# LED Masquerade Masks ## Overview https://youtu.be/Q2BivGrtWjU Got a costume ball coming up? Learn to adorn masquerade masks with LEDs, three ways! This guide will show you how to make three masks at different difficulty levels: **Super Simple Sequin Mask** : A few LED sequins and battery pack, no programming or microcontroller required! Just a little soldering and glueing will get you illuminated accents in under an hour. **NeoPixel GEMMA Mask** : If it's color-changing animations you crave, wire up some individual NeoPixels and a GEMMA microcontroller. Use our sample code or write your own animations! 1-4 hours, depending on your soldering experience **Audio-Reactive Mask** : A microphone monitors audio levels and uses loudness to control the brightness of some LED sequins. Use our sample code or mod it up to do something different. 1-4 hours, depending on your soldering experience ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/868/medium800/leds_three-masks-together.jpg?1442949258) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/752/medium800thumb/leds_masks-supplies.jpg?1448321705) Although each mask is made from different electronics components, there are a few tools and supplies that you'll need regardless of design: - masquerade masks, we got ours at [Halloween Adventure](http://www.newyorkcostumes.com/) - [30 gauge silicone coated stranded wire](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2051), in a color to match your mask - E6000 and Quick Hold adhesives, we grabbed a [multipack](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018NBWVO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00) - sewing pins for layout/design - [wire strippers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/527) - [flush snips](https://www.adafruit.com/products/152) - [soldering iron and tools](../../../../adafruit-guide-excellent-soldering) - scissors - Dremel or other rotary tool (optional) - [multimeter](../../../../multimeters) # For the NeoPixel and Audio-Reactive Masks… Info: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/047/418/medium800/leds_CircuitPython-Gemma-w-Blinka.jpg?1508286934) **GEMMA M0** boards can run **CircuitPython**  — a different approach to programming compared to Arduino sketches. In fact, **CircuitPython comes factory pre-loaded on GEMMA M0**. If you’ve overwritten it with an Arduino sketch, or just want to learn the basics of setting up and using CircuitPython, this is explained in the [**Adafruit GEMMA M0 guide**](../../../../adafruit-gemma-m0/circuitpython-setup-1). We’ll provide sample code for either **CircuitPython** _or_ **Arduino** …use whichever you’re more comfortable with! # LED Masquerade Masks ## Super Simple Sequin Mask ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/749/medium800thumb/leds_simple-led-sequin-mask.jpg?1448321540) Ok, let's start with some simple accent lighting! In addition to the supplies listed on the first page, you will need: - [LED sequins](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1758) in your favorite color - [CR2032 battery pack with switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/783) - [CR2032 batteries](http://www.adafruit.com/product/654) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/869/medium800/leds_blue-feather-sequin-mask.jpg?1442949271) This mask has a feather accent that's just begging for LEDs. Decide where your sequins will go, then solder them together with wires in parallel, as shown in the circuit diagram: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/881/medium800/leds_sequin-battery-circuit-diagram.jpg?1442961521) Sequins come in sheets of five. If they'll be close together in your design, consider leaving them attached to the sheet as you solder them, since they'll stay put more readily-- you can detach and discard the connecting piece before they go into your mask. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/755/medium800/leds_Screen_Shot_2015-09-21_at_1.14.41_PM.png?1442855764) Strip and tin pieces of wire before soldering them them, two at a time in some cases, to your LED sequins. When you get to the end of the chain, repeat with the battery wires, with the red wire connected to the + side of the sequins and the black wire connected to the - (as shown in the circuit diagram). ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/757/medium800thumb/leds_quickhold.jpg?1448321747) Heat up your glue gun or find your Quick Hold and glue your sequins into the feather accent. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/754/medium800/leds_masquerade-mask-blue-sequins.png?1442855502) You can glue the circuit to the outside, or tuck the wires behind the first layer of lace. Power up your battery pack to double check that nothing is blocking the LEDs. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/756/medium800thumb/leds_simple-led-sequin-mask-positioning.jpg?1448321728) Finally, find a spot for your battery holder. This may be glued inside the forehead of the mask, or in this case, we sandwiched it in between the feather accent and the mask itself using E6000 adhesive (hot glue won't hold here for long). Set it up to dry where it won't slide apart (we balanced our mask on a paper cup), and let it dry for 24 hours. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/870/medium800/leds_blue-sequin-mask-battery-pack.jpg?1442949295) # LED Masquerade Masks ## NeoPixel GEMMA Mask ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/751/medium800thumb/leds_neopixel-gemma-mask.jpg?1448321616) In addition to the supplies listed on the first page, you will need: - [Individual Flora NeoPixels](http://www.adafruit.com/product/1260) or [Mini NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1612) to comprise your design - [GEMMA M0](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) or [GEMMA V2](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1222) microcontroller - [150mAh lipoly battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1317) and [charger](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1304) You should also check out the following prerequisite guides: - [Introducing GEMMA M0](../../../../adafruit-gemma-m0) or [Introducing GEMMA](../../../../introducing-gemma) - [Adafruit NeoPixel Überguide](../../../../adafruit-neopixel-uberguide) and optionally take a look at these projects with nearly identical circuits: - [3D Printed Unicorn Horn](../../../../3d-printed-unicorn-horn) - [Space Face LED Galaxy Makeup](../../../../space-face-led-galaxy-makeup) - [NeoPixel Coat Buttons](../../../../neopixel-coat-buttons) - [NeoPixel Tiara](../../../../neopixel-tiara) - [Cyberpunk Spikes](../../../../cyberpunk-spikes) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/871/medium800/leds_black-neopixel-gemma-masquerade-mask.jpg?1442949318) Use sewing pins to arrange and mock up your design on your mask. Use the circuit diagram below, adding or subtracting NeoPixels to suit your own design. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/882/medium800/leds_gemma-neopixel-diagram.jpg?1442961773) Wire connections are as follows: - GEMMA Vout connects to the (+) side of your NeoPixels - GEMMA D1 connects to the data input of the first pixel - data output of each pixel connects to data input of next pixel - GEMMA GND connects to the (-) side of all NeoPixels - 150mAh (or larger if you prefer) battery plugs in to GEMMA JST port ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/758/medium800thumb/leds_soldering-two-wires-to-neopixels.jpg?1448321757) To ensure you have enough wire slack between pixels for your design, it can be helpful to first solder the data connections, then add the power and ground connections with the circuit in its rough orientation. Don't forget that the power and ground connections need two wires connected at a time, which is easier to do at once instead of separately! # Arduino Code _(CircuitPython code appears further down this page)_ Once soldered, plug in your GEMMA to your computer over USB and program it up with the following sample code or any NeoPixel designs you like! Remember that GEMMA's power switch must be in the ON position! https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/LED_Masquerade_Masks/NeoPixel_Gemma_Mask/NeoPixel_Gemma_Mask.ino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUuGXWMr3sE # CircuitPython Code Below is CircuitPython code that works similarly to the Arduino sketch shown above. To use this, plug the GEMMA M0 into USB…it should show up on your computer as a small **flash drive** …then edit the file “ **main.py** ” with your text editor of choice. Select and copy the code below and paste it into that file, **entirely replacing its contents** (don’t mix it in with lingering bits of old code). When you save the file, the code should **start running almost immediately**  (if not, see notes at the bottom of this page). **If GEMMA M0 doesn’t show up as a drive, follow the Introducing GEMMA M0 guide link above to prepare the board for CircuitPython.** https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/LED_Masquerade_Masks/NeoPixel_Gemma_Mask/code.py ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/759/medium800thumb/leds_gluing-pixels.jpg?1448321781) Once you've verified your circuit works, glue it up to your mask and route the GEMMA wires around to the back. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/760/medium800thumb/leds_sticking-gemma.jpg?1448321805) Use more glue or foam/velcro tape to put GEMMA in place. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/761/medium800thumb/leds_velcro-battery.jpg?1448321840) Velcro tape is best for securing the battery, so that you can remove it for charging (GEMMA does not have onboard lipoly charging for your safety). ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/873/medium800/leds_back-of-black-mask-circuit.jpg?1442949555) Use clear or color-coordinging thread to tack the wires to the mask for a clean finish. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/875/medium800/leds_3d-diffusers-pinned.jpg?1442949926) You can optionally use 3D printed diffusers to deck out your NeoPixels even further! Browse our [Thingiverse page](http://www.thingiverse.com/adafruit/designs) for multiple available designs. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/762/medium800thumb/leds_optional-ninjaflex-diffusers.jpg?1448321856) Learn more in our [NinjaFlex guide](../../../../3d-printing-with-ninjaflex). https://youtu.be/gTIFs_ILu1w # LED Masquerade Masks ## Audio-Reactive Mask ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/750/medium800thumb/leds_sound-reactive-masquerade-mask.jpg?1448321585) This mask reacts to sound! Five LED sequins are wired up to a GEMMA and microphone. In addition to the supplies listed on the first page, you will need: - [LED sequins](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1758) in your favorite color - [GEMMA M0](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) or [GEMMA v2](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1222) microcontroller - [MAX 9814](http://www.adafruit.com/product/1713) or [MAX4466](http://www.adafruit.com/product/1063) electret microphone amplifier You should also check out the following prerequisite guides: - [Introducing Gemma M0](../../../../adafruit-gemma-m0) or [Introducing GEMMA](../../../../introducing-gemma) - [Adafruit LED Sequins](../../../../adafruit-led-sequins) - [Adafruit Microphone Amplifier Breakout](../../../../adafruit-microphone-amplifier-breakout) - [Adafruit AGC Electret Microphone Amplifier - MAX9814](../../../../adafruit-agc-electret-microphone-amplifier-max9814) and optionally take a look at these similar projects for inspiration: - [Ursula Seashell Necklace](../../../../ursulas-seashell-necklace) - [VU Meter Baseball Hat](../../../../vu-meter-baseball-hat) - [3D Printed LED Microphone Flag](../../../../3d-printed-led-microphone-flag) - [Sound Reactive Drums](../../../../gemma-powered-neopixel-led-sound-reactive-drums) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/872/medium800thumb/leds_sound-mask.jpg?1448322191) By measuring audio levels in the room, we can use that measurement to control the brightness of the LEDs, giving a pulse-with-the-music effect! Use sewing pins to mock up your sequin design on the mask: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/874/medium800/leds_pinned-sequins.jpg?1442949915) Check out the circuit diagram to get an idea of how the sequins can be arranged-- the positive sides (+) should all face the same way: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/047/417/medium800/leds_LED-sequin-mask-circuit.jpg?1508285164) Wire connections are as follows: - GEMMA GND to sequins (-) - GEMMA D0 to sequins (+) - Microphone GND to GEMMA GND - Microphone Vdd to GEMMA 3V - Microphone output to GEMMA A1 - 150mAh (or larger if desired) battery plugs in to GEMMA's JST port ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/856/medium800thumb/leds_drill-through-mask.jpg?1448321900) You can run the wires over the front of the mask, like on the previous page, or you can run the wires on the back of the mask by punching or drilling holes for the wires to pass through. Remove the pinned sequins and drill two holes that match up with the hole spacing on the sequins. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/857/medium800thumb/leds_solder-microphone.jpg?1448321935) Prep your microphone by tinning and soldering wires to the Vdd, GND, and outout pins. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/859/medium800thumb/leds_thread-wire-through-holes.jpg?1448321968) pass wires through the holes of the mask, then strip and tin them before soldering to the sequins: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/861/medium800thumb/leds_solder-sequins.jpg?1448322000) Once both positive and negative sides are soldered, pull the wires from the back so the sequin sits flush, then clip the leads with flush snips. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/862/medium800thumb/leds_flush-mount-sequin.jpg?1448322047) Find a place to put the microphone, which will be different on every mask. We found ajn opening in the fabric lace near the forehead that worked perfectly, but you could put it on the inside facing the wearer's mouth, or anywhere you like. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/863/medium800thumb/leds_solder-mic-to-gemma.jpg?1448322061) Solder the sequins and microphone up to GEMMA according to the circuit diagram. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/864/medium800thumb/solder-leds-to-gemma.jpg?1448322085) Install a battery using velcro tape. Plug in GEMMA to your computer with a USB cable and make sure GEMMA's power switch is set to the ON position. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/865/medium800/leds_sound-activated-circuit.jpg?1442944093) # Arduino Code _(CircuitPython code appears further down this page)_ Load up this sample code using the Arduino software to get you started: https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/LED_Masquerade_Masks/Audio_Reactive/Audio_Reactive.ino # CircuitPython Code Below is CircuitPython code that works similarly to the Arduino sketch shown above. To use this, plug the GEMMA M0 into USB…it should show up on your computer as a small **flash drive** …then edit the file “ **main.py** ” with your text editor of choice. Select and copy the code below and paste it into that file, **entirely replacing its contents** (don’t mix it in with lingering bits of old code). When you save the file, the code should **start running almost immediately**  (if not, see notes at the bottom of this page). **If GEMMA M0 doesn’t show up as a drive, follow the Introducing GEMMA M0 guide link above to prepare the board for CircuitPython.** Info: https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/LED_Masquerade_Masks/Audio_Reactive/code.py Now talk or play music for your mask, and see the LEDs change brightness with the volume! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/866/medium800thumb/leds_pointing-to-microphone.jpg?1448322111) # LED Masquerade Masks ## Wear 'em! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/867/medium800thumb/leds_three-masks.jpg?1448322165) Enjoy your costume masks! These are fun to make in groups and are sure to be a hit at Mardi Gras or Halloween. Treat your mask with care and don't wear it in the rain! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/027/748/medium800/leds_led-masquerade-masks-three-up.jpg?1442852509) ## 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... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1757) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1757/guides) ### Adafruit LED Sequins - Warm White - Pack of 5 [Adafruit LED Sequins - Warm White - Pack of 5](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1758) Sew a little sparkle into your wearable project with an Adafruit LED Sequin. 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In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3501/guides) ### Adafruit GEMMA v2 - Miniature wearable electronic platform [Adafruit GEMMA v2 - Miniature wearable electronic platform](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1222) **Deprecation Warning: The Gemma 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 Gemma so that people can maintain some older projects, we no longer recommend it.** In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1222) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1222/guides) ### Adafruit Gemma Sequin Starter Pack [Adafruit Gemma Sequin Starter Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1850) Make your wearables glow with the **GEMMA sequin pack**! This GEMMA parts pack makes it easy to add light to your wearables. It comes with thread, needles, a holder for 2 x CR2032 coin cell batteries, a GEMMA sewable microcontroller, and warm white Adafruit LED Sequins. This pack... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1850) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1850/guides) ### Gemma M0 Starter Pack [Gemma M0 Starter Pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1657) Get started with Adafruit GEMMA with this lovely starter kit! Included is everything you need to make a basic project. There's a GEMMA M0, four sewable bright RGB pixels, a battery holder (coin cell batteries not included), 2-ply conductive thread, alligator clips to help you test... 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