# Adafruit Sparkle Motion ## Overview Warning: On macOS, you need to use this board with a hub and USB A to USB C cable to upload any software. If you plug the board directly into a USB C port on your Mac, it will assume it needs power delivery (PD) and the USB to Serial port will not work. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/134/801/medium800/adafruit_products_sparkle_overview_1_topview.jpg?1737988328) Info: We mainly recommend this board for use with WLED and Xlights, but examples are included in this guide for CircuitPython and Arduino. The **Adafruit Sparkle Motion ** is the flagship in our series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the best small WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid, [firepixie](https://learn.adafruit.com/u/firepixie) makes a lot of projects with WLED and she loves it! So how can we make something that will be powerful enough to drive advanced LED projects with built-in sensors. This version has a built-in antenna so it's ready to go out-of-the-box. This board has everything you could possibly want for big, small, or even massive WLED/xLights projects: - **Power option 1 via USB Type C PD**  with a slide switch that selects between 5, 12 and 20V (24V pixels can usually run fine at 20V) - **Power option 2 via 2.1mm DC jack, center positive** - **Low forward-voltage diodes ** so its good for up to 5A from either - **5 Amp fuse ** to protect from over-current drive - **ESP32**  mini module with built in antenna port - the classic ESP32 has the best WLED support even if we'd prefer the 'S2 or 'S3. Comes with 4 MB of flash, dual core 240MHz Tensilica, WiFi, Bluetooth LE and Bluetooth Classic support. - **USB-serial converter ** with auto-reset - **Three output signal terminal block sets with power and ground for each**  - they'll be level shifted to 5V. Use 26-20AWG stranded or solid core wires, 5A rated. - **6 GPIO breakout pads**  with a fourth level-shifted output, and 3 more GPIO plus power and ground. - **Built-in I2S microphone ** for audio-reactive projects with digital quality audio - **Built-in IR receiver ** for easy remote control integration - **Stemma QT I2C port**  to connect external sensors/OLED/etc. - **Separate analog/digital input JST port ** for analog input, potentiometer, microphone or external IR receiver - **User button on GPIO 0**  plus Reset button - **Red built-in LED**  on pin 4 - **Small built-in NeoPixel**  on pin 2 - Compact enough you can use it for wearable projects - 1.3"x1.75" / 33mm x 45mm size with mounting holes To make it super fast to get started, terminal blocks are pre-installed: use any 20-26 AWG stranded or solid core wires with a flat-head screwdriver to attach semi-permanently. While we recommend it for use with WLED, it will also work just fine as a compact ESP32 board for use with Arduino, ESP-IDF, MicroPython, CircuitPython or any other ESP32 supported codebase.  ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/134/802/medium800/adafruit_products_sparkle_overview_2_backview.jpg?1737988477) The Sparkle Motion board has it all. Designed with ease of use for larger scale LED projects using WLED and Xlights, we've packed it with features and components that will enable users to create incredible things. - **Power via USB Type C PD**  with a slide switch that selects between 5, 12 and 20V (24V pixels can usually run fine at 20V) OR via  **2.1mm DC jack** - **Low forward-voltage diodes ** so it's good for up to 5A from either USB or the DC jack - **5 Amp fuse ** to protect from overcurrent drive - **ESP32**  mini module with built in or optionally wFL antenna port (the classic '32 has broad support even if we'd prefer the 'S2 or 'S3) - **Three output signal terminal block sets with power and ground for each: l** evel shifted to 5V. - **6 GPIO breakout pads**  with a fourth level-shifted output, and 3 more GPIO plus power and ground. - **Built-in I2S microphone** - **Built-in IR receiver** - **Stemma QT I2C port**  to connect external sensors/OLED/etc. - **Separate analog/digital input JST port ** for analog input, potentiometer, microphone or external IR receiver - Compact enough you can use it for wearable projects - 1.3"x1.75" / 33mm x 45mm size with mounting holes ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/134/805/medium800/adafruit_products_sparkle_overview_4_usbpowerview.jpg?1737989001) Add-ons: yes! [OLEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=qt+oled&main_page=category&cPath=1005&sort=BestMatch)! [Inertial Measurement Units](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=qt+imu&main_page=category&cPath=1005&sort=BestMatch)! [Sensors a-plenty](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=qt+sensor&main_page=category&cPath=1005&sort=BestMatch). All plug-and-play thanks to the innovative chainable design: [SparkFun Qwiic](https://www.sparkfun.com/qwiic)-compatible [STEMMA QT](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt) connectors for the I2C bus, so you don't even need to solder! Just plug in a compatible cable and attach it to your MCU of choice, and you’re ready to load up some software and measure some light. [Seeed Grove I2C boards](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4528) will also work with this adapter cable. In addition to the Stemma QT connector, we also added an  **RGB NeoPixel**  (with controllable power pin to allow for ultra-low-power usage),  **a reset button** (great for restarting your program or entering the bootloader), and a button on GPIO 0 for entering the ROM bootloader or for user input. Onboard sensors include an IR receiver for easy remote control, and an I2S microphone, so you can quickly and easily add sound reactivity to your project. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/134/803/medium800/adafruit_products_sparkle_overview_3_portsbtnsview.jpg?1737988611) To make it super fast to get started, terminal blocks are pre-installed: use any 20-26 AWG stranded or solid core wires with a flat-head screwdriver to attach semi-permanently. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/134/804/medium800/adafruit_products_sparkle_overview_5_neoterminalsview.jpg?1737988848) This board has everything you could possibly want for big, small, or even massive WLED/xLights projects. - [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion/pinouts.md) ## Primary Products ### Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board [Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100) The  **Adafruit Sparkle Motion ** is the flagship in our series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the best small WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid,  In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6100/guides) ## Featured Products ### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - Black 30 LED 1m [Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - Black 30 LED 1m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2552) 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! These NeoPixel strips have 30 digitally-addressable pixel LEDs per meter and are very affordable and are only 12.5 mm... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2552) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2552/guides) ### Adafruit NeoPixel Pebble / Seed LED Strand - 300 LEDs - 2" Pitch [Adafruit NeoPixel Pebble / Seed LED Strand - 300 LEDs - 2" Pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6023) We have all sorts of LED strips for a wide range of needs. [_Chonky_](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3869) strips? We got those! [Strips with alligator...](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=neopixel%20alligator%20clips%20stripping%20wires) In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6023) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6023/guides) ### Precision screwdriver set (6 pieces) [Precision screwdriver set (6 pieces)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/424) Break seals! Void warranties! With this handy screwdriver set at your hands, all hardware you touch will open up and reveal their secret innards. This set contains 6 screwdrivers, 3 Phillips (#1, #0 and #00) and 3 flat (2.4mm, 1.8mm and 1.4mm). These sizes will open up pretty much... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/424) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/424/guides) ### STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Female Socket Cable - 200mm [STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Female Socket Cable - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3894) This cable will let you turn a JST PH 3-pin cable port into 3 individual wires with high-quality 0.1" female header sockets on the end. We're carrying these to match up with our Hallowing, for extending and connecting sensors or LEDs - and the wires are even color coded! In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3894) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3894/guides) ### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable with Premium Female Sockets [STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable with Premium Female Sockets](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4397) This 4-wire cable is a little over 150mm / 6" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on one end and premium female headers on the other. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4397) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4397/guides) ### 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set [3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663) These 3-wire cables are 163mm (6.4") long and come as a set. One cable has a JST SM type connector plug on the end. The other cable has a matching JST SM type receptacle connector. They are good for whenever you have 3 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug. We like the solid and... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1663/guides) ### 5V 4A (4000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed [5V 4A (4000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1466) Need a lot of 5V power? This switching supply gives a clean regulated 5V output at up to **4 Amps** (4000mA). 110 or 240 input, so it works in any country. The plugs are "US 2-prong" style so you may need a plug adapter, but you can pick one up at any hardware store for $1 or so,... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1466) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1466/guides) ### 12V 5A switching power supply [12V 5A switching power supply](https://www.adafruit.com/product/352) This is a beefy switching supply, for when you need a lot of power! It can supply 12V DC up to 5 Amps, running from 110V or 220V power (the plug it comes with is for US/Canada/Japan but you can use any plug adapter for your country, or just replace the cable with a standard 'figure-8'... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/352) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/352/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit Sparkle Motion Stick](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion-stick.md) - [Adafruit Sparkle Motion Mini](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion-mini.md) - [Sparkle Motion Skirt with 2D Mapping](https://learn.adafruit.com/sparkle-motion-skirt-with-2d-mapping.md) - [Jellyfish Umbrella with easy WLED WiFi Control](https://learn.adafruit.com/jellyfish-umbrella-with-easy-wled-wifi-control.md) - [LED Festival Coat with Mapping and WLED ](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-festival-coat-with-mapping-and-wled.md) - [3D Printed Flexible LED Glove with Conductive Filament](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-flexible-conductive-filament-led-glove.md) - [Adafruit Voice Bonnet](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-voice-bonnet.md) - [Adafruit MENTA Kit](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-menta-kit-mint-tin-arduino-compatible.md) - [Animated Edge Lit Acrylic NeoPixel Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/acrylic-neopixel-lamp.md) - [Adafruit Swirly Aluminum Mounting Grid for 0.1" Spaced PCBs](https://learn.adafruit.com/swirly-grid.md) - [Adafruit AS5600 Magnetic Angle Sensor](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-as5600-magnetic-angle-sensor.md) - [Adafruit RP2040 Prop-Maker Feather](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-rp2040-prop-maker-feather.md) - [Adafruit STCC4 and SHT41 CO2, Temperature & Humidity Sensor](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-stcc4-and-sht41-co2-temperature-humidity-sensor.md) - [Adafruit AD5693R 16-Bit DAC Breakout Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ad5693r-16-bit-dac-breakout-board.md) - [Adafruit Metro RP2350](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-metro-rp2350.md)