# Anatomical 3D Printed Beating Heart with MakeCode ## Overview ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/755/medium800thumb/makecode_Diptic.2019-08-21_18_12_18.jpg?1566428113) This 3D printed heart beats rhythmically, powered by a servo motor and a Circuit Playground Express board connected to a potentiometer, which allows the user to increase or decrease the heart rate. This spooky installation is a great introduction to coding with [MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/makecode/what-is-makecode) and is a fun way to freak out your next guests! ## Parts Featured ### Circuit Playground Express [Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides) ![A Black woman's manicured hand holds a round microcontroller with lit up LEDs.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3333-05.jpg) Featured ### Continuous Rotation Servo [Continuous Rotation Servo](https://www.adafruit.com/product/154) This servo rotates fully forward or backward instead of moving to a position. You can use any servo code, hardware, or library to control these servos. Good for making simple moving robots. Comes with four different horns, as shown. To control with an Arduino, we suggest connecting... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/154) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/154/guides) ![Continuous Rotation Servo with three pin cable](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/154-07.jpg) Featured ### JST 2-pin Extension Cable with On/Off Switch - JST PH2 [JST 2-pin Extension Cable with On/Off Switch - JST PH2](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3064) By popular request - we now have a way you can turn on-and-off Lithium Polymer batteries without unplugging them. This **PH2 Female/Male JST 2-pin Extension Cable ** comes with an in-line **Switch** - click once to turn on, click again to turn off.... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3064) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3064/guides) ![Top view shot of JST 2-pin Extension Cable with On/Off Switch.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3064-02.jpg) Featured ### Small Alligator Clip to Male Jumper Wire Bundle - 6 Pieces [Small Alligator Clip to Male Jumper Wire Bundle - 6 Pieces](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3448) When working with unusual non-header-friendly surfaces, these handy cables will be your best friends! No longer will you have long, cumbersome strands of alligator clips. These compact jumper cables have a premium male header on one end and a grippy mini alligator clip on the... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3448) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3448/guides) ![Group of Small Alligator Clip to Male Jumper Wires](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3448-00.jpg) Featured ### Slide Potentiometer with Plastic Knob - 45mm Long [Slide Potentiometer with Plastic Knob - 45mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4272) _Slip slidin' away  Slip slidin' away  You know the nearer your resistance  The more you're slip slidin' away_ If you're tired of the regular-old-twisty potentiometers we carry, why not _slide_ over and try this slide pot?... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4272) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4272/guides) ![hand slowly sliding potentiometer back and forth - 45mm Long.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/4272-00.jpg) ## Materials In addition to the electronics, for this project you will also need: - Scrap cardboard - [Hot glue gun](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006IY359K/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_FYW0CbKBYQ6H1) - Scissors and/or [hobby knife](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:17551) - [Red panty hose](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074J3V3PL/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_0-hxDb1KJ2ECC) - Access to a 3D printer Read on to learn how to build your own! # Anatomical 3D Printed Beating Heart with MakeCode ## Circuit Diagram ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/080/171/medium800/makecode_CPX_servo_pot.jpg?1567021904) ## Power Supply Circuit Playground Express can use a variety of power sources, anywhere between 3V-5V is safe. This compact [2200mAh lithium ion cylindrical battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781) is excellent for powering projects like this.  A set of [3 AAA batteries](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3520) also provides ample power, if that option is more convenient. If you're using a [AAAx3 battery pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727), check that the switch on the ** ** battery pack is set to "ON". Featured ### 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... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1304/guides) ![Top view of Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger - v1 above a 2-pin JST cable.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1304-06.jpg) Featured ### Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh [Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781) Need a big battery for your project? This lithium-ion battery contains a 2200mAh and a protection circuit that provides over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-current protection. Yet, it is slim and easy to fit into many project cases. This cell can provide 2 **C** of... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1781/guides) ![Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh with JST PH connector](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1781-04.jpg) - OR - Featured ### 3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST [3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727) This battery holder connects 3 AAA batteries together in series for powering all kinds of projects. We spec'd these out because the box is slim, and 3 AAA's add up to about 3.3-4.5V, a very similar range to Lithium Ion/polymer (Li-Ion) batteries and have an on-off switch. That makes... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/727/guides) ![Front angled shot of 3 x AAA battery holder with on-off switch and 2-pin JST PH connector.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/727-07.jpg) Featured ### Alkaline AAA batteries - 3 pack [Alkaline AAA batteries - 3 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3520) Battery power for your portable project! These batteries are good quality at a good price, and work fantastic with any of the kits or projects in the shop that use AAA's. This is a pack of **3 AAA batteries**. These batteries are Alkaline (MnO2) chemistry, with a... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3520) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3520/guides) ![Angled shot of 3 PKcell AAA batteries. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3520-00.jpg) # Anatomical 3D Printed Beating Heart with MakeCode ## MakeCode ## Getting Familiar This project runs a simple Microsoft MakeCode sketch to control the helmet, and is easy to play with if you want to make changes. **Microsoft MakeCode for Adafruit** is a web-based code editor that provides a block editor, similar to Scratch or Code.org, and also a JavaScript editor for more advanced users. If you've never used the Circuit Playground Express with MakeCode before, [this guide is a good place to start](https://makecode.adafruit.com/courses/maker/general/coding). ## The Code The code is shown below. For browser viewing, you may need to enable content. For example, in Chrome, click "Show Embedded Content" as the material is fed not from Adafruit but from Microsoft's MakeCode site. To download the code, click the download link at the bottom of the window. To edit the code in MakeCode, click the box with arrow icon in the upper right corner of the window. https://makecode.adafruit.com/60034-92899-20170-53738 ## How to Upload Code To upload code to Circuit Playground Express, follow these instructions: 1) Connect your Circuit Playground Express to your computer using a known, good data+power micro USB cable and press the small reset button in the center of the board. All the LEDs will flash  **red ** briefly **, then turn green. ** Your computer should now show a removable drive called  **CPLAYBOOT. ** 2) Click the  **Download**  button in the code window below to download the ** .UF2 file**  to your computer. 3) Now ** drag and drop the .UF2 file onto the CPLAYBOOT**   **drive**  in your computer's file explorer or finder. Once the file is dragged onto  **CPLAYBOOT,**  the drive will automatically eject itself (your computer may give you a "failed to eject drive correctly" error, you can ignore this). The code is now on your Circuit Playground Express and ready to run! Note: If you get a drive named  **CIRCUITPY** , no worries! Press the reset button  **twice**  to get a flash drive named  **CPLAYBOOT**. The project will not run if copied onto the  **CIRCUITPY**  drive as it is for CircuitPython. ## What does this code do? In the `forever` loop, we tell the pixels to turn red and change their brightness in accordance with the `sound level`. The servo is set to rotate at a speed that is set by the position of a potentiometer with `0` being fastest and `90` being a standstill.  ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/672/medium800/makecode_Screen_Shot_2019-08-20_at_6.34.31_PM.png?1566340524) ## Troubleshooting **Problem** : My motor doesn't move! **Solution** : Make sure that your Circuit Playground Express is connected to a power source (anywhere between 3V-5V is safe). If you're using a AAAx3 battery pack, check that the switch on the ** ** battery pack is set to "ON". If you are using the LiPo battery, be sure it is fully charged using the charger in the Featured Products.   **Problem: ** My Circuit Playground Express doesn't show up as  **CPLAYBOOT** **Solutions:** 1. Be sure you have a Circuit Playground Express.  The Circuit Playground Classic will not work with MakeCode. 2. If you get a drive named  **CIRCUITPY**  instead, press the reset button twice in succession to get to  **CPLAYBOOT**. 3. Some USB cables are "charge-only" and won't pass data. Try using a different USB cable and try using a different USB port on your computer.   4. With the Circuit Playground Express plugged into your computer with a micro USB cable,  **click the small reset button**  in the center of the board. The lights should all turn green. If they don't, try  **double-clicking**  the reset button. If things still aren't working, head over to the Intro to [Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express) guide for more suggestions. ## More MakeCode! If you enjoy MakeCode and want to continue exploring you can check out [lots more MakeCode projects on the Adafruit Learn System](https://learn.adafruit.com/category/makecode). # Anatomical 3D Printed Beating Heart with MakeCode ## 3D Printing The 3D files for this project can be downloaded by clicking the button below. This design for this project is based on the hollow [anatomical heart model](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:932606) created by [Brian Locicero](https://locicero.art/). [Animatronic Heart 3D Files](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3822750/files) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/738/medium800thumb/makecode_IMG_6735.2019-08-21_16_31_50.jpg?1566419546) ## Print Settings Each of these quadrants requires some support. This project prints well with the following settings: - 0.2mm Layer Height / 0.4mm nozzle - 80mm/s printing speed - 20% infill - Supports: Yes ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/868/medium800/makecode_IMG_6422.jpg?1566590239) # Anatomical 3D Printed Beating Heart with MakeCode ## Make it Move Once the heart pieces are printed, it's time to mount and motorize them!  For this step in the process you will need some scrap cardboard, scissors/hobby knife, and a hot glue gun.  ## Servo Motor Cut out a square of cardboard about 5 inches to a side. Cut a rectangular hole in this piece of cardboard just large enough to push the servo motor into. ![makecode_IMG_6624.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/669/medium640/makecode_IMG_6624.jpg?1566335822) ![makecode_IMG_6625.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/670/medium640/makecode_IMG_6625.jpg?1566335940) ## Offset Disc Use hot glue to add an offset disc to the motor hub.  Start small, you can always glue on larger discs to amplify the beating of the heart if the motion is too subtle. ![makecode_IMG_6615.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/663/medium640/makecode_IMG_6615.jpg?1566335667) ![makecode_IMG_6627.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/665/medium640/makecode_IMG_6627.jpg?1566335698) ![makecode_IMG_6639.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/667/medium640/makecode_IMG_6639.jpg?1566335715) Now is a good time to connect your servo motor to Circuit Playground Express and test out its functionality. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/668/medium800thumb/makecode_IMG_6631.2019-08-19_13_34_23.jpg?1566335742) Once the base is ready, it's time to prepare the heart for mounting. ## Heart Quadrants Cut 4 strips of cardboard, each about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long. These will be attached with hot glue to each of the four heart quadrants, acting like hinges to allow each quadrant to move back and forth independently. ![makecode_IMG_6616.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/650/medium640/makecode_IMG_6616.jpg?1566319959) ![makecode_IMG_6618.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/651/medium640/makecode_IMG_6618.jpg?1566320016) ## Glue to Base Adjust the bend in each strip of cardboard, if necessary, so that each piece of the heart lines up nicely with its neighbor. It's helpful to use a pen to mark the four positions around the servo motor, keeping the placement of each roughly equidistant. ![makecode_IMG_6622.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/652/medium640/makecode_IMG_6622.jpg?1566320135) ![makecode_IMG_6632.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/653/medium640/makecode_IMG_6632.jpg?1566320265) ![makecode_IMG_6635.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/655/medium640/makecode_IMG_6635.jpg?1566322050) ## Outer Layer To create the outer layer of the heart, cut the end off one leg of red pantyhose (available [here](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074J3V3PL/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_sRdyDbFNYNMA0)). The compressive force of the elastic fabric will hold the quadrants of the heart pressed inwards. The stretch of the hose holds things nicely. Non-stretch fabric may not hold things together as well.   ![makecode_IMG_1541.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/700/medium640/makecode_IMG_1541.jpg?1566407443) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/671/medium800thumb/makecode_IMG_6684_480.2019-08-19_15_17_19.jpg?1566336084) # Anatomical 3D Printed Beating Heart with MakeCode ## Installation At this point, you may want to give your beating heart a place to live. A small box works well to contain the electronics and give a stable platform for the heart as it beats. This one uses the Adafruit shipping box that came with the parts, but any base or box will do. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/743/medium800/makecode_IMG_6746.jpg?1566423978) ## Install Motor Cut a rectangular hole that the base of the servo motor can fit into. ![makecode_IMG_6736.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/747/medium640/makecode_IMG_6736.jpg?1566427935) ![makecode_IMG_6737.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/748/medium640/makecode_IMG_6737.jpg?1566427955) ## Power Switch Place the power switch in the back, cutting two small holes for the cables to pass through. ![makecode_IMG_6738.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/749/medium640/makecode_IMG_6738.jpg?1566427989) ![makecode_IMG_6739.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/751/medium640/makecode_IMG_6739.jpg?1566427999) ![makecode_IMG_6740.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/752/medium640/makecode_IMG_6740.jpg?1566428012) ## Potentiometer Cut a thin opening where you'd like to place the potentiometer. Screw the potentiometer into the box. ![makecode_IMG_6742.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/753/medium640/makecode_IMG_6742.jpg?1566428040) ![makecode_IMG_6745.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/754/medium640/makecode_IMG_6745.jpg?1566428069) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/079/746/medium800thumb/makecode_Diptic.2019-08-21_18_12_18.jpg?1566427910) That's it, adjust the potentiometer to vary the beating frequency. ## Guide Products ### Circuit Playground Express [Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides) ### Continuous Rotation Servo [Continuous Rotation Servo](https://www.adafruit.com/product/154) This servo rotates fully forward or backward instead of moving to a position. You can use any servo code, hardware, or library to control these servos. Good for making simple moving robots. Comes with four different horns, as shown. To control with an Arduino, we suggest connecting... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/154) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/154/guides) ### JST 2-pin Extension Cable with On/Off Switch - JST PH2 [JST 2-pin Extension Cable with On/Off Switch - JST PH2](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3064) By popular request - we now have a way you can turn on-and-off Lithium Polymer batteries without unplugging them. This **PH2 Female/Male JST 2-pin Extension Cable ** comes with an in-line **Switch** - click once to turn on, click again to turn off.... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3064) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3064/guides) ### Small Alligator Clip to Male Jumper Wire Bundle - 6 Pieces [Small Alligator Clip to Male Jumper Wire Bundle - 6 Pieces](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3448) When working with unusual non-header-friendly surfaces, these handy cables will be your best friends! No longer will you have long, cumbersome strands of alligator clips. These compact jumper cables have a premium male header on one end and a grippy mini alligator clip on the... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3448) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3448/guides) ### Slide Potentiometer with Plastic Knob - 45mm Long [Slide Potentiometer with Plastic Knob - 45mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4272) _Slip slidin' away  Slip slidin' away  You know the nearer your resistance  The more you're slip slidin' away_ If you're tired of the regular-old-twisty potentiometers we carry, why not _slide_ over and try this slide pot?... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4272) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4272/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... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1304/guides) ### Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh [Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781) Need a big battery for your project? This lithium-ion battery contains a 2200mAh and a protection circuit that provides over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-current protection. Yet, it is slim and easy to fit into many project cases. This cell can provide 2 **C** of... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1781/guides) ### 3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST [3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727) This battery holder connects 3 AAA batteries together in series for powering all kinds of projects. We spec'd these out because the box is slim, and 3 AAA's add up to about 3.3-4.5V, a very similar range to Lithium Ion/polymer (Li-Ion) batteries and have an on-off switch. That makes... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/727/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express.md) - [Xenomorph Halloween Candy Bucket](https://learn.adafruit.com/xenomorph-halloween-candy-bucket.md) - [Circuit Playground Express Automatic Sunglasses](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-express-auto-sunglasses.md) - [Glowing Lotus Flower - Electronic Origami for Beginners](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-lotus-flower-electronic-origami-for-beginners.md) - [LED NeoPixel Corset with Circuit Playground Express and MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-corset-with-circuit-playground-and-makecode.md) - [The Tilt Trumpet](https://learn.adafruit.com/the-tilt-trumpet.md) - [Glowing Scale Armor](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-scale-armor.md) - [3D Print Ratcatcher 2 Controller Device](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-print-ratcatcher-2-controller-device-wand.md) - [Soundboard Speaker for Bikes & Scooters](https://learn.adafruit.com/soundboard-speaker-for-bikes-scooters.md) - [NeoPixel NanoRing](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-nanoring-gemma.md) - [Light Up Prop with Prop-Maker](https://learn.adafruit.com/prop-maker-light-wand.md) - [Four Seasons Fairy Bottle Lanterns](https://learn.adafruit.com/four-seasons-fairy-bottle-lanterns.md) - [Sparky the Blue Smoke Monster Automaton](https://learn.adafruit.com/sparky-automaton.md) - [Interactive Map with Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/interactive-map-with-cpx.md) - [Trash Panda](https://learn.adafruit.com/trash-panda-circuit-python-crickit.md) - [Adventure Time Coffee Cup Lamp with MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/adventure-time-coffee-cup-lamp.md)