# LED Eyes ## Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJOfR8yYSEM ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/692/medium800/leds_hero-close.jpg?1499633513) In this project we'll use our small LED sequins to add lights to our face. These small LEDs are connected to a coin cell breakout board with a build-in on and off switch. We 3d printed a small enclosure and clip to attach the whole circuit to apparel! This super easy project is great for Halloween or any character with glowing body parts. Perfect for cosplay events or even for safe night riding! We used wire wrap to connect the LEDs because its thin and still has just enough strength for repeated use. We also tried using the [ultra thin magnet wire](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3522). It definitely blends into skin better, making it basically invisible, but it will break after repeated use. You could try to strengthen it by doubling up and combining two wires together.  First we'll need to solder the LEDs to build two short strips to fit over your eyebrows. The LEDs are then connected to a small coin cell break out board with a build-in on and off switch. Finally, we'll 3d print a small enclosure and clip to attach the whole circuit to apparel!   This project is inspired by the popular [LED eyelashes project](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s31Rf1jC6Go) (a.k.a. [www.flashes.se](http://www.flashes.se)). We wanted to make a simplified version that people could easily build!    LED sequins have build in resistors, so they are super easily to wire up. The 10 LEDs are powered by a 12mm 3v coin cell battery and should last for quite a while.   You do not need a microcontroller to drive these sequins, unless you want them to blink or fade!   They come in packs of five with breakaway tabs. You can separate them one at a time but for this project we'll leave them on the tabs to have equal spacing between the LEDs. ![leds_silhouette.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/694/medium640/leds_silhouette.jpg?1499633639) ![leds_FM1A0126.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/695/medium640/leds_FM1A0126.jpg?1499633905) ![leds_FM1A0127.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/696/medium640/leds_FM1A0127.jpg?1499633934) ![leds_hero-wink.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/697/medium640thumb/leds_hero-wink.jpg?1499634162) ## Parts, Tools and Supplies Here's a list of the parts needed to make this project. - two [5 packs of LED sequins](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1757) - [12mm coin cell breakout](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1867) - [12mm coin cell](https://www.adafruit.com/product/380) - [wire wrap](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446) - [3d printer](https://www.adafruit.com/category/245) (optional) - transpore medical tape ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/693/medium800/leds_parts.jpg?1499633535) ### Enameled Copper Magnet Wire – 11 meters / 0.1mm diameter [Enameled Copper Magnet Wire – 11 meters / 0.1mm diameter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3522) For winding custom coils, or very fine-pitch rework, we always reach for **magnet wire**. Magnet wire is very very thin (0.1mm diameter!) copper wire with a very thin layer of insulation. It's used for a range of electronics, hacking and making applications. Commonly these are... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3522) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3522/guides) ![Spool of thin Enameled Copper Magnet Wire](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3522-03.jpg) ### Adafruit LED Sequins - Royal Blue - Pack of 5 [Adafruit LED Sequins - Royal Blue - Pack of 5](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1757) Sew a little sparkle into your wearable project with an Adafruit LED Sequin. These are the kid-sister to our popular [Flora NeoPixel](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1260), they only show a single color and they don't have digital control, but that makes them smaller easier to... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1757) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1757/guides) ![Single LED sequin PCB attached to two alligator clips, glowing blue](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1757-00.jpg) ### 12mm Coin Cell Breakout w/ On-Off Switch [12mm Coin Cell Breakout w/ On-Off Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1867) Simple but effective - this breakout board has a CR1220 coin cell battery holder soldered on, an on/off switch and 0.1" pitch breakout pins for easy connecting. Great for powering very low-current projects, or adding a battery backup circuit to a real-time-clock or similar. There's... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1867) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1867/guides) ![Angled shot of a 12mm Coin Cell Breakout Board with On-Off Switch (coin cell side).](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1867-07.jpg) ### CR1220 12mm Diameter - 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery [CR1220 12mm Diameter - 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/380) These are the highest quality & capacity batteries, the same as shipped with the iCufflinks, iNecklace, Datalogging and GPS Shields, GPS HAT, etc. One battery per order (you'll want one battery per cufflink or pendant.) Brand may vary but all battery brands are verified... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/380) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/380/guides) ![Angled shot of CR1220 12mm Diameter - 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery - CR1220.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/380-01.jpg) ### Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types [Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) Having a 3D printer without filament is sort of like having a regular printer without paper or ink.  And while a lot of printers come with some filament there's a good chance you've been printing up a storm and need something new.  That's why we've started carrying a... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2080/guides) ![Filament for 3D printers in various colors and types stacked together.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2080-07.jpg) ### "Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue ["Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446) This stuff is called "wire-wrap wire" because it used to be used for wire-wrapping high-speed digital circuits on a special kind of contact board. It's pretty rare to see wire-wrapping in these days of low-cost PCB fabrication but the wire is still really handy for prototyping work. It's... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1446/guides) ![Large spool of Wire Wrap Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1446-03.jpg) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/737/medium800thumb/leds_silhouette-jump.jpg?1499656643) # LED Eyes ## Circuit Diagram ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/768/medium800/leds_circuit-diagram.jpg?1499702948) ## Wiring LEDs There are 10 LEDs used in this project, four wires total. LED Sequins have built-in resistors, so this makes wiring super simple. We can add strength the strip by looping the wires in the through holes on the sequin PCBs.  To keep the spacing for each sequin, we'll leave the LEDs attached to the PCB until we solder all of the connections. We can then gently bend the sides of the PCB to break them away.  The + side of the sequin are connected to the SW pin on the coin cell breaout. The - side is connected to one of the Gnd pins on the coin cell breakout This provides a visual reference for the wiring of the components. They aren't true to scale, just meant to be used as reference. # LED Eyes ## 3D Printing ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/735/medium800/leds_3d-parts.jpg?1499656469) ## Slice Settings Download the STL file and import it into your 3D printing slicing software. You'll need to adjust your settings accordingly if you're using material different than PLA. - 220C Extruder Temp - No heated bed (65C for heated) - 100% Extrusion Multiplier - 0.48 Extrusion Width - 20% infill - No Raft or Supports ## CAD Model The deck was designed in Autodesk Fusion 360. You can download the source file and modify the design to make a custom board. The STL file is available to download if you want to print "as is" without any modifications.  [Download Fusion360 source](http://a360.co/2sLPfV7) [Download from Thingiverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2429510) [Download from Youmagine](Enter%20a%20Link) [Download from Pinshape](Enter%20a%20Link) # LED Eyes ## Assemble ## Measure Wires   First, we'll need take measurements for how long the wires will need to be to reach the placement of the LEDs to where you plan to attach the coin cell clip.    In our case, we'll need the wires to reach from our eyes down to the back of the shirt. We made sure to add an extra bit of slack to compensate for curves around ears. We measured about 37 cm long to reach from the back of our shirt collar, around our ears and to the ends of our eyebrows.   We used wire wrap to connect the LEDs because its thin and still has just enough strength for repeated use. We also tried using the [ultra thin magnet wire](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3522). It definitely blends into skin better,  making it basically invisible, but it will break after repeated use. You could try to strengthen it by doubling up and combining two wires together.  ![leds_wire-meaure.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/701/medium640/leds_wire-meaure.jpg?1499635918) ![leds_wire-meaure-cut.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/702/medium640/leds_wire-meaure-cut.jpg?1499635937) ## Thread wires   To keep the spacing even between the LEDs, we'll leave them attached to the PCB panels while we solder wires to each LED.   To increase the strength of the connections between the LEDs, we threaded the wires on the through holes for each LED.    We used tweezers to easily maneuver the wires through each hole. Start by looping the wires from the bottom of the PCB to the top of the next. Alternate the loop from top to bottom as shown in the picture.    Do this to each rail of the LEDs. Leave just a little bit of extra wire on each end. ![leds_thread-wires.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/714/medium640/leds_thread-wires.jpg?1499653687) ![leds_wire-threaded.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/715/medium640/leds_wire-threaded.jpg?1499653741) ## Strip Wires   Now we can use a hobby knife to strip away the wire insulation. Carefully cut away the top and side sections of insulation. Strip sections close to each connection pad on the LEDs.      Remove enough insulation so there is a visible amount of wire. We'll leave the insulation on the bottom side of the LED intact to prevent the bear wire from touching skin.   Maker sure to remove enough insulation for the solder to make a solid connection to the wire.     ![leds_wire-strip.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/708/medium640thumb/leds_wire-strip.jpg?1499651946) ![leds_wire-threaded-stripped.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/716/medium640/leds_wire-threaded-stripped.jpg?1499653993) ## Solder LEDs   Now we can solder our connections. Apply heat to the solder and pads on the LEDs and then slide solder over to the exposed wire areas. Make sure the get a enough solder on the pads to get a good connection to the exposed wires sections. ![leds_soldered-led.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/713/medium640/leds_soldered-led.jpg?1499653636) ## Twist Wires   Now we'll need to twist the power and ground cable to make them easier to shape around our head.   First mark one of the wires to identify which is power and ground. It'll be hard to tell them apart once twisted.   Add a couple of twists to each strip. You don't need to twist it so much as the wire wrap will do a good job keeping its shape. ![leds_led-wire-twist.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/717/medium640thumb/leds_led-wire-twist.jpg?1499654534) ![leds_mark-strip-power.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/742/medium640/leds_mark-strip-power.jpg?1499697974) ## Trim excess   Clean up any extra wires excess on the ends of the PCB. Feel around the LEDs to make sure its smooth. Cut away any sharp and jagged areas before adding the strip to your body.  ![leds_wire-soldered-trim.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/718/medium640/leds_wire-soldered-trim.jpg?1499654645) ## Test LED   Test the LEDs before break off the PCB.    At this point we'll want to test the connections to the LEDs. You can touch the power and ground wires on the coin cell battery to make sure all of the connections are making contact with the pads on the LEDs.  ![leds_led-test.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/722/medium640/leds_led-test.jpg?1499655288) ## Break off   With the LEDs soldered, we can now break them away from the PCB.   First, we'll grip one side of the PBC while gently bending the other side back and forth until the PCB breaks away.   Next, we'll break off the opposite side. Gently gripping the finished side, being careful not to bend the chain, and loosen the PCB by bending it back and forth. ![leds_led-break-off1.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/720/medium640/leds_led-break-off1.jpg?1499655037) ![leds_led-break-off2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/721/medium640/leds_led-break-off2.jpg?1499655053) ## Solder Coin cell   To help solder the coin cell breakout, we'll use third helping hand to hold it in place while soldering.   We'll need to solder two wires to each through hole on the SW pin (power) and GND (ground) on coin cell breakout.   Twist the two ground wires ends together and then twist the two power wires end together. Tin the wires by applying solder to the ends of the twisted wire pairs.   ## Insert Con Cell Now we can insert a 12mm CR1220 coin cell battery in the breakout. Insert the coin cell with the positive side (top flat) positive side up. ![leds_coin-board-solder.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/723/medium640/leds_coin-board-solder.jpg?1499655445) ![leds_coin-board-battery.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/724/medium640/leds_coin-board-battery.jpg?1499655512) ## Test Connections   Test the connections by flipping the switching on the breakout.   If the LEDs don't turn on, check the solder points on the coin cell breakout and each pad of the led strip. You may need to apply a bit more solder on the get a solid connection. ![leds_coin-board-battery-on.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/725/medium640/leds_coin-board-battery-on.jpg?1499655570) ![leds_coin-board-battery-on2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/726/medium640/leds_coin-board-battery-on2.jpg?1499655685) ## Clip Assemble   Next we'll assemble the 3d printed clip for the breakout board. Slide the clip onto the plate part. Angle the clip part so the part with the end stop slides on the side with the standoffs.    The breakout will hold the clip in place once its screwed on to base plate part. ![leds_clip-assemble.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/727/medium640thumb/leds_clip-assemble.jpg?1499655736) ![leds_clip-assemble2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/749/medium640/leds_clip-assemble2.jpg?1499700953) ## Clip on   Position the board so the wires are facing towards the top of your shirt. Pull the clip back with one hand, while slipping the part onto your neck collar. Slide the clip over so it's positioned close to were the strips are.    ![leds_clipped-on-shirt.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/728/medium640/leds_clipped-on-shirt.jpg?1499655817) ## Prep Transpore Tape   We really like using the transpore medical tape for adhering parts to skin. It has a good amount of hold without leaving behind alot of sticky residue.   Strip off a small piece and then tear half of that piece to make a long thin piece. Use tweezers to roll up two pieces. We'll use these rolls to adhere the LEDs above our eyebrows. ![leds_tape-roll-up1.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/730/medium640/leds_tape-roll-up1.jpg?1499655979) ![leds_tape-roll-up2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/731/medium640/leds_tape-roll-up2.jpg?1499655998) ##  Bend Wires   Guide the wires around the back of your neck, over the back of your ears and above of your eyebrows. Take note of where two ends of the strip and apply the rolled up pieces of tape to those areas. You can slide the rolls of tape to fine tune its position.   ##   ## Adhere   Press on the LEDs to adhere them to the tape. If the tape won't stick to the LEDs, try washing your hands and face to remove any oil that will prevent it from sticking.   ## Over eyes   The wire wrap has just enough strength to hold the LEDs over the your eyes to make it look like you have lights in your eyes sockets. We can add a small strip of tape over around your temples to hold the strip while you bend the wire to position it over the eyes. ![leds_apply-to-face.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/732/medium640/leds_apply-to-face.jpg?1499656392) ![leds_apply-to-face2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/733/medium640/leds_apply-to-face2.jpg?1499656418) ![leds_applied-to-face.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/734/medium640/leds_applied-to-face.jpg?1499656431) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/043/736/medium800thumb/leds_silhouette-B.jpg?1499893814) ## Featured Products ### Adafruit LED Sequins - Royal Blue - Pack of 5 [Adafruit LED Sequins - Royal Blue - Pack of 5](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1757) Sew a little sparkle into your wearable project with an Adafruit LED Sequin. These are the kid-sister to our popular [Flora NeoPixel](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1260), they only show a single color and they don't have digital control, but that makes them smaller easier to... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1757) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1757/guides) ### 12mm Coin Cell Breakout w/ On-Off Switch [12mm Coin Cell Breakout w/ On-Off Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1867) Simple but effective - this breakout board has a CR1220 coin cell battery holder soldered on, an on/off switch and 0.1" pitch breakout pins for easy connecting. Great for powering very low-current projects, or adding a battery backup circuit to a real-time-clock or similar. There's... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1867) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1867/guides) ### CR1220 12mm Diameter - 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery [CR1220 12mm Diameter - 3V Lithium Coin Cell Battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/380) These are the highest quality & capacity batteries, the same as shipped with the iCufflinks, iNecklace, Datalogging and GPS Shields, GPS HAT, etc. One battery per order (you'll want one battery per cufflink or pendant.) Brand may vary but all battery brands are verified... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/380) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/380/guides) ### Enameled Copper Magnet Wire – 11 meters / 0.1mm diameter [Enameled Copper Magnet Wire – 11 meters / 0.1mm diameter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3522) For winding custom coils, or very fine-pitch rework, we always reach for **magnet wire**. Magnet wire is very very thin (0.1mm diameter!) copper wire with a very thin layer of insulation. It's used for a range of electronics, hacking and making applications. Commonly these are... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3522) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3522/guides) ### "Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue ["Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446) This stuff is called "wire-wrap wire" because it used to be used for wire-wrapping high-speed digital circuits on a special kind of contact board. It's pretty rare to see wire-wrapping in these days of low-cost PCB fabrication but the wire is still really handy for prototyping work. It's... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1446/guides) ### Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types [Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) Having a 3D printer without filament is sort of like having a regular printer without paper or ink.  And while a lot of printers come with some filament there's a good chance you've been printing up a storm and need something new.  That's why we've started carrying a... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2080/guides) ### BCN3D Sigma 3D Printer [BCN3D Sigma 3D Printer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3528) This is quite the snazzy lookin' 3D printer – and it comes all the way from beautiful Barcelona. It's the **BCN3D Sigma 3D Printer**! It has a unique, Independent Dual Extruder system that allows you to print two (2!) different materials or colors while... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3528) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3528/guides) ## Related Guides - [Let’s Put LEDs in Things!](https://learn.adafruit.com/lets-put-leds-in-things.md) - [DIY Lego LED Bricks](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-lego-led-bricks.md) - [LED Friendship Bracelet](https://learn.adafruit.com/nautical-led-bracelet.md) - [Adafruit LED Sequins](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-led-sequins.md) - [Interior Purse Light](https://learn.adafruit.com/interior-purse-light.md) - [3D Printed Battery Tester](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-battery-tester.md) - [Luminous LED Flowers](https://learn.adafruit.com/luminous-led-flowers.md) - [Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 3D Printed Bladesaw](https://learn.adafruit.com/bladesaw.md) - [LED Masquerade Masks](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-masquerade-masks.md) - [3D Printed Flexible LED Glove with Conductive Filament](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-flexible-conductive-filament-led-glove.md) - [3D-Printed Bionic Eye](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-bionic-eye.md) - [Adafruit 3D Printed Chess Set](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-3d-printed-chess-set.md) - [Watchmen's Sister Night NeoPixel Goggles](https://learn.adafruit.com/watchmen-sister-night-circuitpython-neopixel-goggles.md) - [Case for Feather RP2040 DVI](https://learn.adafruit.com/case-for-feather-rp2040-dvi.md) - [BLE Beacon NeoPixels](https://learn.adafruit.com/ble-beacon-neopixels.md)