In this project we'll build an interactive cardboard fireplace with LEDs and a motorized Grinch!

 

A Circuit Playground Express will drive an LED strip and a servo controlled paper Grinch cutout. Hidden under a rug, a simple switch  triggers the servo when stepped on. So the Grinch looks like he's hiding when someone steps on the rug, sneaky!

NeoPixel Fire

 

Build a fire using paper towel tubes and other packaging material. Use a NeoPixel LED strip to create animated lighting effects!

 

All of the electronics are easy to put together and no soldering is required! The neopixel strip and motor connect to the Circuit Playground with alligator clips, so it easy to assemble and change the theme of the fireplace!

 

Prerequisite Guides

There's resources in these guides that go beyond what's covered in this tutorial. MakeCode guide is all about setting up your Circuit Playground Express board. TheCircuit Playground Express introduction guide walks you through all of the pinouts, sensors and everything you need to know.

A Black woman's manicured hand holds a round microcontroller with lit up LEDs.
Circuit Playground Express is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and...
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Standard Size - High Torque - Metal Gear Servo  with three pin cable
This high-torque standard servo now comes in a metal-gear flavor, for extra-high torque (10 kg*cm!) and reliability! It can rotate at least 120 degrees (60 in each direction) with a...
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Adafruit NeoPixel LED 1 meter Strip with Alligator Clips wired to Circuit Playground, lighting up rainbow
Adding glowy color to your projects has never been easier: no more soldering or stripping wires, clip 'em on and glow! This Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with Alligator...
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1 x Makedo
Makedo Toolkit for Cardboard Construction
1 x Small Alligator Clip to Male Jumper Wire
Small Alligator Clip to Male Jumper Wire Bundle - 12 Pieces
1 x 20" Alligator Clip Wires
20" Alligator Clip Wires
1 x Copper Foil Tape with Conductive Adhesive - 6mm x 15 meter roll
Copper Foil Tape with Conductive Adhesive - 6mm x 15 meter roll

This guide was first published on Dec 12, 2018. It was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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