# Free-Wired 3x3x3 NeoPixel Cube
## Overview
https://vine.co/v/MHbiHETBYwu
NeoPixels are amazing... they simplify lighting projects and can be driven by a wide variety of microcontrollers.
That's right, no shift registers, charlieplexing, or fancy setups. Just one pin! This makes them great for something complex-shaped like a 3D cube
The 3x3x3 cube is crazy bright... and wicked awesome!
# Parts!
For this project you'll need
- [27 x Thru-hole NeoPixels (if you get 30 you'll have spares in case you need them)](http://www.adafruit.com/product/1734)
- [Something to drive them, like a Trinket 5V](http://www.adafruit.com/product/1501)
- [5V 2A power supply is plenty](http://www.adafruit.com/product/276)
- [On/Off Power button](http://www.adafruit.com/product/1683)
- [DC panel-mount jack](http://www.adafruit.com/product/610)
- Wire, solder, soldering iron, hand tools...
A 3D printer can print out the custom base, or you can craft something custom with wood or cardboard
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/free-wire-3x3x3-neopixel-cube/3d-printing-base.md)
## Featured Products
### Digital Genuine Hakko FX888DX-010SV (936 upgrade)
[Digital Genuine Hakko FX888DX-010SV (936 upgrade)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1204)
Known by engineers for making excellent quality tools & soldering irons! This is a genuine Hakko FX-888D with **digital temperature control**! We worked hard to get the best and a great price, these are **not** knock-offs. This iron is an upgrade to the...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1204)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1204/guides)
### NeoPixel Diffused 8mm Through-Hole LED - 5 Pack
[NeoPixel Diffused 8mm Through-Hole LED - 5 Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1734)
LOLwut? NeoPixels in through-hole variety? Oh yes, we haz them! If you like NeoPixel strips you'll luv these 8mm diffused through-hole NeoPixels. All the single-pin-controlling-hundreds-of-LEDs goodness in a breadboard friendly format. Each LED looks just like your classic through-hole 8mm...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1734)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1734/guides)
### Adafruit Trinket - Mini Microcontroller - 5V Logic
[Adafruit Trinket - Mini Microcontroller - 5V Logic](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1501)
**Deprecation Warning: The Trinket bit-bang USB technique it uses doesn't work as well as it did in 2014, many modern computers won't work well. So while we still carry the Trinket so that people can maintain some older projects, we no longer recommend it.**
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1501)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1501/guides)
### Compact Switching Power Supply - Selectable Output 3-12VDC
[Compact Switching Power Supply - Selectable Output 3-12VDC](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1448)
Wow, is this not the most useful thing you did not know existed or what? It's a switching wall adapter where you can easily change the voltage! It's like a benchtop supply you can take with you anywhere.
This model is 10 Watts and has 6 selectable outputs ranging from 3V to...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1448)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1448/guides)
### 5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed
[5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/276)
This is an FCC/CE certified and UL listed power supply. Need a lot of 5V power? This switching supply gives a clean regulated 5V output at up to 2000mA. 110 or 240 input, so it works in any country. The plugs are "US 2-prong" style so you may need a plug adapter, but you can pick one...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/276)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/276/guides)
### On-Off Power Button / Pushbutton Toggle Switch
[On-Off Power Button / Pushbutton Toggle Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1683)
Push once to turn on, push again to turn off! This clicky switch makes a great power switch or mode toggler. We like this switch because it's breadboard friendly and more fun than a power switch. Can reliably handle up to 500mA and up to 50V. This is a really satisfying switch.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1683)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1683/guides)
### Panel Mount 2.1mm DC barrel jack
[Panel Mount 2.1mm DC barrel jack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/610)
This power jack is designed to easily attach to a panel up to 8mm thick (0.315" or 5/16") and fit 2.1mm power plugs snugly and securely. Perfect for adding a power connector to your project enclosure. We like this jack in particular for its long body (so you can use it on thicker...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/610)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/610/guides)
### 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.
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/527)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/527/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 3D Printed Guardian Sword with NeoPixel LEDs](https://learn.adafruit.com/breath-of-the-wild-guardian-sword-led-3d-printed.md)
- [Kaleidoscope Eyes (Trinket-Powered NeoPixel LED Ring Goggles)](https://learn.adafruit.com/kaleidoscope-eyes-neopixel-led-goggles-trinket-gemma.md)
- [2014 Halloween 3D Printed Projects Roundup](https://learn.adafruit.com/2014-halloween-3d-printed-projects-roundup.md)
- [Adding Third Party Boards to the Arduino v1.6.4+ IDE](https://learn.adafruit.com/add-boards-arduino-v164.md)
- [Camera LED Ring Light](https://learn.adafruit.com/camera-ring-led-light.md)
- [Galaxy Pendant](https://learn.adafruit.com/life-proof-led-necklace.md)
- [Adafruit Arduino IDE Setup](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-ide-setup.md)
- [Trinket React Counter](https://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-react-counter.md)
- [Trinket RGB Shield Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-rgb-shield-clock.md)
- [NeoPixel 60 Ring Wall Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-60-ring-clock.md)
- [Trinket NeoPixel LED Longboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-neopixel-led-longboard.md)
- [3D Printed Daft Punk Helmet with Bluetooth ](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-daft-punk-helmet-with-bluetooth.md)
- [Trinket (& Gemma) Servo Control](https://learn.adafruit.com/trinket-gemma-servo-control.md)
- [Portable Mini Timelapse Camera](https://learn.adafruit.com/portable-mini-timelapse-camera.md)
- [Bluetooth-Controlled NeoPixel Goggles](https://learn.adafruit.com/bluetooth-neopixel-goggles.md)