice-loop--.jpg?1630421038)

## Supports

 

- Support Extrusion Width: .2
- Support Density: 4%
- Support Z Height: .21
- Interface: On
- Support Roof: On
- Support Pattern: Zig Zag
- Support Roof Pattern: Zig Zag

![3d_printing_supports-frame.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/296/medium640/3d_printing_supports-frame.jpg?1630421092)

# 3D Print Ratcatcher 2 Controller Device

## Assemble

## Handle Screws

 

Use 2.5x5mm long screws to attach the printed faux "screws" to the sides of the handle.

Fasten the M2.5 screws to the printed faux "screws" and then fasten to the handle as seen in the picture.

The two bottom screw hole are for the attaching the pommel.

![3d_printing_handle-screw-setup.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/282/medium640/3d_printing_handle-screw-setup.jpg?1630418652)

![3d_printing_handle-screws.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/283/medium640/3d_printing_handle-screws.jpg?1630418693)

## Pommel

 

Attach the pommel to the end of the handle with two M2.5x5mm long screws on each side of the handle.

![3d_printing_pomel-screw.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/284/medium640/3d_printing_pomel-screw.jpg?1630418882)

## Collet wires

 

Thread the JST Extension wire through the two holes around the center of the collet as shown.

Pass the jack end of the JST through the center.

Loop the socket end of the JST wire out of the one of the holes on the collet.

 

![3d_printing_collet-wire-thread.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/285/medium640/3d_printing_collet-wire-thread.jpg?1630418974)

![3d_printing_collet-wire-thread-routed.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/286/medium640/3d_printing_collet-wire-thread-routed.jpg?1630419027)

## Attach CPX mount

 

Fasten the Circuit Playground mount to the end of the collet with three M2.5x6mm long screws.

Connect the jack end of the JST extension wire to the Circuit Playground.

Attach the Circuit Playground to the mount with M3x5mm screws.

![3d_printing_cpx-screws.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/287/medium640/3d_printing_cpx-screws.jpg?1630419322)

## Domes

 

Align the screw holes on the handle to the screw holes on each dome and then fasten with M2.5x6mm long screws. 

 

 

![3d_printing_dome-attach.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/288/medium640/3d_printing_dome-attach.jpg?1630419528)

![3d_printing_dome-attached.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/289/medium640/3d_printing_dome-attached.jpg?1630419598)

## Frames

 

Insert the two frame parts into the collet and then over each dome. 

Use M2.5x5mm long screws to attach both frames together.

The excess JST wires wrap around the base of the frame and hidden around the collet.

![3d_printing_frame-attached.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/290/medium640/3d_printing_frame-attached.jpg?1630419689)

## Battery

 

Insert the cylindrical battery into the handle with the wires faces outward. 

 

Pass the battery wire through one of the holes inside the collet.

Fasten the handle to the collet with two M2.5x6mm long screws.

To turn it on, just connect the battery cable to the JST extension and that’s it!

We hope this inspires you to use CircuitPython in your cosplay projects and check out Adafruit’s Circuit Playground Express.

![3d_printing_battery-insert.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/291/medium640/3d_printing_battery-insert.jpg?1630419922)

![3d_printing_jst-connect.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/292/medium640/3d_printing_jst-connect.jpg?1630420001)

![Ratcatcher](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/guides/images/000/003/402/original/wand-loop-b.gif?1630415111)


## Featured Products

### Circuit Playground Express

[Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
 **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides)
### Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh

[Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781)
Need a big battery for your project? This lithium-ion battery contains a 2200mAh and a protection circuit that provides over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-current protection. Yet, it is slim and easy to fit into many project cases.  
  
This cell can provide 2 **C** of...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1781/guides)
### JST-PH Battery Extension Cable - 500mm

[JST-PH Battery Extension Cable - 500mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1131)
By popular demand, we now have a handy extension cord for all of our JST PH-terminated battery packs (such as our LiIon/LiPoly and 3xAAA holders). One end has a JST-PH compatible socket, and the other end has a matching plug. Between the two, 500mm of color coded wire. Handy for wearable...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1131)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1131/guides)
### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread

[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
Totaling 380 pieces, this **M2.5 Screw Set**  is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! M2.5 size screws fit almost all of the Adafruit breakout/dev board mounting holes...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3299/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express.md)
- [Blues Playground](https://learn.adafruit.com/blues-playground.md)
- [Make It Hot or Cold](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-hot-or-cold.md)
- [Robotic AI Bear using ChatGPT](https://learn.adafruit.com/robotic-ai-bear-using-chatgpt.md)
- [Slider Crank Mechanism -- from Cardboard and Craft Sticks](https://learn.adafruit.com/cardboard-slider-crank.md)
- [Fruit Jam Video Music](https://learn.adafruit.com/fruit-jam-video-music.md)
- [NeoPixie Dust Bag with Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixie-dust-bag-cpx.md)
- [Pip-Boy 2040 Wrist-Mounted Prop](https://learn.adafruit.com/pip-boy-2040.md)
- [How to Program SAMD Bootloaders](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-program-samd-bootloaders.md)
- [Distance Measurement with Ultrasound](https://learn.adafruit.com/distance-measurement-ultrasound-hcsr04.md)
- [Sensor Plotting with Mu and CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/sensor-plotting-with-mu-and-circuitpython.md)
- [Circuit Playground Morse Code Flasher](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitplayground-morse-code-flasher-makecode-circuit-python.md)
- [Glue Stick Light Pipe Sculpture](https://learn.adafruit.com/glue-stick-archway.md)
- [CPX Mystery Dreidel](https://learn.adafruit.com/cpx-mystery-dreidel.md)
- [Raspberry Pi Zero Stand](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-zero-stand.md)
- [3D Printed Dragon Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/dragon-lamp.md)