# HalloWing Light Paintstick
## Overview
We love light painting and over the years[we have created a number of Learn Guides on the topic, ranging from simple to highly sophisticated](https://learn.adafruit.com/search?q=light%20paint).
With this project, painting with light in long exposure photographs has never been easier. You can explore this beautiful artform with a digital camera that has manual setting, or even a smart phone with an app, and build your own Light Paintstick to draw bitmapped images in midair!
Info:
## Parts
### Part: Adafruit HalloWing M0 Express
quantity: 1
Skull-shaped ATSAMD21 board w 1.44" 128x128 TFT display
[Adafruit HalloWing M0 Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3900)
### Part: NeoPixel Strip 0.5 Meter
quantity: 1
with 3-pin JST connector
[NeoPixel Strip 0.5 Meter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3919)
### Part: Lithium Ion Polymer Battery
quantity: 1
3.7v 350mAh
[Lithium Ion Polymer Battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2750)
### Part: Breadboard trim potentiometer
quantity: 1
10K Ohm
[Breadboard trim potentiometer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/356)
### Part: JST PH 3-Pin to Female Socket Cable
quantity: 1
200mm
[JST PH 3-Pin to Female Socket Cable ](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3894)
## Alternative microcontroller and NeoPixel strip option:
### Part: Circuit Playground Express
quantity: 1
Round, Awesome Microcontroller Board
[Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
### Part: NeoPixel LED Strip w/ Alligator Clips
quantity: 1
60 LED/m - 0.5 Meter Long - Black Flex
[NeoPixel LED Strip w/ Alligator Clips](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3811)
## Materials
In addition to the parts listed above, you'll need the following materials:
- Wooden yardstick (available at any hardware store)
- Zip ties
- Optional saw to cut the yardstick length down a bit
- Optional sandpaper for shaping the yardstick handle
- Optional matte gray spray paint for the yardstick
And, a camera with manual control of shutter speed and exposure aperture, or a long exposure/"light trails" application for your smart phone, as well as a tripod or other way to secure your camera. It helps (and is lots of fun!) to have a friend to help you out during photo shoots.
# HalloWing Light Paintstick
## Build the Light Paintstick
This is a very straightforward build -- all you need is a yardstick and some zip ties to attach the NeoPixel strip, board, battery, and potentiometer!
We'll customize the build a little bit to give it a nice fit and finish.
## Cut the Yardstick
You can skip this step if you like, but it's nice to trim off some of the excess length of the yardstick to make the Light Paintstick a bit more compact and easier to swing around in midair.
No need to measure! Just use a hand saw or power saw (bandsaw, chop saw, miter saw, jig saw, or table saw) to cut the yardstick at the 28-1/2" mark.
## Sanding
To make the Light Paintstick more comfortable to hold, you can use some sandpaper to shape the handle section a bit and round off the edges.
## Drilling
You may want to mount the Light Paintstick onto a bicycle or scooter to create some large-scale light paintings -- you can add some holes near the base of the handle to accommodate this.
Mark and drill two 1/4" holes as shown.
It's helpful to drill over a sacrificial piece of wood to prevent splintery blow-out on the back-side of the hole as the drill bit breaks through.
## Paint the Yardstick
In a well ventilated area, set down some newspaper and a couple of blocks for standoffs.
Spray the yardstick with even coats of spray paint.
Allow to dry for 1/2 hour, then flip the stick and paint the other side.
Two full coats should be sufficient.
Marvel at how professional and awesome your Light Paintstick is now looking!
Now that he stick is prepped, it's time to add the electronics!
## Connect the Components
### Potentiometer
The potentiometer will be used to control the playback speed of the bitmap image. Connect it to the three sockets of the sensor cable as shown. The green wire goes in the middle to send potentiometer wiper position data, while red and black go to the outer pins for voltage and ground.
Connect the other end of the cable to the JST sensor port on the HalloWing.
This port is marked " **SENSE**".
### NeoPixel Strip
Plug the NeoPixel strip connector into the NeoPixel JST port on the HalloWing.
This port is marked " **NEOPIX**".
### Battery
You'll power the HalloWing Light Paintstick with a 3.7V lithium polymer battery.
The HalloWing even has a charging circuit built in, so you can recharge the battery at any time by simply plugging in a micro USB cable!
Plug the battery into the port marked " **LiPoly Battery Only!**"
You can secure the potentiometer-to-cable connection with a bit of tape to prevent it from disconnecting.
Now we can connect the HalloWing and components to the stick.
## Attach NeoPixel Strip
Lay the NeoPixel strip on one side of the stick, with the LEDs facing up.
Use zip ties to secure the strip to the stick.
Trim off the excess zip tie ends with diagonal cutters or scissors.
## Connect the Potentiometer
Connect the potentiometer to the Light Paintstick with a zip tie as shown.
## Add the Battery
Secure the battery just below the potentiometer with a zip tie.
## Attach the HalloWing
Use four thin zip ties to secure the board to the stick.
Feed one zip tie through the two mounting holes as shown.
Use a second zip tie connected on both ends to the first zip tie on the underside of the board to join them.
Pull them snug but not too tight (don't want to put too much pressure on the TFT display!).
Trim the excess ends.
Here's what the finished HalloWing Light Paintstick looks like!
## Alternate CPX version
You can create a Circuit Playground Express Light Paintstick instead if you like! For this, we'll use a 3x AAA battery box instead of a LiPoly, a NeoPixel strip with alligator clips, and we won't use a potentiometer, instead controlling playback speed with the CPX buttons.
Use double-stick foam tape to connect the CPX to the stick, and to connect the battery box to the back side of the stick, behind the CPX.
# HalloWing Light Paintstick
## Code with CircuitPython
The CircuitPython code we'll use was designed to display light painting art based upon bitmap images. There are two display modes: looping and one-shot.
Looping will run the image continuously. This is great for streaking images all around, or for "stamping" copies of your image into mid-air.
One-shot images will only display once each time you trigger them by pressing the capacitive touch sensor assigned -- in the case of HalloWing this is pad A2.
## CircuitPython Setup
To get started, you'll want to set up your HalloWing or Circuit Playground Express for use with CircuitPython by [following this guide for HalloWing](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-hallowing/circuitpython) or by [following this guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express/circuitpython-quickstart) for CPX. When you're ready, and can upload code to the board return here.
Adafruit really likes using the Mu editor to edit the CircuitPython code. [See this guide on loading and using Mu](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-mu-editor).
## HalloWing Code
You can copy the code here and then paste it into Mu. Save it to your HalloWing as **code.py**
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Light_Paintstick_HalloWing/light_paintstick_hallowing/code.py
## Circuit Playground Express Code
If you're using the Circuit Playground Express, copy and paste this code instead.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Light_Paintstick_HalloWing/light_paintstick_cpx/code.py
Primary:
## Image Selection
The are only two sections of code you'll need to adjust: `FILENAME` variable assignment and the image looping.
By default, it will play the **bats.bmp** file. If you create your own bitmap named **unicorn.bmp** and load it onto the HalloWing, you'll want to adjust the FILENAME to match, such as:
`FILENAME = "unicorn.bmp"`
``If you want your image to loop automatically to create streaks or repeating stamps, change this line:
`LOOP = False `
to this:
`LOOP = True `
On the next page we'll add images to the board.
# HalloWing Light Paintstick
## Make Pixel Art
You'll need some art to display with your HalloWing Light Paintstick. You can get started by downloading this collection, and then unzipping it.
[PixelArt.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/063/934/original/PixelArt.zip?1539988111)
## Images
The Light Paintstick plays back images stored in flash memory on the HalloWing or Circuit Playground Express. To add images, plug in your board via USB to your computer. When the board mounts, you'll see a new drive named **CIRCUITPY** appear. Simply drag your image files onto the board with your computer file manager.-
## Art Specs
If you want to create your own artwork for display, these are the specifications to follow:
- Images should be a maximum of 30 pixels high (the same as the number of NeoPixels on our strip)
- Images can be up to 100 pixels wide
- Colors are 24-bit (8-bits per channel) RGB
- Save files as .bmp format
We've found that crisp images (not too much antialiasing) work best. The colors look best when using full primaries, such as 255 red, green, or blue, and mixes of those, but you can definitely try any color you like.
You can use nearly any paint program, including online pixel art generators that run in the browser!
# HalloWing Light Paintstick
## Take Long Exposure Photos
Now we come to the fun part of making art that can hover in space! You'll freeze temporal, sequential art into what appears to be a single instant! How is this done? The trick is long exposure photography.
Typically, we take photographs that only expose the sensor (or film) for a very tiny fraction of a second. This is a simplification that ignores many factors, but you can think of it as: the shorter the exposure (also called shutter speed) the sharper the image. This is because any subjects that are moving will create a blur if the exposure is long, since they will occupy more than one point in space during the time that light is exposing onto the sensor.
Additionally, if we use typical aperture sizes, or f-stops, (think of it as the size of the hole letting light pass onto the shutter) we can let in a lot of light during that very quick exposure. If the shutter is open too long, then too much light will hit the sensor and the shot will be over exposed.
Long exposure photography flips these conventions on their head! We'll use very long exposures -- anywhere from 4 to 30 seconds for our Light Paintstick images -- so that our subject (the NeoPixels) will occupy many different points in space during the time that the shutter is open. But, to avoid over exposing the sensor and creating a blindingly bright image with no details, we'll use a very small aperture. This means that only very bright objects (such as our NeoPixel LEDs) will send enough light to the sensor to be exposed on the final image.
Primary:
Info:
## Tools
Ideally, you will want to use a good camera with manual control over the settings, mounted on a tripod. Any mirrorless system, DSLR, or higher-end point-and-shoot should give you the control you need. The camera will need to allow you to shoot either long exposures or in "bulb" mode where the shutter stays open indefinitely until you release it.
Alternately, you can use a smart phone and dedicated apps. Search for the terms "long exposure" and "light trails" to find some options.
Danger:
## Action
Now, you get to start experimenting! Start off simply, with a rainbow pattern. In a dark environment, set up your camera, trigger the shutter, get in front of the lens, turn on your Light Paintstick, and sweep an arc shape over your head.
Release the shutter and check out your photo! You can now start to tune the settings to dial things in.
Next, try some longer exposures and run around with your Light Paintstick. Get creative! It's also fun to have some context in you photos, so try tuning the exposure settings on your camera so that some of your environment is visible, not just LED streaks against black.
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/059/902/medium800/led_strips_L1007473.jpg?1535128278 When no flash is used the subject doing the light painting is "invisible"!)
## Floating Images
Now, you can try stamping an image into midair! Switch the CircuitPython code `LOOP = True` to `LOOP = False` and re-save the **code.py** file onto the board so that you're displaying one of the individual bitmaps, such as the pumpkin.
You will want to tune the speed of the play back so that the image draws in about 3-4 seconds. Set your camera for a 5-6 second exposure. Trigger the shutter and then move the Light Paintstick in a straight line parallel to the camera.
You can draw logos in midair, too!
Bats!
## Multiple Stamps
You can trigger your image multiple times during a single exposure, just try to not overlap! Also notice that you can create a "backwards" image by moving the want from left-to-right instead of right to left as with the bottom pumpkin shown here.
You can also switch the code back to looping `LOOP = True` so that as long as you move the wand the image will repeat.
Here's an example of this on a playground merry-go-round.
If your image is squashed, try turning the potentiometer to the right a bit so that it draws the raster a bit slower. If the image is too wide, turn the pot to the left to speed things up. You'll want to still move the wand at the same speed so that you only adjust a single variable at a time.
Here's an example of the same image being played back at different speeds by tuning the potentiometer between takes.
Rotate your arm in a big circle!
Have fun with your light painting! You can even start to get fancy and include yourself in the photos -- just draw your images as usual in the air, and then at the end, hold very still and point your Light Paintbrush at your own face for a few seconds to add it to the exposed portion of the frame!
So, have fun experimenting with different artwork and techniques as you explore the fascinating art of long exposure light painting with your HalloWing Light Paintstick!
Note, you can create some creepy outtakes while you're at it.
Here's the ghost of photographer Joel looking highly weird. This is what happens when you test the long exposure + flash theory. NOTE: He is _not_ wearing a mask.
## Featured Products
### Adafruit HalloWing M0 Express
[Adafruit HalloWing M0 Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3900)
[This is Hallowing..this is Hallowing... Hallowing! Hallowing! ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGiYxCUAhks&t=39s)
Are you the kind of person who doesn't like taking down the skeletons and spiders until after January? Well, we've got the development board for...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3900)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3900/guides)
### AdaBox009 - HalloWing
[AdaBox009 - HalloWing](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3956)
Are you the kind of person who doesn't like taking down the skeletons and spiders until after January? Well, we've got the ADABOX for you. This is electronics at its _most spooky!_ ADABOX 009 is Halloween themed, for all of us who love scares, costumes, and (of...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3956)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3956/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with 3-pin JST PH 2mm Connector
[Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with 3-pin JST PH 2mm Connector](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3919)
Plug in and glow, this **Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with JST PH Connector** has **30 total LEDs** in a **"60 LED per meter" spacing** , and is 0.5 meters long, in classy Adafruit Black. Its not too long, but has lots of glowing action.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3919)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3919/guides)
### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7V 350mAh
[Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7V 350mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2750)
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 350mAh for a total of about 1.3 Wh. If you need a larger (or smaller!) battery,
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2750)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2750/guides)
### Breadboard trim potentiometer
[Breadboard trim potentiometer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/356)
These are our favorite trim pots, perfect for breadboarding and prototyping. They have a long grippy adjustment knob and with 0.1" spacing, they plug into breadboards or perfboards with ease.
This is the same pot that comes with our character LCDs and tutorial...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/356)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/356/guides)
### Circuit Playground Express
[Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
**Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip w/ Alligator Clips - 60 LED/m
[Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip w/ Alligator Clips - 60 LED/m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3811)
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 Clips** has **30 total LEDs** in a **"60 LED per meter" spacing** , and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3811)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3811/guides)
### STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Female Socket Cable - 200mm
[STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Female Socket Cable - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3894)
This cable will let you turn a JST PH 3-pin cable port into 3 individual wires with high-quality 0.1" female header sockets 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/3894)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3894/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express.md)
- [Adafruit Hallowing M0](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-hallowing.md)
- [Circuit Playground Powerpuff Girls Valentine](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-valentine.md)
- [Snake Charmer Box](https://learn.adafruit.com/snakecharmer.md)
- [Crickit Dancing Marionette Kit](https://learn.adafruit.com/universal-marionette-with-crickit.md)
- [CircuitPython LED Animations](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations.md)
- [Adafruit PyBadge and PyBadge LC](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-pybadge.md)
- [Magical Cardboard Craft Obsidian Sword](https://learn.adafruit.com/cardboard-obsidian-sword.md)
- [Make It Sense](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-sense.md)
- [Jack-o-Theremin](https://learn.adafruit.com/jack-o-theremin.md)
- [Circuit Playground Express Head-Tilt Ears](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-express-head-tilt-ears.md)
- [Circuit Playground Express Spooky Laughing Box](https://learn.adafruit.com/spooky-circuit-playground-express-mystery-box.md)
- [Trash Panda](https://learn.adafruit.com/trash-panda-circuit-python-crickit.md)
- [FunHouse Parking Assistant](https://learn.adafruit.com/funhouse-parking-assistant.md)
- [Sewable NeoPixels](https://learn.adafruit.com/flora-rgb-smart-pixels.md)
- [Holiday Tree with Feather RP2040 Scorpio](https://learn.adafruit.com/holiday-tree-with-scorpio.md)
- [Crickit Lab Shaker](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-lab-shaker.md)