# AdaBox 017 ## 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, displays, 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 wild how great a time this is for you to learn electronics, E-Ink displays, coding, graphics, and Internet-connected WiFi projects using a super-sharp, four-color E-Ink display! 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 wireless action - from the basics of setting up a microcontroller, to customizing your graphics on an E-Ink display, and doing it wirelessly! Soon you'll be turning your refrigerator door into your own IoT information system! # 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 snails. Snails are interesting creatures, but [they're probably chilling out in their shells instead of coding](https://www.snail-world.com/snail-facts/). If you're an expert, please visit our thousands of 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! # AdaBox 017 ## Unboxing Adabox 017 https://youtu.be/_YfmqJiznDY ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/668/medium800/adabox_4751_Adabox_17_iso_packaging__2k__2020_11.jpg?1607709666) **Who knows what the future may hold.** The best way to predict the future, is to help invent it. This time last year, would you believe any predictions if you knew what was ahead? Our fates may be up to chance, or maybe they are pre-destined - but we know what you'll be doing for the next few weeks at least... Learning and exploring electronic paper with the **MagTag** , a battery-powered E-lnk display with built-in WiFi. We're all going to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen this holiday - so why not code up something and attach it to your fridge? **Gaze deeply into this ADABOX** and visualize your future projects - a daily horoscope, weather forecaster, inspirational quotes, a kitchen timer or clock? All is possible with our easy CircuitPython projects. A huge thank you to **Digi-Key** for going above-and-beyond to help support Adafruit over the last few months. Digi-Key's support made this box possible, and we are so excited to see what you will build! The future is yours, if you make it. ## AdaBox 017 Contents ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/674/medium800/adabox_4571_kit__2k__2020_12.jpg?1607710902) ## Downloadable Content Sheet A few folks in the first day of shipments may not have received a paper contents insert sheet. If you have a printer, you can print your own from this PDF - it's a grayscale image so any printer will be able to print it out for you! [adabox_content_sheet_017.pdf](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/766/original/adafruit_adabox_content_sheet_017.pdf?1607964389) ## Adafruit MagTag MagTag combines the new ESP32-S2 wireless module and a 2.9" grayscale E-lnk display to make a low-power loT display that can show data on its screen even when power is removed! ![adabox_4800_top__2k__2020_11_fixed.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/673/medium640/adabox_4800_top__2k__2020_11_fixed.jpg?1607710872) ## Lithium Polymer battery Plug into the MagTag once you're happy with your project so it can run anywhere. It will auto-charge when you connect the board to USB.  ![adabox_4571_battery_Iso__2k__2020_12.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/703/medium640/adabox_4571_battery_Iso__2k__2020_12.jpg?1607726121) ## Acrylic Faceplate Kit The clear back-plate protects the battery. The front plate can be a fluffy, friendly, cloud or a jaunty crimson arrow. Includes some M3 screws to attach the acrylic pieces.  ![adabox_4571_cover_kit_Iso__2k__2020_12.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/704/medium640/adabox_4571_cover_kit_Iso__2k__2020_12.jpg?1607726159) ## Magnet Feet Screw these into the back of the MagTag to make it stick to ferrous things ... like a shelf, desk or refrigerator.  ![adabox_4571_magnets_adaptor_2k__050.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/705/medium640/adabox_4571_magnets_adaptor_2k__050.jpg?1607726204) ## NeoPixel Strip What's a holiday without lights? This 1 meter long NeoPixel strip plugs right into the MagTag and has 30 RGB LEDs.  ![adabox_4801_iso_demo_03_2k_2020_11.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/706/medium640/adabox_4801_iso_demo_03_2k_2020_11.jpg?1607726237) ## Magnetic Whiteboard + Markers Use this as an every-day white board or as a background for your MagTag.  ## Magnetic Sticker Sheet This is thin and flexible magnetic sheet that can easily be cut with scissors. You can use it to turn any non-ferrous surface magnetic or you can make custom magnetic stickers by attaching it to the back of a photo or printout.  ![adabox_4571_markers_Iso__2k__2020_12.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/707/medium640/adabox_4571_markers_Iso__2k__2020_12.jpg?1607726285) ![adabox_4571_magnet_sheets_iso_02_2k_008.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/708/medium640/adabox_4571_magnet_sheets_iso_02_2k_008.jpg?1607726311) ![adabox_4571_magnet_sheets_Iso__2k__2020_12.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/709/medium640/adabox_4571_magnet_sheets_Iso__2k__2020_12.jpg?1607726388) ## USB C Adapter If you haven't caught up to USB C standards yet, this adapter will convert a Micro B cable to Type C.  ![adabox_4571_usb_03_adaptor_2k__050.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/710/medium640/adabox_4571_usb_03_adaptor_2k__050.jpg?1607726479) Sparkly Face Mask Shimmer and shine as you count down to the new year.  ![adabox_4571_sequin_mask_Iso__2k__2020_12_V2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/097/711/medium640/adabox_4571_sequin_mask_Iso__2k__2020_12_V2.jpg?1607726510) # AdaBox 017 ## Adafruit MagTag # AdaBox 017 ## MagTag Slideshow # AdaBox 017 ## Weekly Showtimes Event Notifier # AdaBox 017 ## MagTag Showerthoughts and Quotes Viewer # AdaBox 017 ## MagTag COVID Tracking Display # AdaBox 017 ## MagTag Progress Display # AdaBox 017 ## Daily Christmas Countdown # AdaBox 017 ## MagTag Holiday Lights # AdaBox 017 ## MagTag Cat Fed Clock # AdaBox 017 ## SpaceX Next Launch Display with Adafruit MagTag # AdaBox 017 ## Spreadsheets on MagTags # AdaBox 017 ## MagTag Tides Viewer # AdaBox 017 ## NextBus Transit Predictions # AdaBox 017 ## Google Graveyard Viewer # AdaBox 017 ## Produce Reminder for MagTag # AdaBox 017 ## Creating MagTag Projects with CircuitPython # AdaBox 017 ## MagTag Tarot # AdaBox 017 ## 3D Printed MagTag Stand # AdaBox 017 ## Firmware Here's the code and assets for the horoscope firmware that shipped on the MagTag in AdaBox 017. Warning: [ab017_firmware.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/104/023/original/ab017_firmware.zip?1629735554) ## Featured Products ### AdaBox017 - Good Fortune Ahead [AdaBox017 - Good Fortune Ahead](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4751) **\*edit a bit\*** Reach out beyond your desk - to the stars and beyond - with **PyPortal**! This ADABOX features a new, easy-to-use IoT device that allows you to customize and create your very own "Internet of Things" portal. We take CircuitPython to... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4751) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4751/guides) ### Adafruit MagTag - 2.9" Grayscale E-Ink WiFi Display [Adafruit MagTag - 2.9" Grayscale E-Ink WiFi Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4800) The Adafruit MagTag combines the ESP32-S2 wireless module and a 2.9" grayscale E-Ink display to make a low-power IoT display that can show data on its screen even when power is removed! The ESP32-S2 is great because it builds on the years of code and support for the ESP32 and also adds... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4800) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4800/guides) ### Acrylic + Hardware Kit for Adafruit MagTag [Acrylic + Hardware Kit for Adafruit MagTag](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4807) Here is the perfect kit with two faceplate options for your MagTag, including a vivid Red Arrow plate and a dreamy white Cloud plate. And of course, the mounting hardware is included, so you can assemble it with just a plain Phillips screwdriver. Takes less than 3... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4807) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4807/guides) ### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery with Short Cable - 3.7V 420mAh [Lithium Ion Polymer Battery with Short Cable - 3.7V 420mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4236) 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 420mAh for a total of about 1.55 Wh. If you need a larger (or smaller!) battery, In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4236) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4236/guides) ### Mini Magnet Feet for RGB LED Matrices (Pack of 4) [Mini Magnet Feet for RGB LED Matrices (Pack of 4)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4631) Got a glorious RGB Matrix project you want to mount and display in your workspace or home? If you have one of the matrix panels listed below, you'll need a pack of these **Mini-Magnet Feet.**  We got these specifically for our RGB LED Matrices, which no longer... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4631) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4631/guides) ### Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with 3-pin JST Connector - 1 meter [Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with 3-pin JST Connector - 1 meter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4801) Plug in and glow, this **Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with JST PH Connector** has **30 total LEDs**  and is 1 meter long, in classy Adafruit Black. It's not too long but has lots of glowing action.[...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3900) In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4801) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4801/guides) ### Micro B USB to USB C Adapter [Micro B USB to USB C Adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4299) As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit, and speaking of _adapting_, this _ **adapter** _ has a Micro B USB jack and a USB C plug. USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power.... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4299) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4299/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit MagTag](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-magtag.md) - [MagTag Literary Quote Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-literary-quote-clock.md) - [Google Graveyard with Adafruit MagTag](https://learn.adafruit.com/google-graveyard-with-adafruit-magtag.md) - [MagTag IoT Menorah](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-iot-menorah.md) - [MagTag Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-case.md) - [MagTag Daily Christmas Countdown](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-daily-christmas-countdown.md) - [MagTag James Webb Telescope Status](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-james-webb-telescope-status.md) - [MagTag Sports Schedule Viewer](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-sports-schedule-viewer.md) - [Deep Sleep with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/deep-sleep-with-circuitpython.md) - [MagTag Dishwasher Status](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-dishwasher-status.md) - [MagTag Covid Tracking Project IoT Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-covid-tracking-project-iot-display.md) - [No-Code MagTag Every Day Goal Tracker](https://learn.adafruit.com/no-code-magtag-every-day-goal-tracker.md) - [Cheerlights Holiday Wreath with Animations](https://learn.adafruit.com/cheerlights-led-animations.md) - [Adafruit MagTag Kitchen Timer](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-magtag-kitchen-timer.md) - [Shadow Box Internet Clock with NeoPixel Visualization](https://learn.adafruit.com/shadow-box-internet-clock-with-neopixel-visualization.md) - [MagTag AR Tarot Card Reading](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-tarot-cards.md)