Unpack NeoPixel LED Strip

Take the NeoPixel strip out of the packaging to get it ready.

Remove the hook and loop banding and unwind the meter long strip onto your work surface.

Data in and out

Locate the data in and data out connectors on each end of the strip.

The cable with the latching tab is Data In and is the start of the NeoPixel strip.

The other end is Data Out and has the last LED in the strip. 

Data Out

Locate the data out cable and get it ready to remove.

The data in cable will be soldered to the pins on the QT Py RP2040.

Cut Data Cable

Use flush diagonal cutters to cut off the data out cable from the strip.

Connect Cable to QT Py

Get the data out cable ready to solder to the QT Py.

The wires might be fused together - if so, peel apart the three wires like the photo.

Tin Wires

Prep the wires using wire strippers to remove a bit of insulation from the tips of each wire.

Use third helping hands to help keep the wires sturdy while soldering.

Tin the wires by adding a bit of solder to them. This will help prevent the strands of wire from fraying.

Solder Wires to QT Py

Use a vise to keep the Qt Py PCB sturdy while soldering.

Solder the red wire to the 5V pin.

Solder the black wire to the GND pin.

Solder the green wire to pin A0.

Connect Strip to QT Py

Remove the Qt Py from the vise and connect the cables together.

Power QT Py

Test the circuit by powering the QT Py RP2040 using a 5V USB battery or power supply.

If it doesn't light up, ensure CircuitPython and the code is on the QT Py.