# Glowing Beehive Hairdo Wig ## Introduction https://youtu.be/bkhZlCZpdYQ This is the hairstyle of tomorrow!  A press-button dream come true for Mrs. Housewife.  All sorts of wonders are hers at the push of a button.   Going to an office party?  Walk in with the belle of the ball, for a change!  Family music hour?  Use sound reactive mode and Presto!  Now you have something else to pay attention to. And no more stumbling around in the dark after lights-out.  Mrs. Housewife will feel like a fairy princess with a magic wand that lights your way.    ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/983/medium800/led_pixels_18_wigfinished.jpg?1507396640) # Skill Level This project is great for beginners who are looking to level up.  Soldering to the Circuit Playground is pretty simple with just 3 wires to hook up. Or this project can be done with no soldering if you skip adding the ambient Neopixel strip and just use the onboard LEDs and light pipe.   We've included several different color modes and a sound reactive mode in the code.  You can use our code as-is with a little bit of software installation, or you can code-monkey up and use any of the Circuit Playground's onboard sensors to make this wig into a multi-tasking robotic alien funk machine.   Go nuts! ### Part: Circuit Playground quantity: 1 Circuit Playground Classic [Circuit Playground](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3000) ### Part: On/Off Switch quantity: 1 On/Off switch with battery cable extension [On/Off Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3064) ### Part: 60/m Neopixels quantity: 1 White 60/m RGB Neopixels [60/m Neopixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1138) ### Part: Battery quantity: 1 500mAh LiPoly Battery [Battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1578) ### Part: Battery Charger quantity: 1 USB Battery Charger [Battery Charger](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304) # Other Tools & Materials - [White High-Cone Beehive Wig](http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Cone-Beehive-Cascading-Curls-Long-Drag-Womens-Mens-U-Choose-Colour-Wig-/271072151666?var=&hash=item3f1d28c872:m:mo-mKXV8zo-nFEminRrgqJg) - [Light Pipe](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UMT9SOS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) - [1/2" clear Heat Shrink Tubing](https://www.amazon.com/NTE-Electronics-47-20806-CL-Shrink-Tubing/dp/B007Z854YM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506361211&sr=8-1&keywords=1%2F2+clear+heat+shrink+tubing) - [26awg Stranded Wire (in 3 colors)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1877) - Soldering Iron + accessories - Needle & thread - Craft Foam - Super glue - Hot Glue Gun - Heat Gun # Glowing Beehive Hairdo Wig ## Code ### Before You Start If this is your first foray into the world of arduino-based microcontrollers, you'll need to install some software first. Head over to the [Circuit Playground Lesson 0 guide](../../../../circuit-playground-lesson-number-0/install-software-linux?view=all#intro) for detailed installation and setup instructions.   You'll only need to do all this once, so be a little patient if it seems like a lot! ### FastLED Library You will also need to install the **FastLED** library in Arduino (`Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries...`) One other note:  if you're using **FastLED** with Circuit Playground, be sure to `#include` the Circuit Playground library FIRST and the **FastLED** library second, or you may run into problems. ### Upload Code Once you've got everything installed and your computer can talk to the Circuit Playground, it's time to upload the code. Plug your Circuit Playground into your computer and select the Circuit Plaground under `Tools > Boards`.  Then select the Circuit Playground as the Port. Copy and paste this code into a new Arduino window and click "upload". https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Glowing_Beehive_Hairdo_Wig/Glowing_Beehive_Hairdo_Wig.ino If all goes well, the lights on the Circuit Playground will come on.  Press the right side button and the lights will go off.  Press the left side button to toggle between modes: 1. Rainbow Colors 2. Sound Reactive 3. Ocean Colors 4. Lava Colors 5. Rainbow Stripe Colors Press the button once to enter Sound Reactive mode.  Make some noise!    Add your own modes or customize the modes that are already there.  If you add more modes, remember to change the NUM\_MODES variable to reflect the total number of modes you have. # Glowing Beehive Hairdo Wig ## Wiring Diagram ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/781/medium800/led_pixels_beehive_wiring_bb.jpg?1506718203) The wiring for this project is fairly simple: - Circuit Playground VBATT --\> Neopixel +5V - Circuit Playground 6 --\> Neopixel DIN - Circuit Playground GND --\> Neopixel GND The battery extension cable will plug into the JST connector on the Circuit Playground, and the battery will plug into the extension cable. # Glowing Beehive Hairdo Wig ## Connect Neopixels Slide the neopixels a little way out of their silicone sleeve.  Find the "in" end of the strip (arrows pointing away from you) and tin the three solder pads with your soldering iron. ![led_pixels_00_tin_neopixels.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/718/medium640/led_pixels_00_tin_neopixels.jpg?1506383561) Cut three 6" pieces of stranded wire.  Strip a teeny bit off one end and tin the exposed wire.  Solder red to the + pad, black to G, and white to the DIN pad. ![led_pixels_01_solder_neopixels.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/719/medium640/led_pixels_01_solder_neopixels.jpg?1506383654) Solder the other ends of the wires to the Circuit Playground:  red to VBAT, white to pin 6, and black to GND. ![led_pixels_02_solder_to_cp.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/720/medium640/led_pixels_02_solder_to_cp.jpg?1506383766) Plug your battery in to your Circuit Playground and be sure all the lights come on.   Press the button and see the modes change.  ![led_pixels_03_test_lights.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/721/medium640/led_pixels_03_test_lights.jpg?1506383859) # Troubleshooting If the lights don't come on on both the Circuit Playground and the LED strip, here are some things to try: - Re-upload the code to your Circuit Playground - Check to be sure you soldered to the "in" end of the pixel strip -- it won't work if you solder to the "out" end - Be sure you're soldered to pin 6 on the Circuit Playground - Make sure there are no shorts; i.e. your wires or solder joints aren't touching each other where they shouldn't be Once you've got everything working, it's time to seal off the neopixel strips to keep them nice and safe from sweat or bumps in the night. Cut a small piece of 1/2" clear heat shrink and slide it over your solder joint.  Squirt some hot glue inside, then quickly grab your heat gun and shrink down the heat shrink while the glue is still wet.  This will create a solid plastic seal around your connection and keep it safe from just about everything. ![led_pixels_04_hotglue.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/722/medium640/led_pixels_04_hotglue.jpg?1506384112) ![led_pixels_05_heatshrink.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/723/medium640/led_pixels_05_heatshrink.jpg?1506384122) # Glowing Beehive Hairdo Wig ## Connect Light Pipe There are lots of different sources for light pipe, and light pipe from different sources acts differently.  This attachment method requires light pipe that melts at a fairly low temperature. [These LED shoelaces](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UMT9SOS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) work wonderfully for this.   I also tried using good quality [LED light pipe from AliExpress](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5meters-3-0mm-Side-Glow-Fiber-Optic-Cable-car-light/32330062923.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.WKAZuh).  This stuff worked beautifully in that it carries light really far -- this light pipe looks gorgeous for a couple meters whereas the shoelaces really only look good for about 2 feet.  But.. the good stuff doesn't melt the same way.   If your light pipe doesn't want to melt, you can 3d print a case that will work just about as well: [Download .stl from Thingiverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2568865) .. or you can order one printed for you from [Shapeways](https://www.shapeways.com/product/ZTX5Y3WZC/circuit-playground-light-pipe-case-with-buttons). If you're going this route, check out [this guide about making a 3d printed case that holds the light pipe in place.](../../../../circuit-playground-light-pod?view=all#intro-and-setup)  If you've got the melty kind, read on! Trim your light pipe to the desired length (I cut each shoelace in half).  Gently heat the end of each piece with a heat gun until it just barely liquefies. ![led_pixels_06_lightpipe_melt.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/899/medium640/led_pixels_06_lightpipe_melt.jpg?1506990511) Position the light pipe over one of your neopixels and press down so about 1/4" of the light pipe melts over and around the pixel.  Make sure the pipe is glowing brightly, so you know you're centered on the light. ![led_pixels_07_lightpipe_attach.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/900/medium640/led_pixels_07_lightpipe_attach.jpg?1506990584) Once the light pipe is cooled and solidified, gently pull it off the neopixel.  Add a dab of superglue to the inside and press it back down, lining up the indentation so you get full contact with the LED. ![led_pixels_08_lightpipe_glue.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/902/medium640/led_pixels_08_lightpipe_glue.jpg?1506990690) Once the superglue is dry, tug on the light pipe gently to be sure it won't come loose.  The superglue holds it really well!  I tried to remove a piece of light pipe and ended up breaking the neopixel before the glue gave way. ![led_pixels_09_lightpipe_tug.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/903/medium640/led_pixels_09_lightpipe_tug.jpg?1506990761) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/904/medium800/led_pixels_10_lightpipe_on.jpg?1506990914) # Glowing Beehive Hairdo Wig ## Final Assembly Cut two squares of craft foam approximately 4" across.  Use superglue to attach the Circuit Playground in the center of one square. ![led_pixels_11_craftfoam.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/940/medium640/led_pixels_11_craftfoam.jpg?1507070974) Add superglue around 3 sides of the other square and glue it to the back of the first square to create a pocket for the battery. ![led_pixels_12_gluecraftfoam.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/941/medium640/led_pixels_12_gluecraftfoam.jpg?1507071036) Plug your battery extension cable / switch into the Circuit Playground and your battery into the other end.  Make sure everything's working, and then slip the battery and any extra wire inside the craft foam pocket. ![led_pixels_13_batteryswitch.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/942/medium640/led_pixels_13_batteryswitch.jpg?1507071077) ![led_pixels_14_batterypocket.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/943/medium640/led_pixels_14_batterypocket.jpg?1507071138) Turn the wig inside out.  Lay the neopixel strip face down (so the lights are pointing toward the outside of the wig) and sew it in place through the silicone sleeve.  Sew the craft foam in place over the back of the strip.  Sew the switch in place along one of the side seams of the wig. ![led_pixels_15_sew_foam.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/944/medium640/led_pixels_15_sew_foam.jpg?1507071160) ![led_pixels_16_sew_switch.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/947/medium640/led_pixels_16_sew_switch.jpg?1507071311) Clip small holes in the fabric of the wig and slip the individual light pipe strands through so they end up on the outside of the wig when it's right-side out. ![led_pixels_17_slide_lightpipe.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/948/medium640/led_pixels_17_slide_lightpipe.jpg?1507071337) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/951/medium800/led_pixels_18_wigfinished.jpg?1507071469) Pick your favorite mode and bring on the atompunk revolution. ## Featured Products ### Circuit Playground Classic [Circuit Playground Classic](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3000) Would you like to learn electronics, with an all-in-one board that has sensors and LEDs built in? **Circuit Playground** is here - and it's the best way to practice programming on real hardware with no soldering or sewing required! 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In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3064) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3064/guides) ### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 60 LED [Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 60 LED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1138) You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! You wanted **twice the LEDs**? We got it (well, its 1.875 times as many but that's within a margin of... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1138) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1138/guides) ### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 500mAh [Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 500mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1578) Lithium-ion polymer (also known as 'lipo' or 'lipoly') batteries are thin, light, and powerful. The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This battery has a capacity of 500mAh for a total of about 1.9 Wh. If you need a larger (or smaller!) battery, Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1578) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1578/guides) ### Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger [Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304) Oh so adorable, this is the tiniest little lipo charger, so handy you can keep it any project box! Its also easy to use. Simply plug in the gold plated contacts into any USB port and a 3.7V/4.2V lithium polymer or lithium ion rechargeable battery into the JST plug on the other end. There are... 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