# EPCOT Spaceship Earth with WLED
## Overview
https://youtu.be/b4TbJSSuqb0
## EPCOT NeoPixel Lamp
Build your own IoT NeoPixel lamp inspired by Disney's EPCOT Spaceship Earth! Use a QT Py ESP32 PICO, NeoPixel BFF Driver, and WLED (web-based LED control software) to make amazing lighting effects!
## Mobile Device Control
Using the [WLED firmware](https://kno.wled.ge/), the project controls LED animations using a mobile phone! You can pick from dozens of beautiful animations and use the Presets feature to create your own playlists.
## 3D Printed Geodesic Sphere
The geodesic sphere is split into two halves that are joined with neodymium magnets. A total of 156 NeoPixel LEDs are hot glued to the various points and connected via JST plugs. The parts are 3D printed without any support material.
## Parts
### Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico - WiFi Dev Board with STEMMA QT
[Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico - WiFi Dev Board with STEMMA QT](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5395)
This dev board is like when you're watching a super-hero movie and the protagonist shows up in a totally amazing costume in the third act and you're like 'OMG! That's the hero and they're here to kick some serious butt!" but in this case its a...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5395)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5395/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Driver BFF Add-On for QT Py and Xiao
[Adafruit NeoPixel Driver BFF Add-On for QT Py and Xiao](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5645)
Our QT Py boards are a great way to make very small microcontroller projects that pack a ton of power - and now we have a way for you to quickly add a [strand of NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/category/168) with a 5V level shifter and a detachable JST PH connector. It's an...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5645)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5645/guides)
### Adafruit USB Type C Breakout Board - Downstream Connection
[Adafruit USB Type C Breakout Board - Downstream Connection](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4090)
Throw out all those Mini and Micro B USB cables you have in a plastic bin - the next generation of USB connectors is here with **USB C**! You will start to see these connectors pop up on all sorts of devices, as the industry moves from micro B or lightening to the new standard....
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4090)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4090/guides)
### USB C to Micro B Cable - 1 ft 0.3 meter
[USB C to Micro B Cable - 1 ft 0.3 meter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3879)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit! Rather than the regular USB A, this cable has **USB C to Micro B** plugs!
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power. Like Lightning and MagSafe cables, USB C has no...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3879)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3879/guides)
### Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 2 meters long
[Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 2 meters long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5044)
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pink and purple Blinka-like pattern, it's also made for USB C for our modernized breakout boards, Feathers and more. [If you want something just like it but for Micro B, we have a B...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111)
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5044)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5044/guides)
### 36-pin 0.1" Female header - pack of 5!
[36-pin 0.1" Female header - pack of 5!](https://www.adafruit.com/product/598)
Female header is like the duct tape of electronics. Its great for connecting things together, soldering to perf-boards, sockets for wires or break-away header, etc. We go through these guys real fast, and thought that given how handy they are, we'd offer them in a pack of five!
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/598)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/598/guides)
### Part: 3-Pin JST PH Cable
quantity: 1
STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Male Header Cable - 200mm
[3-Pin JST PH Cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893)
### Part: Soft Flexible Wire NeoPixel Strand
quantity: 4
4x Strands Needed. 50 NeoPixels each strand (156 NeoPixels Total Required)
[Soft Flexible Wire NeoPixel Strand](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4560)
### Part: Neodymium Magnets
quantity: 8
D42 - 1/4" dia. x 1/8" thick
[Neodymium Magnets](https://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=D42)
## Tools & Supplies
- Hot Glue & Hot Glue Gun
- Soldering Iron & Solder Wire
- 2x M2.5 x 10mm nylon screws
- 2x M2.5 hex nuts
- CA Glue (a.k.a. Superglue)
# EPCOT Spaceship Earth with WLED
## Circuit Diagram
The diagram below provides a general visual reference for wiring of the components once you get to the **Assembly** page. This diagram was created using the software package [Fritzing](http://fritzing.org/download/).
## Adafruit Library for Fritzing
Adafruit uses the Adafruit's Fritzing parts library to create circuit diagrams for projects. You can download the library or just grab individual parts. Get the library and parts from [GitHub - Adafruit Fritzing Parts](https://github.com/adafruit/Fritzing-Library/tree/master/parts).
## Wired Connections
The QT Py is powered by a 5V 2A power supply wall adapter.
**NeoPixel Strip to NeoPixel Strip**
- **DATA OUT** to **DATA In**
- **GND** to **GND** pin
- **5V** to **5V** pin
**NeoPixel Strip to BFF NeoPixel Drive**
The power, data, and ground connections from the first NeoPixel strip connect directly to the 3-pin JST port on the NeoPixel BFF board.
## Bottom Sphere
The diagram below depicts the first LED strip going in a spiral direction. Reference the numbered labels to see how they are ordered.
## Top Sphere
The diagram below depicts the second LED strip, starting from NeoPixel LED #85 – #156.
# EPCOT Spaceship Earth with WLED
## CAD Files
## CAD Parts List
STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Parts are designed to 3D print without any support material using PLA filament. Original design source may be downloaded using the links below.
- sphere-top.STL
- sphere-bottom.STL
- sphere-cover.STL
## Build Volume
The parts require a 3D printer with a minimum build volume.
- 228mm (X) x 202mm (Y) x 118mm (Z)
[Download CAD source](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/121/038/original/CAD.zip?1684164473)
[Download STLs.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/121/039/original/STLs.zip?1684164488)
# EPCOT Spaceship Earth with WLED
## Install WLED
## Driver Update
The **QT Py ESP32 Pico** board will need a driver update before installing the WLED firmware. Head over to our [How to Install Drivers for WCH USB to Serial Chips](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-install-drivers-for-wch-usb-to-serial-chips) tutorial, and download and install the new driver.
Info:
## Install WLED
These next steps require a **_Web Serial_-compatible browser**. As of this writing, that means **Google Chrome** , **Microsoft Edge** or **Opera** “desktop” browsers. Other browsers (Safari, Firefox, Explorer and _anything_ mobile) won’t work.
Visit [https://install.wled.me/](https://install.wled.me/)
Plug your microcontroller into your computer with a known good power+data USB cable. Click "Install" and select the port for your board.
Depending on the USB-to-serial bridge chip on the board, you might see one _or two_ serial ports. On Mac, for instance, there might be both “/dev/cu.usbmodem[number]” _and_ “/dev/cu.wchusbserial[number]”. Use the “ **wchusbserial** ” one.
After successful installation, enter your WiFi network name and password when prompted.
## WiFi Setup
In the WLED interface, locate and click on the **Config** icon in the top menu. Then, click on the **WiFi Setup** button. Under the **mDNS address** section, enter a desired name for your project. This will make connecting to your project from the web browser easier.
Click the **Save** button when finished.
## LED Preferences
Use the **Back** button in the top menu and click on the **LED Preferences** button.
Under **Length** , enter **156** in the textbox.
Under **GPIO** , enter **15** into the textbox.
Click the **Save** button when finished.
# EPCOT Spaceship Earth with WLED
## Wiring
## Wiring USB-C Breakout
Measure and cut the USB-C cable so it's 4 inches (10cm) in length.
Using a wire stripper, remove about an inch of insulation to expose the four colored wires. Strip some insulation from their tips.
Solder the four wires to the following pins on the USB-C Breakout:
- **Green** wire to **D+** pin
- **White** wire to **D–** pin
- **Black** wire to **GND** pin
- **Red** wire to **VBUS** pin
## Solder Headers to QT Py & BFF
QT Py and BFF boards are connected "belly-to-belly".
Install and solder two 1x7 socket **female** headers to the NeoPixel BFF Driver board's bottom side.
Install and solder two 1x7 **male** header pins to the QT Py ESP32 Pico's bottom side.
## Install QT Py to BFF
Orient the QT PY ESP32 Pico with the NeoPixel BFF Driver board so the USB port is lined up with the 2-pin JST PH connector.
Plug in the QT PY ESP32 Pico to the NeoPixel BFF Driver board.
## Hardware for Bottom Cover
Use the following hardware to secure the USB-C Breakout board to the bottom cover.
- 2x M2.5 x 10mm long screws
- 2x M2.5 hex nuts
## Secure USB-C Breakout
Place the USB-C breakout PCB over the standoffs on the bottom cover.
Insert and fasten the screws through the mounting holes. Use the hex nuts to secure the USB-C breakout.
## Solder LED Strips for Bottom Half
The bottom half of the sphere will need 85 NeoPixel LEDs. Connect two LED strips together by soldering their wires. Make sure the DATA OUT wire connects to the DATA IN wire. Cut the joined strips so it has a total of 85 LEDs. Replace the first LED's connector with the 3-pin JST PH connector. Use heat shrink tubing to insulated the exposed wire.
## Soldering Connector for Bottom Half
Solder the 3-pin socket connector to the end of the strip. Use heat shrink tubing to insulate the exposed wire.
## Solder LED strips for Top Half
The top half of the sphere is need 71 NeoPixel LEDs. Solder two LED strips together and cut the joined strip so it only has 71 LEDs. Solder the 3-pin plug connector to the first LED in the strand. Use heat shrink tubing to insulate the exposed wire.
# EPCOT Spaceship Earth with WLED
## Assembly
## Install Magnets into Bottom Half
Insert and glue a magnet into a magnet tab in the bottom half of the sphere. Allow the glue to dry before continuing to the next tabs.
## Install Magnets in Top Half
Check polarity of the magnets for the top half of the sphere before installing.
Insert and glue a magnet into a magnet tab in the top half of the sphere. Allow the glue to dry before continuing to the next tabs.
## Install LED Strip to Bottom Half
Start hot glueing the 85x NeoPixel LED strip to the bottom half of the sphere.
Install the first NeoPixel LED to the hole closest to the slot.
Add a small drop of hot glue to the hole. Then, carefully place the LED onto the hot glue and hold for a few seconds.
Repeat this process, going in a spiral direction until all LEDs are hot glued.
## Glue Bottom Strip Edges
NeoPixel LED #66 – #85 will need to be glued to the edge of the sphere's bottom half.
Lean the dome on it's side to prevent the hot glue from drooping down. Add a small drop of hot glue to the hole halves and carefully place the LEDs onto the edge. Hold for a few seconds to allow the hot glue to dry.
Repeat this process until all LEDs are glued to the edges.
## Glued Bottom Strip
Take a moment to check all of the NeoPixel LEDs have been properly hot glued to the holes.
## Install LED strip to Top Half
Start attaching the second LED strip to the top half of the sphere beginning with the first LED hot glued to the edges. Then, continue attaching in a spiral direction.
## Connect Strip to BFF
Grab the 3-pin JST PH connector from the bottom LED strip and plug it into the NeoPixel BFF driver board.
## Connect USB to QT Py
Grab the USB-C cable from USB-C breakout that's secured to the bottom cover and plug it into the QT Py's USB-C port.
## Install QT Py & BFF
Insert the QT Py and NeoPixel BFF into the center of the bottom half.
## Installed QT Py & BFF
Pull the QT Py & NeoPixel BFF driver board through the top of the center pillar. It should freely stay in place.
## Install Bottom Cover
Orient the bottom cover with the center pillar of the bottom half so the USB port is aligned with the USB cut out.
## Secured Bottom Cover
Firmly press the edges of the bottom cover so they snap fit into the center pillar of the bottom half of the sphere.
## Connect Strips
Grab the 3-pin connectors from the top and bottom strips and then plug them together.
## Connected Strips
Orient the two halves so the order of the strips allow the continuity of the spiral direction.
## Closing Halves
Carefully join the two halves together, making sure all of the wires and connectors are fitted inside the sphere.
## Closed Dome
Congratulations on your build! Connect a USB-C cable to the USB-C breakout and provide power using a 5V 2A USB power supply.
# EPCOT Spaceship Earth with WLED
## Using WLED
Now you can use any computer or handheld device to control your LEDs wirelessly.
Make sure your device is on the same WiFi network as your board. Navigate to your custom URL in a web browser. You'll see a color picker above a whole bunch of color palette choices.
## Color Picker
The **Color** tab allows you to pick solid colors with no effects. The gradient slider below the color wheel allows you to adjust the brightness.
## Effects
The **Effects** tab allows you to click from a list of built-in animations. Scroll through the list to see more animations. Click on an effect to activate it immediately.
Each effect will have sliders to adjust parameters such as speed, size, and rate. Click and drag the slider to adjust the setting.
## Presets
Presets allow you to save effects. This is a nice way to quickly trigger your favorite animations from the long list of effects.
Click the **+Preset** button to add an active animation (the current effect that is running).
Your saved effects will show up in a list under the **Presets** section.
## Playlists
Playlists allows you to group together animations from your saved preset.
Click the **+Playlist** button to create a playlist. Enter a title into the text box.
Click on the **dropdown** menu to select an effect from the list of presets.
Enter a desired value in the **Duration** text box to set how long to play the effect.
Enter a desired value in the **Transition** text box to set how long to blend from one effect to the next.
Click the **+** button next to the effect title to add another preset.
Click the **save** button when finished setting up your playlist.
Click on the Playlist Bubble to activate and playback the playlist.
## Featured Products
### Adafruit Soft Flexible Wire NeoPixel Strand - 50 NeoPixels
[Adafruit Soft Flexible Wire NeoPixel Strand - 50 NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4560)
We have all sorts of LED strips for a wide range of needs. [_Chonky_](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3869) strips? We got those! [Strips with alligator...](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=neopixel%20alligator%20clips%20stripping%20wires)
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4560)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4560/guides)
### Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico - WiFi Dev Board with STEMMA QT
[Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico - WiFi Dev Board with STEMMA QT](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5395)
This dev board is like when you're watching a super-hero movie and the protagonist shows up in a totally amazing costume in the third act and you're like 'OMG! That's the hero and they're here to kick some serious butt!" but in this case its a...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5395)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5395/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Driver BFF Add-On for QT Py and Xiao
[Adafruit NeoPixel Driver BFF Add-On for QT Py and Xiao](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5645)
Our QT Py boards are a great way to make very small microcontroller projects that pack a ton of power - and now we have a way for you to quickly add a [strand of NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/category/168) with a 5V level shifter and a detachable JST PH connector. It's an...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5645)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5645/guides)
### Adafruit USB Type C Breakout Board - Downstream Connection
[Adafruit USB Type C Breakout Board - Downstream Connection](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4090)
Throw out all those Mini and Micro B USB cables you have in a plastic bin - the next generation of USB connectors is here with **USB C**! You will start to see these connectors pop up on all sorts of devices, as the industry moves from micro B or lightening to the new standard....
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4090)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4090/guides)
### USB C to Micro B Cable - 1 ft 0.3 meter
[USB C to Micro B Cable - 1 ft 0.3 meter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3879)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit! Rather than the regular USB A, this cable has **USB C to Micro B** plugs!
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power. Like Lightning and MagSafe cables, USB C has no...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3879)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3879/guides)
### STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Male Header Cable - 200mm
[STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Male Header Cable - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893)
This cable will let you turn a JST PH 3-pin cable port into 3 individual wires with high-quality 0.1" male header plugs on the end. We're carrying these to match up with our Hallowing, for extending and connecting sensors or LEDs - and the wires are even color coded!
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3893/guides)
### Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 2 meters long
[Pink and Purple Woven USB A to USB C Cable - 2 meters long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5044)
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pink and purple Blinka-like pattern, it's also made for USB C for our modernized breakout boards, Feathers and more. [If you want something just like it but for Micro B, we have a B...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4111)
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5044)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5044/guides)
### 36-pin 0.1" Female header - pack of 5!
[36-pin 0.1" Female header - pack of 5!](https://www.adafruit.com/product/598)
Female header is like the duct tape of electronics. Its great for connecting things together, soldering to perf-boards, sockets for wires or break-away header, etc. We go through these guys real fast, and thought that given how handy they are, we'd offer them in a pack of five!
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/598)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/598/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit QT Py ESP32 Pico](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-qt-py-esp32-pico.md)
- [Adafruit NeoPixel Driver BFF](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-driver-bff.md)
- [LED Matrix Wall Arcade for Pico-8](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-matrix-wall-arcade.md)
- [Synchronized NeoPixel Shoelaces with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-shoelaces-with-wled.md)
- [Computer Space Mini Arcade](https://learn.adafruit.com/computer-space-mini-arcade.md)
- [NeoPixel Remote: IR Control with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-remote-ir-control-with-wled.md)
- [CircuitPython OctoPrint Controller and Monitor](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-octoprint-controller-and-monitor.md)
- [PyPortal Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-case.md)
- [Wireless Control Button for WLED Projects](https://learn.adafruit.com/wireless-control-button-for-wled-projects.md)
- [NeoPixel Star Crown with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-star-crown-with-wled.md)
- [MatrixPortal CircuitPython Animated Message Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrixportal-circuitpython-animated-message-board.md)
- [Metro Minimalist Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/metro-minimalist-clock.md)
- [Faderwave Synthesizer](https://learn.adafruit.com/faderwave-synthesizer.md)
- [MP3 Playback in CircuitPython with Lars the Sloth Puppet](https://learn.adafruit.com/mp3-circuitpython-lars.md)
- [Compost Friend!](https://learn.adafruit.com/compost-optimization-machine.md)
- [PyPortal Guitar Tuner](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-guitar-tuner.md)
- [Sparkle Motion Dance Shoes](https://learn.adafruit.com/sparkle-motion-dance-shoes.md)