# CircuitPython Painter

## Overview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CB3UVmEcB0

## POV LED Wand

In this project we’ll show you how to build a POV LED wand.&nbsp;Adafruit DotStar’s deliver high speed PWM making them great for Persistence Of Vision. It’s powered by Adafruit’s Circuit Python, making it really easy to change and modify. The Adafruit Feather shows up as a USB drive so you can drag and drop the code. The handle and wand were designed to be 3D printed and houses all of the electronics.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/547/medium800/3d_printing_nyan-cat-4.jpg?1511748494)

## Persistence-Of-Vision

As the LEDs move in space, they flash different parts of an image, building up an image in your brain. Using a long (several seconds) camera exposure, a single row of LEDs under computer control displays&nbsp;an image one line at a time while it's carried or rolled across the frame. The combined result is a&nbsp;luminous picture floating in air.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/542/medium800/3d_printing_blinka-adalogo.jpg?1511747934)

## Circuit Python Powered

The software running this build was written in Circuit Python. This means there's no "post-processing" for the images making it super easy to drag-n-drop new images onto the CIRCUITPY USB Drive! All of the image processing is done on the fly, straight off the flash chip.

## Simple Design

The design is reminiscent to a wand, so it's meant to be held in hand.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;fun&nbsp;to&nbsp;wave this thing around. The&nbsp;Feather&nbsp;and battery&nbsp;are housed in&nbsp;the handle and secured with machine screws. The handle is split in two halves that snap fit together. The LED strip is tapped to a&nbsp; stick thats designed to be clamped to the handled. An on/off switch is fitted&nbsp;inside the handle&nbsp;and easy to access.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_cp-painter.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/530/medium640/3d_printing_cp-painter.jpg?1511729340)

![3d_printing_handle-holding.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/531/medium640/3d_printing_handle-holding.jpg?1511729340)

## POV Builds!

There's certainly no shortage of POV projects on the Adafruit Learning System (Just search for POV). From talented makers like [Limor Fried](../../../../users/adafruit2),&nbsp;[Erin St. Blane](../../../../users/firepixie), [Becky Stern](../../../../users/bekathwia)&nbsp;and [Phillip Burgess](../../../../users/pburgess), these&nbsp;are by far the most impressive. This POV build, however, uses the Adafruit Feather platform – You get built-in USB battery recharging, prototyping area, and extra power and ground pins which results in a build with _less_ parts. The Adafruit Feather form-factor is perfect for this sort of thing!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/569/medium800/3d_printing_sans-hero-desk.jpg?1511794530)

Here's a list of some of the POV projects on the Adafruit learn system. Each uniquely designed and developed with different platforms, components and software. Each one is special in their own right!

- [DotStar Pi Painter](../../../../dotstar-pi-painter/)
- [Bike Wheel POV Display](../../../../bike-wheel-pov-display/)
- [Morning Star POV Double Staff](../../../../pov-dotstar-double-staff/)
- [Supernova Poi](../../../../supernova-poi/)
- [Genesis Poi](../../../../genesis-poi-dotstar-led-persistence-of-vision-poi/)
- [MiniPOV 4 Kit](../../../../minipov4-diy-full-color-persistence-of-vision-light-painting-kit/)
- [SpokePOV](../../../../spokepov/)

## Prerequisite Guides

If your new to electronics and the&nbsp;_Adafruit Feather M0 Express_, I&nbsp;suggest you walk through the following guides to get the basics. The Adafruit Feather M0 Express&nbsp;guide will walk you through setting it up with CircuitPython. See the DotStar guide for more information on how they work.

- [Collin's Lab –&nbsp;Soldering](../../../collins-lab-soldering/learn-more?view=all)
- [Adafruit Feather M0 Express](../../../adafruit-feather-m0-express-designed-for-circuit-python-circuitpython/uf2-bootloader)
- [Adafruit DotStar LEDs](../../../adafruit-dotstar-leds/)
- [Welcome to CircuitPython!](../../../welcome-to-the-community/welcome-to-the-community)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/444/medium800/3d_printing_parts.jpg?1511648824)

## Parts & Components

You'll need just a couple a parts to build this project. The DotStar LED strip comes in a meter long with 144 pixels. The 2200mAh lipo battery connects directly to the Adafruit Feather. A slide switch will power the circuit on and off. The Adafruit Feather M0 Express has built-in USB recharging.

### Adafruit Feather M0 Express

[Adafruit Feather M0 Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3403)
At the Feather M0's heart is an ATSAMD21G18 ARM Cortex M0+ processor, clocked at 48 MHz and at 3.3V logic, the same one used in the new&nbsp;[Arduino Zero](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2843). This chip has a whopping 256K of FLASH (8x more than the Atmega328 or 32u4) and...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3403)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3403/guides)
![Angled shot of rectangular microcontroller.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3403-04.jpg)

### Adafruit DotStar Digital LED Strip - Black 144 LED/m - One Meter

[Adafruit DotStar Digital LED Strip - Black 144 LED/m - One Meter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2241)
Move over NeoPixels, there's a new LED strip in town! These fancy new DotStar LED strips are a great upgrade for people who have loved and used NeoPixel strips for a few years but want something even better. DotStar LEDs use generic 2-wire SPI, so you can push data much faster than with...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2241)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2241/guides)
![Shot of lightly coiled LED strip glowing rainbow colors.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2241-07.jpg)

### Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch

[Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805)
These nice switches are perfect for use with breadboard and perfboard projects. They have 0.1" spacing and snap in nicely into a solderless breadboard. They're easy to switch no matter what size fingers you have, but not so easy that they'll get flipped by accident. Work great as...

Out of Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/805/guides)
![Small, black, SPDT slide switch.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/805-03.jpg)

### 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)

## Supplies

Hardware, solder, wires, heat shrink, that sorta thing.

### Part: M2.5 Machine Screws (Short)
quantity: 4
M2.5 x .45 x 5MM
[M2.5 Machine Screws (Short)](https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/2-5-MM-x-45-Phillips-Flat-Head-Machine-Screw-p/1011-1002.htm)

### Part: M2.5 Machine Screw (Long)
quantity: 1
M2.5 x .45 x 12MM
[M2.5 Machine Screw (Long)](https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/2-5-MM-x-45-Phillips-Flat-Head-Machine-Screw-p/1011-1002.htm)

### Part: M2.5 Screw Tap
quantity: 1
M2.5–0.45 METRIC COARSE THREAD TAPER TAPS
[M2.5 Screw Tap](https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/Metric-Taper-Taps-High-Speed-Steel-UNC-p/8000-006.htm)

### Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 30AWG in Various Colors

[Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 30AWG in Various Colors](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2051)
Silicone-sheathing wire is super-flexible and soft, and its also strong! Able to handle up to 200°C and up to 600V, it will do when PVC covered wire wimps out. We like this wire for being extremely supple and flexible, so it is great for wearables or projects where the wire-harness has to...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2051)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2051/guides)
![Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 30AWG in Various Colors laid out beside each other. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2051-01.jpg)

### Solder Spool - 1/4 lb SAC305 RoHS lead-free /  0.031" rosin-core

[Solder Spool - 1/4 lb SAC305 RoHS lead-free /  0.031" rosin-core](https://www.adafruit.com/product/734)
If you want to make a kit you'll need some solder. This 1/4 lb (about 110 gram) spool is just the right amount, not too much (like 1 lb spools) and not too little (like those little 'pocket clip' vials). This spool of solder is 0.031" in diameter, with the 'industry...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/734/guides)
![Solder Spool - 1/4 lb SAC305 RoHS lead-free / 0.031" rosin-core .](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/734-03.jpg)

### Multi-Colored Heat Shrink Pack - 3/32" + 1/8" + 3/16" Diameters

[Multi-Colored Heat Shrink Pack - 3/32" + 1/8" + 3/16" Diameters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1649)
Heat shrink is the duct tape of electronics which I guess makes this heat shrink the colorful and exciting duct tape they sell&nbsp;at craft stores. &nbsp;This heat shrink comes in six different colors - red, blue, green, yellow, white and the traditional black.

Each pack contains ten...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1649)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1649/guides)
![Array of many colorful heatshrink tubes.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1649-00.jpg)

### Part: NITTO Tape
quantity: 1
Nitto (Permacel) P-02 Double Coated Kraft Paper Tape
[NITTO Tape](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QKL08K/)

## Cool Tools!

These things really do help make building the project smoothly. You don't need them all of them, but I recommend them.

### Hakko Professional Quality 20-30 AWG Wire Strippers

[Hakko Professional Quality 20-30 AWG Wire Strippers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/527)
These are the finest wire strippers we have used, and if you have to do a lot of wiring, you will agree! They have soft rounded grips - very comfortable to use, and precision ground notches that do a perfect job every time. No more yanking or twisting to strip wires cleanly and quickly.<br...></br...>

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/527)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/527/guides)
![Red and black multi-size wire stripplers, closed](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/527-02.jpg)

### Flush diagonal cutters

[Flush diagonal cutters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)
These are the best diagonal cutters, large super-comfortable grip to use and have strong nippers for perfect trimming of wires and leads. I've used my pair every day for years.

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/152/guides)
![Red and black diagonal flush cutters](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/152-02.jpg)

### Helping Third Hand Magnifier W/Magnifying Glass Tool

[Helping Third Hand Magnifier W/Magnifying Glass Tool](https://www.adafruit.com/product/291)
The classic 'third hand tool,' as seen on every desk! We have one next to our [Panavise jr](//www.adafruit.com/products/151), they complement each other well. This tool is good for holding small PCBs and wires for tinning or soldering to parts.

&nbsp;

- Every...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/291/guides)
![Third Hand Magnifier with two alligator grabbers and Magnifying Glass](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/291-01.jpg)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/548/medium800/3d_printing_gavin-1.jpg?1511748749)

## Light Painting

This is a&nbsp;nice tool for creating light paintings. I'm surprised how much detail can fit in 32 pixel tall graphics, text, shapes and patterns. Images with a lot of color really show just how&nbsp;vibrant the DotStar LEDs can be.&nbsp;Rainbows and other multi-colored patterns look amazing!&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/549/medium800/3d_printing_turtles-kitchen.jpg?1511749132)

## Turtles In The Kitchen

Yep, I'm running out of things to do with this. Here's me in the kitchen with some evil turtles from that one game.&nbsp;Can't really tell why I'm wearing sunglasses inside but I'm sure it was only for documentation purposes.

# CircuitPython Painter

## Circuit Diagram

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/483/medium800/3d_printing_circuit-diagram.png?1511706414)

## Circuit&nbsp;Diagram

This provides a visual reference for wiring of the components. They aren't true to scale, just meant to be used as reference. The 144 LED/m high density strip does not have labels for serial clock and data signals, so you'll need to use the power and ground labels to reference the correct pins.

In my build, I wired up 2 separate LED strips (_Data&nbsp;Not Chained_). I decided to leave&nbsp;this out in the circuit diagram for clarity purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second LED strip share the **SCK** and **MO** pins, however the power and ground have their own pins.

## Wired Connections

The DotStar strip has labels noting the power and ground pads as well as an arrow for depicting the flow of the data. The 2200mAh battery&nbsp;plugs directly into the Adafruit Feather.

- **3V** from&nbsp;Feather to **+Power** on DotStar Strip
- **MO** &nbsp;from Feather&nbsp;to&nbsp; **Data Input** (DI) on DotStar Strip
- **SCK** &nbsp;from Feather to **Clock Input** (CI) on DotStar Strip
- **EN** and **GND** on Feather to **Switch**

# CircuitPython Painter

## Software

## Setup Adafruit Feather M0 Express for CircuitPython

We'll need to get our Feather board setup so we can run CircuitPython code. First thing we'll need to do is connect the board to your computer with a microUSB cable. Then double-click on the reset button to put it&nbsp;in "UF2" boot-loader mode. The NeoPixel will turn green. The board will then show up as a USB&nbsp;storage device on your computer named "FEATHERBOOT".&nbsp;

Follow the guide below to setup&nbsp;the firmware, once complete, come back here and proceed.

Some CircuitPython programs require extra libraries that are written in Python, but this project uses only modules that are built into CircuitPython, so you don't need any additional libraries.

[Setup Circuit Python for Feather M0 Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m0-express-designed-for-circuit-python-circuitpython?view=all#kattni-circuitpython)
## Upload The Code

Copy and paste the code below into a new text document (using your favorite texteditor). Save the file and name it as **code.py**

Once the files has been uploaded to the drive, the Feather will automatically reboot and run the code. No upload button (say whaaat?!).

[Download Code from GitHub](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/tree/main/CircuitPython_Painter)
## Prepping Images

The images&nbsp;must be in&nbsp; **24-bit** &nbsp; **BITMAP** &nbsp;format.&nbsp; **JPG and GIF formats are not supported!** &nbsp;The maximum dimensions for images are&nbsp; **72px** &nbsp;wide by&nbsp; **32px** &nbsp;tall.&nbsp;Use an image preview / editing application or&nbsp;[online converter](https://www.onlineconverter.com/jpg-to-bmp)&nbsp;to save the image out as a&nbsp; **.BMP** &nbsp;(bitmap).

![3d_printing_preview-full-bmp-export.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/681/medium640/3d_printing_preview-full-bmp-export.jpg?1511813424)

## Bitmap Images

I used Adobe Photoshop to import, scale and tweak artwork. Scaling images down can get mangled, so it's necessary to touch up or even redraw images.&nbsp;Using Sharper Bicubic&nbsp;interpolation works well on 8bit style graphics.

![3d_printing_8bit-art-thumb.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/682/medium640/3d_printing_8bit-art-thumb.png?1511813466)

# CircuitPython Painter

## 3D Printing

## What If I Don't Have A 3D Printer?

Not to worry! You can use a 3D printing service such as&nbsp;[3DHubs](https://www.3dhubs.com/)&nbsp;or&nbsp;[MakeXYZ](https://www.makexyz.com/)&nbsp;to have a local 3D printer operator 3D print and ship you parts to you. This is a great way to get your&nbsp;parts 3D printed by local makers. You could also try checking out your local Library or search for a Maker Space.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/494/medium800/3d_printing_3d-parts.jpg?1511717458)

## 3D Printed Parts

All of the parts are 3D printed with FDM type 3D printers using various colored filaments. All of the parts are separated into pieces to make 3D printing easier. Assembly is pretty easy and&nbsp;straight forward. Use the links below to&nbsp;download the STLs files.

[Download STLs from Pinshape](https://pinshape.com/items/40575-3d-printed-circuitpython-pov-dotstar-led-wand)
[Download STLs from Youmagine](https://www.youmagine.com/designs/circuitpython-pov-dotstar-led-wand)
[Download STLs from Thingiverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2674503)
## 3D Model & Components

All of the parts were designed in Autdoesk Fusion 360 and available to download and modify. The source contains 3d models of components such as the DotStar LED strip, 2200mAh battery, slide switch, and Adafruit&nbsp;Feather. You can use these models for reference in your future enclosure designs!

![3d_printing_cad-model.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/590/medium640/3d_printing_cad-model.png?1511804460)

[Fusion 360 Source](http://a360.co/2AiIi5F)
## Long Stick

The stick is actually 248mm long, making it almost too big to fit on standard-size bed of a 3D printer. So, the model&nbsp;was rotated at 45 degrees, set diagonally across the bed. This orientation allows the stick to be 3d printed on a bed ~215mm x 215mm, like the&nbsp;[Ultimaker 3](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3300).&nbsp;

**Minimum bed-size: 185mm x 185mm&nbsp;**

![3d_printing_stick-on-bed.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/507/medium640/3d_printing_stick-on-bed.jpg?1511718381)

# CircuitPython Painter

## Slide Switch

## Slide Switch Wires

In order to power the circuit on and off, the slide switch will need to be connected to the Adafruit Feather. We'll need to two pieces of wire. These wires can about the length of the board.

![3d_printing_feather-switch-wires.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/445/medium640/3d_printing_feather-switch-wires.jpg?1511649688)

## Prep Wires

Using wire stripper, remove a bit of insulation from the tips of each wire. These 30AWG silicone covered wires are stranded, so it's a good idea to tin them with a bit of solder. This will make it easier to connect them to the switch and it prevents the strands from fraying.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_switch-wire-tinning.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/447/medium640/3d_printing_switch-wire-tinning.jpg?1511649735)

## Solder Wires to Switch

We only need two out of the three terminals on the slide switch. Using wire cutters, snip&nbsp;one of the pins – either the far left or right but not the middle! You can also trim them short, about half their length is good. Add a bit of solder to the two short terminals and solder the wires to them. A helping third hand is great for keeping the switch steady while soldering wires.

![3d_printing_switch-wire-solder.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/448/medium640/3d_printing_switch-wire-solder.jpg?1511649799)

## Connect Switch to Feather

With the switch now connected to the wires, you can solder them to the EN (enable) and GND (ground) pins on the Adafruit Feather. I normally&nbsp;tin the&nbsp;through-holes&nbsp;with a bit of solder before adding wires. A PCB vise like the Panavisr Jr is great for holding the board up while soldering.

![3d_printing_switch-feather-wired.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/449/medium640/3d_printing_switch-feather-wired.jpg?1511649796)

## Test&nbsp;Switch & Battery

You can test the switch by plugging in the battery to the JST port on Adafruit&nbsp;Feather. The on-board NeoPixel LED should power&nbsp;on&nbsp;when the switch side is actuated. If everything works, proceed to the next page!

![3d_printing_switch-test.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/450/medium640/3d_printing_switch-test.jpg?1511649825)

# CircuitPython Painter

## DotStar LED Strip

## Count Pixels

In this project we're using 32 DotStar LEDs but you can optionally use more or less – It's up to you! However, the stick&nbsp;was designed for 32 LEDs. Either way, it's good idea to count multiple times and&nbsp;cut once.

![3d_printing_strip-count.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/451/medium640/3d_printing_strip-count.jpg?1511649871)

## Plan The Cut

It's a good idea to think about&nbsp;how you're going to&nbsp;cut the strip. The DotStar LEDs are very close to each other and it's easy to accidentally cut the pads too short. I suggest using a [flush diagonal cutters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)&nbsp;to make flush cuts. The ends of LED strips may have wires and hotglued ends already on them, so it may be necessary to remove them. Another option is to have a "sacrificial pixel" like mentioned in[Beck's Guide](../../../../vu-meter-baseball-hat/add-leds-to-hat#step-2).

![3d_printing_strip-cut.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/452/medium640/3d_printing_strip-cut.jpg?1511649956)

## Signal Direction

It's important to be aware of the signal direction. The arrows on the strip depict the flow and direction of the data. The wires coming from the Adafruit Feather _going to_ the DotSar strip this way [Feather]→[LED Strip]

![3d_printing_strip-pads.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/453/medium640/3d_printing_strip-pads.jpg?1511650019)

## Two Strips

If you'd like to make the wand have LEDs on both sides, you can cut another strip with the same pixel count. This is optional, so you can choose how many pixels you want. We won't be needing the protective sheathing, so you can remove them from the strips.

![3d_printing_strip-two.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/454/medium640/3d_printing_strip-two.jpg?1511650050)

## Tin Pads

The pads on the DotStar strips are fairly small, so it's best to use a&nbsp;fine tipped soldering iron.&nbsp;Add a tiny bit of solder to the pads, this will make it easier to attach wires to them.

![3d_printing_strip-tin-pads.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/456/medium640/3d_printing_strip-tin-pads.jpg?1511650389)

Danger: 

## Wires for Strip

Now it's time to make some wires! Each strip needs four wires to connect to the Adafruit Feather. If you'd like to use two strips, you'll need to make two sets of wires. These will need to be long, about 150mm in length (or the length of the handle). Use pieces of heat shrink tubing to keep the wires bundled together.

![3d_printing_strip-wire-sets.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/457/medium640/3d_printing_strip-wire-sets.jpg?1511650471)

## Prep Wires

Since these are stranded wire, it's a good idea to tin them. Using wire strippers, remove a bit of insulation from the tips of each wire and then add a bit of solder. You can use different colored wires to help tell the connections apart.

![3d_printing_strip-wire-tinning.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/458/medium640/3d_printing_strip-wire-tinning.jpg?1511650487)

## Connect Wires to Strip

Be sure to double check the data flow before soldering the wires to the pads! Solder each wire to the pads on the DotStar strip. Use common colors like red for voltage, blue for ground, etc.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_strip-wire-soldered.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/460/medium640/3d_printing_strip-wire-soldered.jpg?1511650639)

## Wired Strips

If you're using two strips, you'll need to wire those up. I used a few pieces of heat shrink tubing to keep the wires bundled together. Both have similar wire lengths and colors to keep it consistent.

![3d_printing_strip-set-wired.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/462/medium640/3d_printing_strip-set-wired.jpg?1511650718)

## Connect Feather

Now it's time to connect the strips to the Feather! Connect the voltage power wire from the strip to one of the available 3V pins. Connect ground from the strip to one of the available ground pins. Then, clock input to SCK and data input to MO. Remember, these are not labeled on the high density strip, so you'll have to reference the circuit&nbsp;diagram to get the right connections.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_strip-feather-wired-single.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/463/medium640/3d_printing_strip-feather-wired-single.jpg?1511650760)

## Connected Strips

Wiring up two strips gets a little cluttered because&nbsp;you'll need to share the SCK and MO pins with two wires. However, the Adafruit Feather has several power and ground&nbsp;pins, yay!

![3d_printing_strip-feather-wired-two.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/464/medium640/3d_printing_strip-feather-wired-two.jpg?1511650808)

## Final Circuit

And here's the final circuit wired up. At this point you should have the Adafruit Feather M0 Express setup&nbsp;and the code already uploaded to the board. You should be&nbsp;able to test out the strips and power the circuit on with the slide switch. If it's all good, then proceed to the assembly.

![3d_printing_final-circuit.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/465/medium640/3d_printing_final-circuit.jpg?1511650846)

# CircuitPython Painter

## Assembly

## Install Feather

Place the Feather over the four standoffs on the bottom half of the handle. Line up the mounting holes. Orient the board so the microUSB port is facing the port cutout. Insert and fasten 4x M2.5 x 4mm long flat phillips machine screws.

![3d_printing_secure-feather.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/466/medium640/3d_printing_secure-feather.jpg?1511650889)

## Install Switch&nbsp;

Insert the slide switch at an angle and press it in between the walls of the switch holder.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_installed-switch.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/467/medium640/3d_printing_installed-switch.jpg?1511650918)

## Switch Actuator

The actuator should&nbsp;be accessible through the outside of the handle.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_switch-actuator.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/468/medium640/3d_printing_switch-actuator.jpg?1511650989)

## Install Battery

The 2200mAh battery can be clipped to the bottom half of the handle. Orient the battery so the cable can reach the JST connector on the Adafruit Feather.

![3d_printing_installed-battery.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/469/medium640/3d_printing_installed-battery.jpg?1511650983)

## Add NITTO Tape

Grab the stick and add long strips of double-sided [NITTO tape](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QKL08K/). This stuff is strong and will provide a good hold. Carefully place the strip of tape so it lines up nicely with the stick. Peel away the protective backing.

![3d_printing_stick-tape.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/470/medium640/3d_printing_stick-tape.jpg?1511651049)

## Stick Strip

Before sticking the DotStar strip, make sure the handle will not intersect (touch) with the flexible PCB on the strips. The wiring and strip should have a good amount of clearance. It's a good idea to do a dry fit to see where the stick gets installed to the handle. Once you've determined a good safe zone, place the strip to the stick – Firmly press the full length of the strip to properly adhere. Repeat process for the second strip.

![3d_printing_stick-installed-strip.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/473/medium640/3d_printing_stick-installed-strip.jpg?1511651189)

## Handle Halves

Grab the top half of the handle. These two will snap fit together. We'll need 2x M2.5 x 12mm long screws to secure the two halves together. It's a good idea to dry fit them to see how they go together.

![3d_printing_stick-handle.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/474/medium640/3d_printing_stick-handle.jpg?1511651222)

## Install Stick to Handle

Install the stick to the bottom half of the handle by inserting the end with the tabs into the holder near the end. It should slot in and not clip any of the wires or DotStar strip. Arrange the wiring so that they fit through the little cutaway.

![3d_printing_install-stick.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/475/medium640/3d_printing_install-stick.jpg?1511651281)

## Secure Halves

Make sure all of the wiring fits inside the handle. Carefully place the top half of the handle onto the bottom half and press them together – Be careful not to kink any of the wires. Flip the handle assembly over and insert two M2.5 x 12mm long flat phillips machine screws into the two counter bore standoffs. Fasten screws until fully tightened.

![3d_printing_secure-halves.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/471/medium640/3d_printing_secure-halves.jpg?1511651085)

## Secured Stick and Handle

Thoroughly inspect the handle and stick assembly to ensure nothing is being kinked, mangled or otherwise. The assembly should be pretty solid and sturdy when waving it around.

![3d_printing_stick-view-3.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/476/medium640/3d_printing_stick-view-3.jpg?1511651376)

![3d_printing_stick-view-2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/477/medium640/3d_printing_stick-view-2.jpg?1511651376)

## Final Assembly

The handle should be easy to take apart if you ever need to service the components. When the battery gets low, recharge the battery with USB power supply or hub.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_handle-on-desk.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/688/medium640/3d_printing_handle-on-desk.jpg?1511825617)

# CircuitPython Painter

## Photography

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/603/medium800/3d_printing_turtles-tree.jpg?1511805401)

## Long Exposure

The best way to&nbsp;photograph the DotStar LEDs is to use a long exposure. Here are some settings, tips and tricks if you're looking to create some awesome photos.

- **Shoot In The Dark** – The environment needs to be dark, so turn off the lights if you're in a room or pick a dark location if you're&nbsp;shooting outside.
- **Use The Flash** – If your camera has a built-in flash feature, use it! This will help illuminate your surroundings and yourself or subject.
- **Use a Tripod** – You'll want to keep the camera absolutely still to avoid blurry photos.
- **Camera Settings** – These are settings we used

  - Shutter Speed: 4" – 8" of a second
  - ISO: (light sensitivity) 320
  - F-Stop: (aperture) 9.0

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/602/medium800/3d_printing_blinka-firepit.jpg?1511805329)

## Shutter Speed

Playing with the shutter speed is the best way to get a desired effect. The longer the shutter speed, the longer the camera's aperture stays open, allowing more light to come in – This results in a "longer" stream of lights. The longer the shutter, the more light is introduced to your photo – If there's too much light, you'll get an overexposed photo.&nbsp;This is a balancing act!

## ISO

Keeping the ISO values low allows the colors to come through more vividly. If you're looking to get more light intensity, try increasing the ISO values – But be careful not to over expose the photo!

## F-Stop

A high F-Stop will result in a sharp photo where the background is more focused with the foreground. However, this&nbsp;minimizes the amount of light from coming&nbsp;through the aperture. A high F-Stop is best&nbsp;when&nbsp;using a flash.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/683/medium800/3d_printing_nyan-cat-3.jpg?1511813665)

## DSLR Cameras

All of the photos in this project were taken&nbsp;using&nbsp;a Canon 5D MKIII with an external flash and a 24mm-70mm lens. To make capturing easier, we used an&nbsp;intervalometer remote with a interval of 4 seconds (with a 2-sec delay on the camera).

## Focus The Camera

Is your awesome light painting out of focus? It's a good idea to&nbsp;focus the camera's lens while holding the DotStar strips still in place. You'll want to have a partner to do this! Avoid the Auto-Focus feature if your camera has that.&nbsp;

## Background

Be aware of your surroundings. Are you shooting outside? Is your background interesting? Cluttered?Additional outdoor lighting such&nbsp;as street lights could potentially blow out the LEDs. Are there windows? Reflections on surfaces can potentially introduce unwanted lighting. Think about the composition of the photo. Do you want the light painting to be centered? Following the rule of thirds or looking for a golden ratio?

## Mobile Phone Photography

The camera on mobile phones are pretty good but not&nbsp;ideal&nbsp;for long exposure photography. Although possible, it's more difficult to get a great photo with a mobile phone camera than a point-and-shot dedicated camera.&nbsp;Try looking for&nbsp;third-party photography apps that allow you to fine tune the camera's settings.

## What About Video?

Most video camera will shot video at a 30FPS (frame per second) which isn't exactly great for long exposures. You can capture the effect on video, but it won't be as fully formed like in a photo. A great way to get around this is to combine a series of photos together to form a "stop motion" type of video. An intervalometer remote trigger is great for this!

![3d_printing_sans-lapse.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/048/696/medium640thumb/3d_printing_sans-lapse.jpg?1511900708)


## Guide Products

### Adafruit Feather M0 Express

[Adafruit Feather M0 Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3403)
At the Feather M0's heart is an ATSAMD21G18 ARM Cortex M0+ processor, clocked at 48 MHz and at 3.3V logic, the same one used in the new&nbsp;[Arduino Zero](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2843). This chip has a whopping 256K of FLASH (8x more than the Atmega328 or 32u4) and...

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### Adafruit DotStar Digital LED Strip - Black 144 LED/m - One Meter

[Adafruit DotStar Digital LED Strip - Black 144 LED/m - One Meter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2241)
Move over NeoPixels, there's a new LED strip in town! These fancy new DotStar LED strips are a great upgrade for people who have loved and used NeoPixel strips for a few years but want something even better. DotStar LEDs use generic 2-wire SPI, so you can push data much faster than with...

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### Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch

[Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805)
These nice switches are perfect for use with breadboard and perfboard projects. They have 0.1" spacing and snap in nicely into a solderless breadboard. They're easy to switch no matter what size fingers you have, but not so easy that they'll get flipped by accident. Work great as...

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### 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...

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### Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 30AWG in Various Colors

[Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 30AWG in Various Colors](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2051)
Silicone-sheathing wire is super-flexible and soft, and its also strong! Able to handle up to 200°C and up to 600V, it will do when PVC covered wire wimps out. We like this wire for being extremely supple and flexible, so it is great for wearables or projects where the wire-harness has to...

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### Solder Spool - 1/4 lb SAC305 RoHS lead-free /  0.031" rosin-core

[Solder Spool - 1/4 lb SAC305 RoHS lead-free /  0.031" rosin-core](https://www.adafruit.com/product/734)
If you want to make a kit you'll need some solder. This 1/4 lb (about 110 gram) spool is just the right amount, not too much (like 1 lb spools) and not too little (like those little 'pocket clip' vials). This spool of solder is 0.031" in diameter, with the 'industry...

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[Multi-Colored Heat Shrink Pack - 3/32" + 1/8" + 3/16" Diameters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1649)
Heat shrink is the duct tape of electronics which I guess makes this heat shrink the colorful and exciting duct tape they sell&nbsp;at craft stores. &nbsp;This heat shrink comes in six different colors - red, blue, green, yellow, white and the traditional black.

Each pack contains ten...

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### Ultimaker 3 - 3D Printer

[Ultimaker 3 - 3D Printer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3300)
The **Ultimaker 3** &nbsp;is one of our favorite 3D printers on the market. It's a well-built open-source compact machine with an excellent UX.&nbsp;Every inch of the Ultimaker 3&nbsp;is designed to create the most effortless and reliable 3D printing experience ever!&nbsp;<a...></a...>

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3300)
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## Related Guides

- [Adafruit Feather M0 Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m0-express-designed-for-circuit-python-circuitpython.md)
- [Gmailbox](https://learn.adafruit.com/gmailbox.md)
- [Adafruit IO Home: Security ](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-home-security.md)
- [Capacitive Touch Pulsing Heart](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-heart-capacitive-touch.md)
- [Glue Stick Light Pipe Sculpture](https://learn.adafruit.com/glue-stick-archway.md)
- [Make It Glow: How to Solder NeoPixels, A Beginner's Guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-glow-how-to-solder-neopixels-a-beginners-guide.md)
- [DIY Robotic Sky Tracking Astrophotography Mount with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-robotic-sky-tracking-astrophotography-mount.md)
- [LED Noodle Holiday Tree](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-noodle-tree.md)
- [iPad Pro Bumper](https://learn.adafruit.com/ipad-pro-bumper.md)
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- [3D Printed Dragon Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/dragon-lamp.md)
- [DIY Desktop Calculator with CircuitPython ](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-rpn-desktop-calculator-with-circuitpython.md)
- [Micro:bit Radio Control of Crickit Robotics](https://learn.adafruit.com/micro-bit-radio-control-of-crickit-robotics.md)
- [Ikea Vindriktning Hack with QT Py ESP32-S3 and Adafruit IO](https://learn.adafruit.com/ikea-vindriktning-hack-with-qt-py-esp32-s3-and-adafruit-io.md)
- [Rezz-Inspired NeoPixel Glasses](https://learn.adafruit.com/rezz-inspired-neopixel-glasses.md)
- [Zelda Echoes Of Wisdom Tri Rod](https://learn.adafruit.com/zelda-tri-rod.md)
