# AdaBox 014 ## Introduction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK3Hz-vrSto # Hi there! [If you're looking to subscribe to AdaBox, click here!](https://www.adafruit.com/adabox) If you're here, it's because you were given the gift of electronics with an AdaBox! Perhaps you are a beginner who is getting started with your AdaBox. Or maybe you just want to relive what it's like being a beginner at electronics again. But most of all, you want to learn how to build and make creative, awesome stuff with electronics, graphics, and coding! ([If, rather than learn all that, you'd like to look at pictures of cats instead, please check https://www.adafruit.com/galleries/cats-of-engineering](https://www.adafruit.com/galleries/cats-of-engineering)) And, you're in luck: there's _never_ been a better time. Seriously. We're not just saying that. It's bonkers how great a time this is for you to learn electronics, graphics, coding, and wireless Bluetooth LE magic with images, lights, and sound! Gone are the days where you need thousands of dollars of equipment and a physics/math background. Nowadays, if you want to learn to work with electronics and code microcontrollers, you can jump right in for $100 or less and any sort of computer. And we're talking about learning _a lot_ of electronics, graphics, coding, and Bluetooth LE wireless action - from the basics of setting up a microcontroller, to customizing your graphics on a beautiful TFT display, and doing it wirelessly! From making festive interactive snowglobes, to beaming images THROUGH THIN AIR to your custom made ornaments!! # Who is this for? Anyone who is interested in learning how to program and build interactive projects, and with access to a modern web browser. That's pretty much the minimum. Remember, this guide is specifically for people who have purchased or received an AdaBox subscription! **You don't need to know a lot of physics or math** , and just like an Art Degree isn't required for making art and being creative, **you _don't_ need to have a computer science or mechanical engineering degree**. It helps if you're comfortable using computers but that's a skill most people pick up through life. **If you know how to program already - great! If not, don't worry, we'll teach you enough to be dangerous.** # Who **isn't** this for? While you can follow along without an AdaBox, it will not make as much sense unless you have _all_ of the components and more which either came as a gift or purchased yourself - remember, the goal is helping beginners! This guide is also not for crows. Corvids are awesome, [but they prefer analog tools](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbSu2PXOTOc). If you're an expert, please visit our hundreds other tutorials and jump right in at [learn.adafruit.com](https://learn.adafruit.com/) # Who are you? Great question. This is me: https://youtu.be/VDIwnLllLZQ I'm Ladyada, and I love to teach people how to build stuff and how they can be creative with technology. So, are you ready? Let's do this thing! # Want to buy past AdaBoxes? # AdaBox 014 ## Unboxing AdaBox 014 _It’s beginning to look like Ada-BOX-mas Everywhere you go Let all your ideas flow, for projects you want to show With buttons and LEDs all aglow_ Exactly two years ago, Adafruit released ADABOX 006 featuring the Circuit Playground Express and CircuitPython. It was a revolution in how to program electronics, and our first attempt at seeing how ADABOXians would adapt to the transition from Arduino-programmed boxes. And it was a hit! People loved the easy all-in-one Circuit Playground and programming circuits in Python. Now, two years later, we're going further - with the  **Circuit Playground Bluefruit ** with Bluetooth LE support so now we can make our projects wireless! We've also added a colorful 'TFT Gizmo' graphical display, a rechargeable battery and USB charger, as well as a few cases and enclosures to help you craft a beautiful holiday decoration. Thanks to Digi-Key and Nordic Semiconductor for their support of AdaBox and the development of the Circuit Playground Bluefruit. We could not have created such an awesome box without their help! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/338/medium800/adabox_4371_kit_01_ORIG_2019_12.jpg?1575494266) ## AdaBox 014 Contents ## Circuit Playground Bluefruit It looks a lot like the 'Express you know so well: built-in motion, light and temperature sensors, microphone, speaker, 10 NeoPixels, and capacitive-touch pads. But now, the brain of the Playground is the powerful Nordic nRF52840 with Bluetooth Low Energy support. ![adabox_CPB_top.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/006/medium640/adabox_CPB_top.jpg?1574811726) ![adabox_CPB_iso.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/007/medium640/adabox_CPB_iso.jpg?1574811788) ![adabox_CPB_front_demo.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/008/medium640/adabox_CPB_front_demo.jpg?1574811818) ![adabox_CPB.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/009/medium640thumb/adabox_CPB.jpg?1574812029) ## Circuit Playground Enclosure Keep your Circuit Playground Bluefruit (CPB for short) safe in this snap-together enclosure. ![adabox_CPX_Enclosure_kit.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/017/medium640/adabox_CPX_Enclosure_kit.jpg?1574812470) ![adabox_CPX_Enclosure_iso.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/019/medium640/adabox_CPX_Enclosure_iso.jpg?1574812903) ![adabox_CPX_Enclosure_top_lit.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/020/medium640/adabox_CPX_Enclosure_top_lit.jpg?1574815657) ![adabox_CPX_Enclosure.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/021/medium640thumb/adabox_CPX_Enclosure.jpg?1574815678) ## Lithium Polymer Battery The CPB can be powered with this battery for portable use, so it's truly wireless. ![adabox_Lithium_Ion_Polymer_Battery_with_Short_Cable_-_3.7V_350mAh.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/022/medium640/adabox_Lithium_Ion_Polymer_Battery_with_Short_Cable_-_3.7V_350mAh.jpg?1574815789) ## USB LiPo Charger The CPB doesn't have built-in charging support. So use this simple charger board to keep your battery topped-up. ![adabox_Micro_Lipo_top.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/035/medium640/adabox_Micro_Lipo_top.jpg?1574820250) ![adabox_Micro_Lipo_kit.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/036/medium640/adabox_Micro_Lipo_kit.jpg?1574820274) ![adabox_Micro_Lipo_bottom.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/037/medium640/adabox_Micro_Lipo_bottom.jpg?1574820296) ## TFT Gizmo Bolt on this 240x240 pixel color IPS TFT LCD display for bright images, GIFs and animations. You can even fit the LiPoly battery in between the two layers formed by the Gizmo and the Circuit Playground Bluefruit when they are screwed together. ![adabox_TFT_Gizmo_kit.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/023/medium640/adabox_TFT_Gizmo_kit.jpg?1574815928) ![adabox_TFT_Gizmo_top_demo.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/024/medium640/adabox_TFT_Gizmo_top_demo.jpg?1574815983) ![adabox_TFT_Gizmo_bottom.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/025/medium640/adabox_TFT_Gizmo_bottom.jpg?1574816032) ![adabox_TFT_Gizmo_iso.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/026/medium640/adabox_TFT_Gizmo_iso.jpg?1574816117) ## Snow Globe + Snowflakes Kit This large empty container fits the CPB plus battery in its base. Decorate the globe with figurines or art, then fill with water and the sparkly snowflakes. Now you have an electronic snow globe that can react to motion or wireless control. ![adabox_snow_globe.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/027/medium640/adabox_snow_globe.jpg?1574816163) ![adabox_snow_globe_kit.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/028/medium640/adabox_snow_globe_kit.jpg?1574816574) ![adabox_Snowflake_Glitter_iso_kit.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/029/medium640/adabox_Snowflake_Glitter_iso_kit.jpg?1574816618) ![adabox_Snowflake_Glitter_iso_container.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/030/medium640/adabox_Snowflake_Glitter_iso_container.jpg?1574816665) ## DIY Ornament These clear plastic spheres are just large enough to fit a CPB plus the TFT Gizmo to make a cute electronic ornament. ![adabox_DIY_Ornament_Kit_-_6cm_Diameter.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/032/medium640/adabox_DIY_Ornament_Kit_-_6cm_Diameter.jpg?1574820116) ![adabox_DIY_Ornament_Kit_-_6cm_Diameter_Kit.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/033/medium640/adabox_DIY_Ornament_Kit_-_6cm_Diameter_Kit.jpg?1574820139) ## Diffraction Glasses Holiday lights are even more dazzling with these grated glasses that make points of light sparkle and shimmer. ![adabox_glasses_detail_ORIG_2019_11.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/339/medium640/adabox_glasses_detail_ORIG_2019_11.jpg?1575494349) ## Bonus Extras! ## HackSpace Magazine Curl up on a cold day with a copy of HackSpace by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Get inspired by cool builds, and creative folks in the making community. ![adabox_magsolo.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/340/medium640/adabox_magsolo.jpg?1575494621) ![adabox_4371_kit_02_ORIG_2019_12b.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/341/medium640/adabox_4371_kit_02_ORIG_2019_12b.jpg?1575494675) ## Circuit Playground Plushie This AdaBox is our largest yet - literally! We had to get a bigger box to fit everything, including a plushie from our Circuit Playground video series. ![adabox_billie_plushie.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/039/medium640/adabox_billie_plushie.jpg?1574820425) ![adabox_connie_plushie.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/040/medium640/adabox_connie_plushie.jpg?1574820448) ![adabox_cappy_plushie.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/041/medium640/adabox_cappy_plushie.jpg?1574820786) ![adabox_ruby_plushie.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/042/medium640/adabox_ruby_plushie.jpg?1574820790) # AdaBox 014 ## Adafruit Circuit Playground Bluefruit # AdaBox 014 ## Adafruit Circuit Playground TFT Gizmo # AdaBox 014 ## TFT Gizmo Test ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/933/medium800thumb/express_gizmo11-17.jpg?1576642220) Once you've assembled the TFT Gizmo onto your Circuit Playground you can test it by loading one of these pre-made UF2 onto your Circuit Playground with the TFT Gizmo attached - it will perform a graphics test so you know that the Gizmo's attached! Info: ## Circuit Playground Express If you have a [Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333), download this UF2 file by clicking below: [Circuit_Playground_Express_TFT_Gizmo.UF2](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/915/original/Circuit_Playground_Express_TFT_Gizmo.UF2?1580493688) ## Circuit Playground Bluefruit If you have a [Circuit Playground Bluefruit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4333), download this UF2 file by clicking below: [Circuit_Playground_Bluefruit___TFT_Gizmo.UF2](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/932/original/Circuit_Playground_Bluefruit___TFT_Gizmo.UF2?1576641935) ## Running Text Example UF2 Once you've downloaded the appropriate UF2 file from above, plug in your Circuit Playground to your computer with a data/sync cable. Double-click the reset button so that the boot drive folder shows up. This folder should be called **CPLAYBOOT** for the CP Express and **CPLAYBTBOOT** for the CP Bluefruit. Drag-n-drop the downloaded UF2 onto **CPLAYBOOT** or **CPLAYBTBOOT** folder. Press reset button to launch the code. If you don't get graphics on the TFT, check [the assembly instructions on this page](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-tft-gizmo/assembly) This sketch is in Arduino, so after you've run this UF2, [if you want to go back to CircuitPython, you'll need to re-install the CircuitPython UF2](https://circuitpython.org/downloads) # AdaBox 014 ## Circuit Playground TFT Gizmo Ornament Snow Globe # AdaBox 014 ## TFT Gizmo Animated Eye # AdaBox 014 ## Cyberpunk Santa Eye # AdaBox 014 ## Wireless Image Transfer with Circuit Playground Bluefruit and TFT Gizmo # AdaBox 014 ## Bluefruit Playground Hide and Seek # AdaBox 014 ## Turtle Graphics in CircuitPython on TFT Gizmo # AdaBox 014 ## Snow Globe with Bluefruit # AdaBox 014 ## Bluetooth Turtle Bot with CircuitPython and Crickit # AdaBox 014 ## Circuit Playground-O-Phonor # AdaBox 014 ## 3D Printed CPB Gizmo Ornaments # AdaBox 014 ## 3D Print a Turtle Case for TFT Gizmo and Circuit Playground Bluefruit # AdaBox 014 ## Circuit Playground Bluefruit Pumpkin with Lights and Sounds # AdaBox 014 ## Luminary Lanterns # AdaBox 014 ## Getting Started with CircuitPython and Bluetooth Low Energy # AdaBox 014 ## NeoPixel Animation Remote Control # AdaBox 014 ## Bluefruit Playground App # AdaBox 014 ## TensorFlow Lite for CPB Quickstart # AdaBox 014 ## Circuit Playground TFT Gizmo Dreidel # AdaBox 014 ## ANCS Notifier Gizmo for iOS ## Featured Products ### Circuit Playground Bluefruit - Bluetooth® Low Energy [Circuit Playground Bluefruit - Bluetooth® Low Energy](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4333) **Circuit Playground Bluefruit** is our third board in the Circuit Playground series, another step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the popular Circuit Playground Express and made it even better! Now the main chip is an nRF52840... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4333) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4333/guides) ### Circuit Playground TFT Gizmo - Bolt-on Display + Audio Amplifier [Circuit Playground TFT Gizmo - Bolt-on Display + Audio Amplifier](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4367) Extend and expand your Circuit Playground projects with a bolt on TFT Gizmo that lets you add a lovely color display in a sturdy and reliable fashion. This PCB looks just like a round TFT breakout but has permanently affixed M3 standoffs that act as mechanical and electrical... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4367) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4367/guides) ### Adafruit Circuit Playground Express or Bluefruit Enclosure [Adafruit Circuit Playground Express or Bluefruit Enclosure](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3915) We've got nice cases for many of our beloved boards, but the [Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) and [Circuit Playground Bluefruit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4333) has been left out of couture enclosure... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3915) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3915/guides) ### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery with Short Cable - 3.7V 350mAh [Lithium Ion Polymer Battery with Short Cable - 3.7V 350mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4237) 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 350mAh for a total of about 1.3 Wh. If you need a larger (or smaller!) battery, In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4237) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4237/guides) ### Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger [Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304) Oh so adorable, this is the tiniest little lipo charger, so handy you can keep it any project box! Its also easy to use. Simply plug in the gold plated contacts into any USB port and a 3.7V/4.2V lithium polymer or lithium ion rechargeable battery into the JST plug on the other end. There are... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1304/guides) ### DIY Snow Globe Kit [DIY Snow Globe Kit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3722) Not merely a snow globe, but a _show_ globe! This custom container is durable, clear and round, with a large flat screw-on top and a press-fit rubber stopper. The stopper makes a nice seal, and is also _hollow_ which means you can put (you guessed it...) electronics inside! This... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3722) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3722/guides) ### Shimmering Snowflake Glitter - 8mm [Shimmering Snowflake Glitter - 8mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4439) **Discontinued** - you can grab [No-Foil Flat Back Rainbow Crystals for NeoPixel LEDs - 100 pack - SS16](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4044) instead!  These iridescent silver-bluish-purple sequins can be used for a variety of maker... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4439) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4439/guides) ### DIY Ornament Kit - 6cm Diameter - Perfect for Circuit Playground [DIY Ornament Kit - 6cm Diameter - Perfect for Circuit Playground](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4036) Have you put up with mainstream, uninspiring, low-tech tree ornaments for too long? This season why not deck the halls with _codes_ of holly? This **DIY Ornament Kit** is just the right size (6 cm diameter) for a Circuit Playground Express, 500mAh LiPoly battery, and... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4036) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4036/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit Circuit Playground Bluefruit](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-bluefruit.md) - [Adafruit Circuit Playground TFT Gizmo](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-tft-gizmo.md) - [3D Printed LED Buckle](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-led-buckle.md) - [Neopixel Jewel 10 Minute Necklace](https://learn.adafruit.com/10-minute-neopixel-necklace.md) - [BLE Synth with the Feather nRF52840 and Circuit Playground Bluefruit](https://learn.adafruit.com/ble-synth-with-the-feather-nrf52840-and-circuit-playground-bluefruit.md) - [Circuit Playground Bluetooth Cauldron](https://learn.adafruit.com/cpx-cauldron.md) - [FLORAbrella](https://learn.adafruit.com/florabrella.md) - [Sound Reactive Sunflower Baby Crib Mobile with Bluetooth Control](https://learn.adafruit.com/sound-reactive-sunflower-baby-crib-mobile-with-bluetooth-control.md) - [Flora+NeoPixel LED Skateboard Upgrade](https://learn.adafruit.com/flora-neopixel-led-skateboard-upgrade.md) - [MagicLight Bulb Color Mixer with Circuit Playground Bluefruit](https://learn.adafruit.com/magiclight-bulb-mixer.md) - [NeoPixel Fairy Crown](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-fairy-crown.md) - [Jewel Hair Stick](https://learn.adafruit.com/jewel-hair-stick.md) - [Getting Started with CircuitPython and Bluetooth Low Energy](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-nrf52840.md) - [Glowing Scale Armor](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-scale-armor.md) - [Cyberpunk Santa Eye](https://learn.adafruit.com/cyberpunk-santa-eye.md) - [Sailor Moon Star Locket](https://learn.adafruit.com/sailor-moon-star-locket.md) - [NeoPixel Ring Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-ring-clock.md)