Parts

Get the parts ready for assembly.

• QTPY ESP32-S2
• STEMMA QT Cable
• 20x NeoPixel Dot Strand

Prep STEMMA QT Cable

Use wire cutters to remove the blue wire from the STEMMA QT cable.

NeoPixel Dot Strand

Take a moment to review the input and output connectors on the NeoPixel dot strand.

Locate the Data IN connector and use this to connect the STEMMA QT cable.

Connect STEMMA QT

Reference the image for connecting the STEMMA QT cable to the Data In connector on the NeoPixel strand.

Test NeoPixel Strand

Connect the STEMMA QT cable to the QT Py and use a 5V 1A power supply or computer USB port to power the QT Py.

Bulb Diffusers

Get the 3D printed bulb diffusers ready to install onto the 3D printed Blinka sign.

Install Bulbs

Press fit the 3D printed bulb into the holes on the 3D printed Blinka sign.

NeoPixel Strip Placement

Locate the first NeoPixel on the strip and place it near the hole closest to Blinka's head and eye.

Position the STEMMA QT cable so it's fitted through the slit near  the bottom of the sign.

Hot Glue NeoPixels

Use hot glue to adhere the first NeoPixel to the hole in the 3D printed sign.

Install NeoPixels

Hot glue all 16 NeoPixel LEDs to the holes in the 3D printed sign.

Allow each LED to cool down before proceeding to the next LED.

Test the NeoPixel strip once all of the LEDs have been dried.

QT Py Holder

Get the 3D printed QT Py holder ready to install.

Install QT Py to Holder

Insert the QT Py into the 3D printed holder at an angle so the edge of the PCB is fitted under the corner clips.

Slightly flex the holder to allow the corner clips on the opposite side to clamp the QT Py into place.

Install QT Py to Bottom Cover

Use two M3x6mm long screws and hex nuts to secure the 3D printed QT Py holder to the 3D printed bottom cover.

Place the QT Py holder over the 3D printed bottom cover with the mounting holes lined up.

Secure QT Py Holder

Insert and fasten the M3 x 6mm long machine screws. Use the M3 hex nuts to secure the QT Py holder to the bottom cover.

Base Stand

Use two M3 x 6mm long machine screws and hex nuts to secure the base stand to the 3D printed Blinka sign.

Secure Base to Sign

Insert and fasten the M3 machine screws through the two mounting holes on the inside of the base stand.

Use the M3 hex nuts to secure the base to the sign.

Fit STEMMA QT Cable

Insert the STEMMA QT cable through the hole cutout in the 3D printed base and pull it all the way through.

Connect STEMMA QT Cable

Plug in the STEMMA QT cable into the STEMMA QT port on the QT Py.

Ensure the cable is fully seated into the port on the QT Py.

Install Bottom Cover

Line up the bottom cover with the base so the USB port on QT Py is lined up with the cutout.

Firmly press the bottom cover into the base to close them shut.

USB Port

The USB-C connector on the QT Py is accessible on the side of the base.

Final Build

Use a 5V 1A power supply or computers USB port to power on the Blinka NeoPixel LED sign.

Congrats on your build!