# Animated Edge Lit Acrylic NeoPixel Lamp
## Overview
https://youtu.be/iM5GKDHb8hk
https://youtu.be/jjbFXEkZC2g
## Animated Acrylic Frames
This lamp features edge lit acrylic and added NeoPixel LEDs.
The acrylic appear like frame by frame stop motion animation when each panel is lit up one at a time.
## Swappable Acrylic Panels
The acrylic panels are swappable so you could use this to make all sorts of creative animations.
We engraved some snowflakes and letters but you could do all sorts of arts and graphics.
## QT Py RP2040 and NeoPixels
This is powered by the QT Py RP2040 running Circuit Python. It uses just a single strip of NeoPixel LEDs with a total of eight quarter inch thick acrylic panels.
## NeoPixel Strip Holder
The LED strip is fitted into a 3D printed holder with each LED fitting into a little cavity.
Our 3D printed holder keeps the LEDs isolated so the light doesn’t leak into each other.
## Prerequisite Guides
Take a moment to walk through the follow guides to get familiar with the parts and libraries.
- [QT Py RP2040 Intro Guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-qt-py-2040)
- [LED Animations for Circuit Python](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations/)
- [NeoPixel Uber Guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide)
# Parts
### Adafruit QT Py RP2040
[Adafruit QT Py RP2040](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4900)
What a cutie pie! Or is it... a QT Py? This diminutive dev board comes with one of our new favorite chip, the RP2040. It's been made famous in the new [Raspberry Pi Pico](https://www.adafruit.com/pico) _and_ our [Feather...](http://www.adafruit.com/product/4884)
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4900)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4900/guides)
Info:
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - Black 60 LED 4m
[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - Black 60 LED 4m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1461)
You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! You wanted **twice the LEDs**? We got it (well, it's 1.875 times as many but that's within a margin of error)....
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1461)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1461/guides)
### USB Type C Cable with Data/Charge Switch
[USB Type C Cable with Data/Charge Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4696)
Perhaps your smart phone, tablet, or even your Raspberry Pi 4, charges off of USB, but can you really trust that charging station at the airport? Now you can control when to allow data in or out of your device with this specially-designed USB cable._Voila!_ Your cable's data...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4696)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4696/guides)
### Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable - 10 Wire 1 Meter Long
[Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable - 10 Wire 1 Meter Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3890)
For those who are fans of our silicone-covered wires, but are always looking to _up their wiring game_. We now have **Silicone Cover Ribbon cables!** These may look _a lot_ like
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3890)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3890/guides)
### Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4
[Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
Keep your electronics from going barefoot, give them little rubber feet! These small sticky bumpers are our favorite accessory for any electronic kit or device. They are sticky, but not impossible to remove. They're small enough to fit onto any board, and have just enough height to give...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/550/guides)
# 1/4in Acrylic Sheets
Info:
### Part: Edge Lit Acrylic
quantity: 1
1/4in Thick, 8in x 12in Sheet
[Edge Lit Acrylic](https://www.inventables.com/technologies/light-guide-acrylic-sheet)
# Animated Edge Lit Acrylic NeoPixel Lamp
## Circuit Diagram
The diagram below provides a visual reference for wiring of the components. This diagram was created using the software package [Fritzing](http://fritzing.org/download/).
## Adafruit Library for Fritzing
Use Adafruit's Fritzing parts library to create circuit diagrams for your projects. Download the library or just grab individual parts. Get the library and parts from [GitHub - Adafruit Fritzing Parts](https://github.com/adafruit/Fritzing-Library/tree/master/parts).
## Wired Connections
The project uses a 60/m NeoPixel strip with a total count of 8x NeoPixel LEDs.
NeoPixel Strip to QT Py RP2040
- DIN from NeoPixel strip to Pin A0 on QT Py
- 5V from NeoPixel strip to 5V on QT Py
- GND from NeoPixel strip to GND on QT Py
## Powering
The Adafruit board can be powered via USB. In this project, a 5V power supply is used.
# Animated Edge Lit Acrylic NeoPixel Lamp
## CircuitPython
[CircuitPython](https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython) is a derivative of [MicroPython](https://micropython.org) designed to simplify experimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It makes it easier than ever to get prototyping by requiring no upfront desktop software downloads. Simply copy and edit files on the **CIRCUITPY** drive to iterate.
## CircuitPython Quickstart
Follow this step-by-step to quickly get CircuitPython running on your board.
[Download the latest version of CircuitPython for this board via circuitpython.org](https://circuitpython.org/board/adafruit_qtpy_rp2040/)
**Click the link above to download the latest CircuitPython UF2 file.**
Save it wherever is convenient for you.
To enter the bootloader, hold down the **BOOT/**** BOOTSEL button**(highlighted in red above), and while continuing to hold it (don't let go!), press and release the**reset button**(highlighted in red or blue above). **Continue to hold the BOOT/BOOTSEL button until the RPI-RP2 drive appears!**
If the drive does not appear, release all the buttons, and then repeat the process above.
You can also start with your board unplugged from USB, press and hold the BOOTSEL button (highlighted in red above), continue to hold it while plugging it into USB, and wait for the drive to appear before releasing the button.
A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! **Make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.**
You will see a new disk drive appear called **RPI-RP2**.
Drag the **adafruit\_circuitpython\_etc.uf2** file to **RPI-RP2.**
The **RPI-RP2** drive will disappear and a new disk drive called **CIRCUITPY** will appear.
That's it, you're done! :)
## Safe Mode
You want to edit your **code.py** or modify the files on your **CIRCUITPY** drive, but find that you can't. Perhaps your board has gotten into a state where **CIRCUITPY** is read-only. You may have turned off the **CIRCUITPY** drive altogether. Whatever the reason, safe mode can help.
Safe mode in CircuitPython does not run any user code on startup, and disables auto-reload. This means a few things. First, safe mode _bypasses any code in_ **boot.py** (where you can set **CIRCUITPY** read-only or turn it off completely). Second, _it does not run the code in_ **code.py**. And finally, _it does not automatically soft-reload when data is written to the_ **CIRCUITPY** _drive_.
Therefore, whatever you may have done to put your board in a non-interactive state, safe mode gives you the opportunity to correct it without losing all of the data on the **CIRCUITPY** drive.
### Entering Safe Mode
To enter safe mode when using CircuitPython, plug in your board or hit reset (highlighted in red above). Immediately after the board starts up or resets, it waits 1000ms. On some boards, the onboard status LED (highlighted in green above) will blink yellow during that time. If you press reset during that 1000ms, the board will start up in safe mode. It can be difficult to react to the yellow LED, so you may want to think of it simply as a slow double click of the reset button. (Remember, a fast double click of reset enters the bootloader.)
### In Safe Mode
If you successfully enter safe mode on CircuitPython, the LED will intermittently blink yellow three times.
If you connect to the serial console, you'll find the following message.
```terminal
Auto-reload is off.
Running in safe mode! Not running saved code.
CircuitPython is in safe mode because you pressed the reset button during boot. Press again to exit safe mode.
Press any key to enter the REPL. Use CTRL-D to reload.
```
You can now edit the contents of the **CIRCUITPY** drive. Remember, _your code will not run until you press the reset button, or unplug and plug in your board, to get out of safe mode._
## Flash Resetting UF2
If your board ever gets into a really _weird_ state and CIRCUITPY doesn't show up as a disk drive after installing CircuitPython, try loading this 'nuke' UF2 to RPI-RP2. which will do a 'deep clean' on your Flash Memory. **You will lose all the files on the board** , but at least you'll be able to revive it! After loading this UF2, follow the steps above to re-install CircuitPython.
[Download flash erasing "nuke" UF2](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/101/659/original/flash_nuke.uf2?1618945856)
# Animated Edge Lit Acrylic NeoPixel Lamp
## Code
Once you've finished setting up your QT Py RP2040 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.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/QT_Py/QT_Py_Acrylic_Lamp/code.py
## Upload the Code and Libraries to the QT Py RP2040
After downloading the Project Bundle, plug your QT Py RP2040 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 QT Py RP2040's **CIRCUITPY** drive.
- **lib** folder
- **code.py**
Your QT Py RP2040 **CIRCUITPY** drive should look like this after copying the **lib** folder and **code.py** file.
# Animated Edge Lit Acrylic NeoPixel Lamp
## CAD files
## CAD Parts List
STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Parts are designed to 3D print without any support material. Original design source may be downloaded using the links below:
- case
- bottom-cover
- holder-acrylic
- holder-strip
## Build Volume
The parts require a 3D printer with a minimum build volume.
- 210mm (X) x 70mm (Y) x 90mm (Z)
## CAD Assembly
The QT Py is installed into the built-in holder on the bottom cover. The bottom cover snap fits onto the case. The LED holder is fitted into the center opening of the case. The acrylic holder is placed on top of the LED strip holder and held in place inside the case. The acrylic pieces are press fitted into the slots of the acrylic holder.
[Download STLs.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/107/448/original/STLs.zip?1640010119)
[Download CAD source](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/107/449/original/cad.zip?1640010345)
# Acrylic Shapes
Download our pre-made shapes to get started. Each acrylic piece features a 20mm tab for press fitting into the 3d printed acrylic holder.
Add custom SVG graphics to the shapes using your preferred software.
The 1/4in thick acrylic pieces can be cut with a laser cutter or CNC mill.
[SVGs.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/107/451/original/SVGs.zip?1640011304)
## Design Source Files
The project assembly was designed in Fusion 360. This can be downloaded in different formats like STEP, STL and more. Electronic components like Adafruit's board, displays, connectors and more can be downloaded from the [Adafruit CAD parts GitHub Repo](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CAD_Parts).
# Animated Edge Lit Acrylic NeoPixel Lamp
## Wiring NeoPixel
## Wire for NeoPixel Strip
Use a 3-wire cable to connect the NeoPixel strip button to the QT Py. Measure and cut the wires down to size. Use the following lengths to trim the cable.
- 3-wire cable – 127mm (5in)
## Wiring NeoPixel Strip
Start by locating the end of the strip with the data input pad. Take note of the ground and voltage pads. Solder the cable with the three wires to the 5+, GND and Data In pads from the bottom of the strip.
## Wired NeoPixel
Double check the wires are soldered in the correct orientation with the cable soldered to the back of the strip.
# Animated Edge Lit Acrylic NeoPixel Lamp
## Wiring QT Py
## Solder NeoPixel to QT Py
Solder the cable from the NeoPixel strip to the QT Py.
- DATA IN from NeoPixel strip to A0 on QT Py
- GND from NeoPixel strip to GND on Qt Py
- 5+ from NeoPixel strip to 5V on QT Py
## Test Circuit
Power up the QT Py with a USB-C cable and either a computer/laptop or 5V USB battery bank. The NeoPixel LEDs should start playing the chase animation.
# Animated Edge Lit Acrylic NeoPixel Lamp
## Assembly
## Install NeoPixel Strip to Holder
Insert the strip in between the groves with the LEDs facing up towards the slots.
Gently push the strip through the railing until all eight LEDs are seated into the slots.
Use tweezers to help push along the strip through the holder. The LEDs can get stuck so you'll need to slight push down to guide them along.
## Installed NeoPixel Strip
Double check all eight of the LEDs are seated in place. The strip should stay in place once installed into the holder.
## Install QT Py
Orient the QT Py's USB port with the edge of the bottom cover.
Install the QT Py onto the bottom cover by inserting the PCB into the PCB holders at an angle.
Slightly bend the bottom cover to allow the front two holders to grab onto the PCB of the QT Py.
Double check all four corners of the QT Py are fitted into the holder.
## Case and Bottom Cover
The strip holder is installed into the case through the center opening and held in place with a friction fit.
Orient the case with the outer opening aligned with the QT Py's USB port.
## Install Holder
Place the LED strip holder into the center opening of the case with the LEDs facing down.
The case has a cut away to allow the wiring from the NeoPixel strip to pass through.
Press the LED strip holder into the case so the bottom surface is flush with the inner lip.
## Installed Holder
Double check the LED strip holder is fully seated into the case.
Check the bottom cover is still oriented with the cases USB opening.
## Installing Bottom Cover
Begin to place the bottom cover into the case with the USB area correctly aligned.
Firmly press the edges of the bottom cover into the case until it's fully installed.
Double check the QT Py's USB port is accessible.
Optionally install the set of rubber feet to the bottom cover.
## Install Acrylic Plate Holder
Get the acrylic holder ready to install over the strip holder.
The acrylic holder is symmetrical, so orientation can be either direction.
Place the acrylic holder over the strip holder and firmly press it into the cavity.
## Install Acrylic
Press fit the acrylic pieces into the slots of the acrylic holder.
If the pieces feel loose, add clear tape to the tabs of the acrylic pieces to tight up the tolerance.
## Final Build
Congratulations! Your NeoPixel Acrylic Lamp is ready to power up!
## Featured Products
### Adafruit QT Py RP2040
[Adafruit QT Py RP2040](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4900)
What a cutie pie! Or is it... a QT Py? This diminutive dev board comes with one of our new favorite chip, the RP2040. It's been made famous in the new [Raspberry Pi Pico](https://www.adafruit.com/pico) _and_ our [Feather...](http://www.adafruit.com/product/4884)
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4900)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4900/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - Black 60 LED 4m
[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - Black 60 LED 4m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1461)
You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! You wanted **twice the LEDs**? We got it (well, it's 1.875 times as many but that's within a margin of error)....
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1461)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1461/guides)
### USB Type C Cable with Data/Charge Switch
[USB Type C Cable with Data/Charge Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4696)
Perhaps your smart phone, tablet, or even your Raspberry Pi 4, charges off of USB, but can you really trust that charging station at the airport? Now you can control when to allow data in or out of your device with this specially-designed USB cable._Voila!_ Your cable's data...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4696)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4696/guides)
### Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable - 10 Wire 1 Meter Long
[Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable - 10 Wire 1 Meter Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3890)
For those who are fans of our silicone-covered wires, but are always looking to _up their wiring game_. We now have **Silicone Cover Ribbon cables!** These may look _a lot_ like
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3890)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3890/guides)
### Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4
[Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
Keep your electronics from going barefoot, give them little rubber feet! These small sticky bumpers are our favorite accessory for any electronic kit or device. They are sticky, but not impossible to remove. They're small enough to fit onto any board, and have just enough height to give...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/550/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit QT Py RP2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-qt-py-2040.md)
- [Three Button Foot Switch](https://learn.adafruit.com/three-button-foot-switch.md)
- [MIDI Foot Pedal](https://learn.adafruit.com/midi-foot-pedal.md)
- [Adafruit CircuitPython Wii Classic Controller Library](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuitpython-wii-classic-controller-library.md)
- [CircuitPython Trombone Champ Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-trombone-champ-controller.md)
- [Tyrell Desktop Synthesizer](https://learn.adafruit.com/tyrell-desktop-synthesizer.md)
- [MicroPython Smart Holiday Lights](https://learn.adafruit.com/micropython-smart-holiday-lights.md)
- [1,500 NeoPixel LED Curtain with Raspberry Pi and Fadecandy](https://learn.adafruit.com/1500-neopixel-led-curtain-with-raspberry-pi-fadecandy.md)
- [NeoPixel Menorah](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-menorah.md)
- [LEGO Set Lighting](https://learn.adafruit.com/lego-set-lighting.md)
- [Larson Scanner Shades (Trinket-Powered NeoPixel LED Strip Glasses)](https://learn.adafruit.com/larson-scanner-shades.md)
- [LED Noodle Holiday Tree](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-noodle-tree.md)
- [3D Scans for Low Poly Statues](https://learn.adafruit.com/low-poly-3d-scans-for-3d-printing.md)
- [Firewalker LED Sneakers](https://learn.adafruit.com/firewalker-led-sneakers.md)
- [USB MIDI Host2Host](https://learn.adafruit.com/usb-midi-host2host.md)
- [NeoKey Emoji Keyboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/neokey-emoji-keyboard.md)