We'll wire up the CLUE and NeoPixel strip up using the bolt-on kit and a screw terminal first, so we can get the code working and calibrated. Nothing is attached permanently at the moment -- we'll want to adjust wire lengths and thread the wires through the frame before we do that.
But we do need to test and calibrate our code, so don't skip this part. You've got plenty of time while your moss is drying.
Find the IN end of your NeoPixel strip. If you look closely, you'll see arrows pointing down the length of the strip, and if they're pointing away from you, you know you've found it.
Cut off the 2-pin connector. You should be left with two black wires, a red wire, and a white wire.
If your strip does not have pre-soldered wires that match this photo, or if you're not starting at the beginning of a brand-new strip, solder and/or splice your wires until you've got this configuration.
Strip about 1/4 inch of shielding off all the wires and also from your 2-pin JST power connector. Twist the red wire from the JST connector together with the red wire from the NeoPixel. Repeat with the black wire. It doesn't matter which black wire you use from the NeoPixel strip.
Use a screwdriver to open the screw terminal ports all the way. Slide the red wire into the + side and the black wire into the - side, and tighten the wires down. Give them a tug to be sure the connection is tight. Sometimes it takes a couple tries to get them firmly connected.
Next we'll attach the white wire and the other black wire to the CLUE. The white wire goes to #2, and the black wire goes to GND. If you're using the bolt-on kit to secure the wires, thread the wire through the hole, then insert the screw and tighten the bolt on the back. This is a bit more secure than wrapping the wire around the screw head.
Plug the JST connector into the CLUE and plug the screw terminal into your power supply. Now you're all set up for testing and customizing your code.
Lay out your NeoPixel strip around your frame and figure out exactly how many pixels you'll be using. We'll need to adjust some numbers in the code to map the colors out correctly. My strip has 79 pixels. Count yours out and write this number down somewhere.
Cut your strip carefully after the last pixel right through the copper pads, and seal up the cut end with a little hot glue.
Page last edited March 08, 2024
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