Plug your Circuit Playground Express into the outlet marked "always on" so it stays on to run your code.
When you first start up your program, plug both fans into the outlets marked "normally off". The code will pull pin A1 high, which will turn these outlets on for 20 seconds.
If you're happy with everything coming on and off at once, you're done! But if you want one "on" while the other is "off", here's how to make that happen.
Once your 20 seconds are up and the inflatables are fully inflated, switch one of the plugs to the outlet marked "normally on". This one toggles opposite the "normally off" plugs.
With this configuration, my inflatable tentacles seem to wiggle back and forth in sequence. Creepy!
You can use a splitter plugged into these outlets to control more than two inflatables, but watch your maximum current draw. My fans are drawing 3A at 120v, which is well within the range of this outlet, but if you daisy-chain too many devices you may run into problems.
Test it out by flipping the power toggle to "reset". It's easy to head back to MakeCode and adjust the timings in the "pause" loops to make your display move the way you want.
Final Notes
This setup is not weather-proof! Place the microcontroller and relay in a safe, dry location. Putting the whole thing inside a big ziploc bag is a quick and easy solution to keep the rain or sprinklers away, for a temporary holiday installation.
My whole setup became a bit complicated with power strips, splitters and extension cords. My tentacles also have lights inside, and I wanted the lights to stay ON the entire time instead of flashing on and off with the motion, so I needed to use separate extension cords for the light strips. Be sure to have a LOT of extension cords and splitters on hand.
You will also want to secure your inflatables to your house or to something solid like a lamp post. Inflatables that were not designed to dance have a tendency to want to dance away from their power source, and you could damage your setup or your inflatable if it pulls too hard.
Page last edited October 27, 2025
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