# 3D Printed LED-Animation BMO
## Overview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6734FdCTWjM
You can make your very own BMO with 3D Printing and DIY electronics. This guide will walk you through the steps of 3D printing the parts, soldering the components and assembling this delightful electronic companion.
The mini 8x8 LED matrix makes an awesome head for BMO, programed to display several fun and playful facial expressions. Program your own animation to make new faces, letters or totally mathematical expressions ;-)
Info:
## Tools & Supplies
- [3D Printer](http://www.adafruit.com/category/128 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/category/128")
- [Soldering Iron](http://www.adafruit.com/category/8_84 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/category/8\_84")
- [Wire Strippers](http://www.adafruit.com/products/527 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/527")
- [30 gauge wrapping wire](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1446 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1446")
## Parts
- [Gemma M0](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) or [Gemma v2](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1222)
- [Lithium Polymer Battery](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1570 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1570")
- [Slide Switch](http://www.adafruit.com/products/805 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/805")
- [Button Switch](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1119)
## Prerequisite Guides:
- [Introducing Gemma M0 guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-gemma-m0/) or [Introducing GEMMA guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma)
- [Adafruit LED Backpacks](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack)
- [Space Invaders Pendent](http://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-slash-gemma-space-invader-pendant)
# 3D Printed LED-Animation BMO
## 3D Printing
BMO's box enclosure, cover and limbs looks best printed in teal. A spool of teal colored ABS ranges from $30-50 depending on where you purchase it.
Below is a small list of places to get filament. Make sure your filaments diameter size matches your 3d printer. Most common size is 1.75mm and 3mm.
You can print BMO's buttons in different colored ABS or paint each piece. The buttons are rather small, so you will need to make sure your build plate is clean and nicely leveled. These parts are a bit difficult to print so make a few copies to make a batch of each. You can do this in MakerWare by copying and pasting them.
The tolerances in the holes are optimized for ABS but should work with PLA. You can use an x-acto knife in moderation to lose the tolerances to fit the components.
[Download STLs](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:253419)
## Painting BMO
If you 3D Print the buttons in different colored ABS, you only have to print BMO's letters on the sides.
Use a fine brush and even out the bristles by trimming them with sharp scissors.
Black acrylic paint works best on ABS prints. Apply small portions of paint and spread it on the surface of the raised letters on each side. Lightly dab on the edges to get a clean finished look. If you accidentally mark outside the letters, quickly rinse it down with water and try again. Let stand to dry for a few minutes.
# 3D Printed LED-Animation BMO
## Circuit Diagram
Info:
## Gemma + 8x8 LED Matrix
Using the **GEMMA** in this build allows us to plug in a rechargeable battery directly into the JST port is directly on the board. **GEMMA** can be powered by USB but will need to have a battery power source for portability.
- **VCC** pin goes to **VBAT**
- **GND** pin goes to **GND**
- **SCL** pin goes to **D2/A1**
- **SDA** pin goes to **D0**
## Prototyping
If your new to working with **GEMMA** , be sure to use a breadboard and jumper wires to prototype. Use alligator clips to clip jumper wires to **GEMMA**. The 8x8 LED matrix w/backpack will need header + pins soldered to the breakouts. Check out the[adafruits guide to LED backpacks](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack/0-8-8x8-matrix "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack/0-8-8x8-matrix") for more details. # 3D Printed LED-Animation BMO
## Arduino Code
Info:
If this is your first time using Gemma, work through the [Introducing Gemma](http://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma) guide first; you need to customize some settings in the Arduino IDE.
Be sure to check out Phil Burgess's [space invader pendant guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-slash-gemma-space-invader-pendant/source-code)for getting the source code on to GEMMA properly.
[Space Invaderz Guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-slash-gemma-space-invader-pendant/source-code)
Once you have your GEMMA/Trinket profiles installed in your Adafruit Arduino IDE, copy this code into a new sketch in Arduino and save it as matrix.ino.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/3D_Printed_LED-Animation_BMO/3D_Printed_LED-Animation_BMO.ino
Create a new window and paste in the BMO animation code and save it as bmo.h in the same directory as the matrix sketch.
You may have to remove the .ino extension that gets added to the **bmo.h** file making it **bmo.h.ino** , remove that last **.ino** appending to just **.h**. Close the IDE and reopen it. The matrix sketch should show the **bmo.h** file in a tab.
Goto the tools file menu and select the **Adafruit Gemma 8MHz** profile under the Board drop down menu. Select **USBTinyISP** under the Programer drop down in the tool file menu.
Plug in a mini USB cable to the Gemma and connect it to your computer. Wait until you see a red blinkling LED on the Gemma and then hit the left arrow icon button to upload the code.
If you get a message in the IDE "Done Uploading" the code successfully uploaded to the GEMMA!
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/3D_Printed_LED-Animation_BMO/bmo.h
## Writing Custom LED Animations
Check out Phil Burgess's Space invader guide for a great break down on how to write your own LED animations. [Animations Guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-slash-gemma-space-invader-pendant/animation)
## Animation Tool for Adafruit 8x8 LED Matrix
Check out this awesome website for building letter based LED animations. You simply click on letters to build an animation which can then be out putted to animation data for the Trinket/Gemma. It's awesome! [Mini 8x8 Animation Web Tool](http://www.diyode.com/mini8x8/)
# 3D Printed LED-Animation BMO
## CircuitPython Code
**GEMMA M0** boards can run **CircuitPython** — a different approach to programming compared to Arduino sketches. In fact, **CircuitPython comes factory pre-loaded on GEMMA M0**. If you’ve overwritten it with an Arduino sketch, or just want to learn the basics of setting up and using CircuitPython, this is explained in the [**Adafruit GEMMA M0 guide**](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-gemma-m0/circuitpython-setup-1).
Info:
Below is CircuitPython code that works similarly (though not exactly the same) as the Arduino sketch shown on a prior page. To use this, plug the GEMMA M0 into USB…it should show up on your computer as a small **flash drive** …then edit the file “ **code.py** ” with your text editor of choice. Select and copy the code below and paste it into that file, **entirely replacing its contents** (don’t mix it in with lingering bits of old code). When you save the file, the code should **start running almost immediately** (if not, see notes at the bottom of this page).
**If GEMMA M0 doesn’t show up as a drive, follow the GEMMA M0 guide link above to prepare the board for CircuitPython.**
This code requires two additional libraries be installed:
1. adafruit\_circuitpython\_ht16k33
2. adafruit\_bus\_device
If you’ve just reloaded the board with CircuitPython, create the “lib” directory and then download the[ Adafruit CircuitPython Bundle](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_Bundle/releases).
Warning:
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/3D_Printed_LED-Animation_BMO/code.py
# 3D Printed LED-Animation BMO
## Assembling Circuit
## Setting up wires
You will need to cut and strip 6 strands of 30 guage wrapping wire for connecting the button and 8x8 LED matrix to GEMMA. Measure the length of the strips to about 90mm. You can optionally add labels to each wire with a piece of masking tape. If your new to working with GEMMA, check out the [intro guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma).
## Mini 8x8 LED Matrix
The 0.8' led matrix comes with an I2c Backpack that will need to be soldered to the matrix. Carefully slide the matrix into the backpack and flip it over. Triple check that the text is on the same side as the **From Adafruit** text. Be sure to check out the [8x8 LED matrix intro guide](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack/1-2-8x8-matrix)
Solder all 16 pins. Apply the soldering iron to the pin and hold it there for a few seconds. Add small amount of solder to heated pin, **not** the tip of the iron! Clip and trim the pins when you're finished soldering. ## Wiring 8x8 LED Matrix
Apply a small amount of solder to tin the 4 pins on the top of the 8x8 LED matrix backpack. Try to heat the back of the pin, and then applying the solder to the front of the pin.
Solder 4 strips of 30 gauge wrapping wire to the 4 pins on the backpack. Try heating the back and pushing the wire through once it's liquidy.
## Connecting 8x8 LED Matrix to GEMMA
Use a [third helping hand](http://www.adafruit.com/products/291) to hold your components in place while you solder. Tin the 6 pins on the GEMMA. Solder the 4 wires from the LED Matrix to the pins of the GEMMA. Below is a mini reference list for each pin.
- **SLC** to **D2/A1**
- **SDA** to **D0**
- **GND** to **GND**
- **VCC** to **VBat**
And here's the GEMMA + 8x8 LED matrix circuit! At this point, you can plug in a lipo battery to the JST to power it on and test if it works. The mini 8x8 LED Matrix should have enough slack to move freely from the GEMMA.
## Switch/JST adapter
For conveniently powering our circuit, we recommend creating a switch/JST adapter. Using a JST extension cable, we can splice it onto a slide switch. The male end of the JST connects to the GEMMA, while the female port connects to your rechargeable battery.
Tin the middle and any outside pin of the slide switch with a small amount of solder. Be sure to apply rosin to each pin in order for the solder to stick properly. Use [heat shrink tubing](http://www.adafruit.com/products/344) to secure our soldered connections.
[Snip](http://www.adafruit.com/products/152) off the extra pin in the switch. It could cause a short in our circuit once it's mounted in the box enclosure. 
## Push Button
Use a tactile push button for replaying the LED animations. Snip off any two diagonal pins and tin them.
Before soldering, be sure to add a piece of heat shrink tubing for securing the connection after you solder.
Solder one piece of wrapping wire to each pin.
With the wires securely soldered, put the heat shrink tubing over the connects and heat it up to seal the connections.
Once the button is wired up, solder the two wires to the GEMMA. Order of pins doesn't matter as long as one goes to **3V** and the other to **D1**.
- Pin A to **3V**
- Pin B to **D1**
Here's what the complete circuit looks like. The push button should also have enough slack for it to move around in the enclosure. Gemma acts as BMO's brains, while the LED matrix+backpack is his face. We can assume the battery is his heart ;-)
The next page shows you how to put these electro guts into BMO's boxy box.
# 3D Printed LED-Animation BMO
## Assembling BMO
Info:
## Adding the 8x8 LED Matrix
Before adding the LED matrix, add a black piece of tape to cover up the slot right below BMO's face. It's just for decoration, it doesn't actually do anything but adds a great finishing detail to make BMO look more like BMO.
Position the 8x8 LED matrix 'upright' by making sure the pin outs are at the top and adafruit logo at the bottom. Insert the LED Matrix into box with the top going in first, and then the bottom. The LED matrix should loosely fit into the BMO's box enclosure. Ensure the wiring in the pinout are positioned to the top.
## Closing it Up
You will need to neatly fit the GEMMA, lipo battery and the JST/switch adapter into the box. For an easier build, try using a 110mAh lithium polymer battery (the 150mAh is a little more tricky to fit into the box, but it can be done!). Place the battery in between the Gemma and led matrix.
If the cover doesn't quite close, you may need to reduce the length of the battery cable and/or the JST/switch adapter. With patience, trial and error, you're box will nicely close shut with a little wiggle room.
## Mounting JST/Switch adapter
Carefully adjust the cables and insert the switch through the cut out near the top of the box cover. If the wires are too long, you may need to cut off some slack so all the components fit inside the box.
## Add the Finishing Details
If you have already, pop in the button pieces into the holes on the front of BMO's boxy box. If they don't fit, using an x-acto knife to loosen up the opening. Be careful, don't over loosen the holes or the limbs and buttons won't stay put! But if you do, you can super glue them into place. BMO's arms and legs should freely rotate.
Add a split ring to the cover and put it on a necklace to wear your new electronic pal for a 3d printed adventure time!
## Featured Products
### Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform
[Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501)
The **Adafruit Gemma M0** is a super small microcontroller board, with just enough built-in to create many simple projects. It may look small and cute: round, about the size of a quarter, with friendly alligator-clip sew pads. But do not be fooled! The Gemma M0 is incredibly...
In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3501/guides)
### Adafruit GEMMA v2 - Miniature wearable electronic platform
[Adafruit GEMMA v2 - Miniature wearable electronic platform](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1222)
**Deprecation Warning: The Gemma bit-bang USB technique it uses doesn't work as well as it did in 2014, many modern computers won't work well. So while we still carry the Gemma so that people can maintain some older projects, we no longer recommend it.**
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1222)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1222/guides)
### Adafruit Mini 0.8" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Pure Green
[Adafruit Mini 0.8" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Pure Green](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1633)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...
In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1633/guides)
### Adafruit Mini 0.8" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow-Green
[Adafruit Mini 0.8" 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Yellow-Green](https://www.adafruit.com/product/872)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/872)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/872/guides)
### Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Blue
[Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/959)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/959)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/959/guides)
### Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Ultra Bright White
[Adafruit Mini 8x8 LED Matrix w/I2C Backpack - Ultra Bright White](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1080)
What's better than a single LED? Lots of LEDs! A fun way to make a small display is to use an [8x8 matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_88) or a [4-digit 7-segment display](https://www.adafruit.com/category/37_103). Matrices like these are...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1080)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1080/guides)
### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 100mAh
[Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 100mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1570)
Lithium-ion polymer (also known as 'lipo' or 'lipoly') batteries are thin, light, and powerful. The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This battery has a capacity of ~100mAh for a total of about 0.4 Wh. If you need a larger battery,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1570)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1570/guides)
### Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch
[Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805)
These nice switches are perfect for use with breadboard and perfboard projects. They have 0.1" spacing and snap in nicely into a solderless breadboard. They're easy to switch no matter what size fingers you have, but not so easy that they'll get flipped by accident. Work great as...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/805/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit LED Backpacks](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-backpack.md)
- [Disco Band Camp Jacket](https://learn.adafruit.com/disco-band-camp-jacket.md)
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- [Close Encounters Hat](https://learn.adafruit.com/close-encounters-hat.md)
- [Flashing LED Strand with MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/flashing-led-strand-with-makecode.md)
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- [How to Program SAMD Bootloaders](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-program-samd-bootloaders.md)
- [Trinket / Gemma Space Invader Pendant](https://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-slash-gemma-space-invader-pendant.md)
- [Princess Peach LED Crown](https://learn.adafruit.com/bowsette.md)
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- [Cyber Flower: Digital Valentine](https://learn.adafruit.com/cyber-flower-digital-valentine.md)
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- [Space Face LED Galaxy Makeup](https://learn.adafruit.com/space-face-led-galaxy-makeup.md)
- [NeoPixel Spats with Gemma and MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-spats.md)