# Light Up Bubble Wand with WLED
## Overview
https://youtu.be/sdiNBONPUq4
Astonish the kids with light-up bubbles! This 3d printed bubble wand uses seed pixel lights with a Mini Sparkle Motion controller to light up your bubbles as you blow them. The lights reflect off the bubbles and create a glowing cacophony of soapy fun.
This is an easy beginner project with just a little soldering and no coding required. We provide the 3d printable files and show you how to install the WLED software. Control the lights over WiFi using any smart phone or web browser. You can even make the lights sound reactive, and see if you can get the bubbles to vibrate and flash to the beat of your favorite music. This project promises hours of bubbly, glowy fun.
## Parts
Featured
### Mini Sparkle Motion - WLED-friendly ESP32 NeoPixel LED Driver
[Mini Sparkle Motion - WLED-friendly ESP32 NeoPixel LED Driver](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6160)
The **Adafruit Sparkle Motion Mini** is part of our series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the best small WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6160)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6160/guides)
Featured
### Adafruit NeoPixel Pebble / Seed LED Strand - 200 LEDs - 2" Pitch
[Adafruit NeoPixel Pebble / Seed LED Strand - 200 LEDs - 2" Pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6024)
We have all sorts of LED strips for a wide range of needs. [_Chonky_](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3869) strips? We got those! [Strips with alligator...](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=neopixel%20alligator%20clips%20stripping%20wires)
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6024)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6024/guides)
Featured
### Slim Right Angle USB C to USB C Cable - 150mm
[Slim Right Angle USB C to USB C Cable - 150mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6371)
We used a cable like this in a recent build and decided it's perfect for when you want to make a compact USB-C-to-C connection in an enclosure. The metal plugs are durable and easy to grip for plugging and unplugging, while the ribbon cable is flexible and short. Also great for going...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6371)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6371/guides)
The Seed Pixel strand comes pre-soldered with these 3-pin JST connectors. If you're planning to use this strand for more than one project (and we're only using a small section of it so you'll have a lot left), it's a good idea to get a few more.
Featured
### 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set
[3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
These 3-wire cables are 163mm (6.4") long and come as a set. One cable has a JST SM type connector plug on the end. The other cable has a matching JST SM type receptacle connector. They are good for whenever you have 3 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug. We like the solid and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1663/guides)
## You'll Also Need
### Materials
- [Cylindrical USB battery with on/off switch](https://a.co/d/0bYxVZZh)
- [Self-fusing silicone tape](https://a.co/d/024Jozck) for waterproofing the electronics
- [1" heat shrink tubing](https://a.co/d/06uZQlJt)
- PETG 3d printer filament
- Hot Glue, E6000 or [Silicone glue](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRW8VR59?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title)
- Two small wood screws
### Tools
- Soldering iron & accessories
- 3d printer
- Heat gun
### Bubble Solution
- [Guar gum](https://a.co/d/07kN7G5i)
- [Vegetable Glycerine](https://a.co/d/0gJvXYmv)
- [Dawn Dish Soap](https://amazon.com/Dawn-Original-Dishwashing-Detergent-Powerful/dp/B0G35JJHW2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=4UZKDH0UN1H6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XJ0MH5CdZID4HichAZdgbF7p9xvXl-gip6iS1l0g9qOnVaoHQJO5QEmAfZ2JIZijO8jFe7II7iTgecOHL8hnt90HDyoVwBj2_bNSNy-MfaGQafUX3YJKkToYV52JYFRukVX4bF8DoudVcRYN3qMY4_NKp2ypqjM_7pUlChRwEEH8LANQScaY0kO74XQEiT9_iftbdAX9vZ6OE87Yy-q3RL3JagtleK0ygUhdWZMDelgkkZ93kZwHPHmQUKTu4yIUPAyd2EJrNXMGYgPE4hRxr_SSywFBOTgdKwZXWnh785c.R0oCu10t5ktaAqv-f_4SBiYLh4tfiYZC8TINIYylwFQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=dawn+dish+soap&qid=1783981402&sprefix=dawn+dish+soap%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1)
- Baking Powder
- Mixing bucket & whisk
# Light Up Bubble Wand with WLED
## Wiring Diagram
The three wires from the light strand will connect to the three pins on the Mini Sparkle Motion as follows:
- **Red** to **+5v**
- **Green** to **32**
- **Black** to **G**
The project will be powered through the USB port on the Sparkle Motion -- plug in your low-profile USB cable and then the battery. We'll use the onboard on/off switch on the battery.
# Light Up Bubble Wand with WLED
## WLED Installation
This page will guide you through how to install WLED on the Mini Sparkle Motion.
The Mini Sparkle Motion has a USB to serial chip which may need a driver installed before you can install WLED. Head over to the [How to Install Drivers for WCH USB to Serial Chips](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-install-drivers-for-wch-usb-to-serial-chips) tutorial, and download and install the new driver.
## Install WLED
These next steps require a **_Web Serial_-compatible browser**. As of this writing, that means **Google Chrome** , **Microsoft Edge, Firefox 151** or **Opera** “desktop” browsers. Other browsers (Safari, older versions of Firefox, Explorer and _anything_ mobile) won’t work.
Visit [https://install.wled.me/](https://install.wled.me/)
Plug your microcontroller into your computer with a known good USB cable. Click "Install" and select the port for your board.
Depending on the USB-to-serial bridge chip on the board, you might see one _or two_ serial ports. On Mac, for instance, there might be both “/dev/cu.usbmodem[number]” _and_ “/dev/cu.wchusbserial[number]”. Use the “ **wchusbserial** ” one.
After successful installation, enter your WiFi network name and password when prompted. This must be a **2.4 GHz** WiFi network; ESP32 does not support 5 GHz networks. If it can’t connect, then as a fallback WLED will create its own 2.4 GHz WiFi access point.
If you don't see the "Connect to Wi-Fi" prompt, you'll need to set up your WiFi network using AP (access point) mode. Open up your WiFi settings and look for a WiFi network called `WLED-AP`. Connect to this network using the default password `wled1234`. The WLED interface will pop up in its own browser.
From here, go into Config/Wifi Settings and enter your WiFi credentials near the top. Give your project a name in the mDNS field a little further down the page. Now you can type in "projectname.local" (where "projectname" is your mDNS name) into any web browser on the same wifi network to access your microcontroller.
You can also scan the QR code below to open access point mode.
For more help and troubleshooting tips visit the [Getting Started page on the WLED knowledge base.](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/getting-started/)
## Setup & Preferences
### WiFi Setup
Head to the **WiFi Setup** screen under Config and create a good URL so you can control your project from any web-enabled device. Call it something you'll remember, that's easy to type into any web browser on your WiFi network in order to connect to your project.
In Safari or Chrome on your phone or computer, type in this web address to access the WLED interface: [http://projectname.local](http://projectname.local) (where "projectname" is whatever you put into this field).
Check out the Additional Settings page for more info on accessing your project. WLED has an "access point mode" that doesn't require a WiFi network for when you're out on the go. It's also helpful to download one of the WLED apps to help manage and organize your projects.
## Enable AudioReactive Mode
Do this first before setting up your LED preferences with your GPIO number.
Click on "config" and head to the **USERMODS** tab. Scroll down a bit and you'll find the **AudioReactive** section.
Click the box to enable, then enter the settings and the Digitalmic section as follows:
- Type: **SPH0654**
- Pin I2S SD: **9**
- Pin I2S WS: **10**
- Pin I2S SCK: **23**
The other pins are unused.
**Reboot your Sparkle Motion Mini for changes to take effect.**
## LED Setup
Next, head to the **LED Preferences** tab under the **Config menu**.
Scroll down to **Hardware Setup**. Put your total number of LEDs into the ** Length** field (300 pixels if you're using the 15m strand), and change GPIO to pin **32,** the GPIO NUMBER associated with the LED data pin on your Mini Sparkle Motion. Make sure to select the correct **Color Order** for your LEDs as well. My pixels have a color order of **BGR**. You know you've got it right when your pixels come on in a warm yellow.
If the GPIO number appears in red and won't let you select it, check the previous step: this board is configured with pin 32 assigned to the microphone, so you need to change it there before you can set it up as your LED GPIO.
## Use It
Now you can use any computer or handheld device to control your LEDs.
Make sure your device is on the same WiFi network as your board. Navigate to your custom URL (projectname.local/ ) in a web browser. You'll see a color picker above a whole bunch of color palette choices.
Choose a color, choose an effect, and watch your lights animate and glow!
Save your favorite combinations as presets, create playlists, control the speed and intensity of the animations, and lots more. This web app is incredibly intuitive and easy to use.
Head over to the WLED wiki at [https://kno.wled.ge/](https://kno.wled.ge/) to delve into all the particulars.
## Troubleshooting
_If your lights didn't come on, here are a few things to try:_
1. Head back to WLED and check your pinout configuration under LED Preferences. Be sure the pin number is the correct GPIO for the attachment point you used.
2. Check your wiring! Be sure you connected to the IN end of the LED strip. These strips can be inconsistent so this is a pretty common problem. Use an [alligator clip](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1008) to try connecting the data wire on the other end (the power and ground wires should work from either end).
3. Try re-uploading the WLED software.
4. If the lights come on but you can't control them: i.e. you type in "projectname.local" into your browser and it won't connect, make sure you're on the correct WiFi network. If you're on a different network than the one you set up the sofware on, you won't see the WLED connection.
5. If your lights came on in blue or green instead of yellow, your color order is wrong. See below to fix.
6. If only half your lights came on, be sure you've got the correct number in the "length" field under LED preferences.
7. If your lights came on in a variety of weird colors and looking like a 1950s diner interior, you may have the wrong LED strip type selected. RGBW strips and RGB strips are not the same, so be sure you've got the correct strip type or you'll get very odd behavior.
8. If your microcontroller hangs or keeps rebooting, or gets really hot, you may have the power and ground lines switched. Unplug right away and check: this is a fast way to brick your controller.
# Light Up Bubble Wand with WLED
## Electronics Assembly
These lights have a male connector on the IN end and a female connector on the OUT end. The strands are directional -- they won't work if you hook up the wrong end.
Cut the female connector (from the OUT end) off your light strand, leaving a couple inches of wire attached.
The cut connector will attach to the Mini Sparkle Motion to plug the lights in using the IN end / male connector.
If your strand doesn't have a connector, you'll want to add one. Check out the [Seed Pixel Überguide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/seed-pixels) for instructions - it can be tricky to figure out which wire goes where.
Strip a little bit of shielding from the three wires on your female connector and attach them to the Mini Sparkle Motion as shown: red to **+5v** , green to **32** , and black to **G**.
### Adafruit NeoPixel Überguide - Seed Pixels
[Adafruit NeoPixel Überguide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide)
[Seed Pixels](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/seed-pixels)
Plug the Mini Sparkle Motion into the battery using the slim USB cable and see if your lights come on. If you haven't installed the software yet they'll come on in rainbow. If you've already installed the software and all goes well, they will come on in a warm yellow color.
If they come on in a different color, head back to the WLED Installation page and find the instructions for fixing the Color Order.
## Troubleshooting
If your lights don't come on or behave the way you expect, here are a few things to try:
- Make sure your battery is charged and the switch is turned on - you should see some battery indicator lights on the side of your battery showing charge level.
- Try re-uploading the software
- Make sure your GPIO pin is set correctly in LED Settings -- it should be 32. If you don't reboot the board after setting up the audio reactive stuff, sometimes this won't get saved even if you set it up right.
- Check to be sure you actually connected to pin 32. If you connected to 33, change the number in the software to reflect that.
- If the lights still don't come on, your strand may be wired a different way. Sometimes these strands come with the male on the OUT end and female on the IN. Try switching the connectors around to plug in the other end of the strand.
# Light Up Bubble Wand with WLED
## 3D Print the Wand
This bubble wand was designed in Onshape. It prints in 3 pieces: the bubble ring, the handle, and the cap for the end of the handle.
The handle is hollow and will hold the battery and the Mini Sparkle Motion. It attaches to the bubble ring with two small screws. I printed in PETG filament, which is a bit more flexible and water resistant than PLA.
Download the files below.
[bubblewand_STL.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/144/834/original/bubblewand_STL.zip?1784057108)
[Bubble_Wand_Parts.3mf](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/144/835/original/Bubble_Wand_Parts.3mf?1784057359)
[Bubblewand.step.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/144/836/original/Bubblewand.step.zip?1784057496)
### Slice with settings for PETG material
The parts were sliced using BambuStudio using the slice settings below.
- PETG filament 220c extruder
- 0.2 layer height
- 15% grid infill
- 200mm/s print speed
## Bubble Solution Tray
This is a remix from the [Bubble Soap Tray Dish by Detail3d on MakerWorld](https://makerworld.com/en/models/1618710-bubble-wand-soap-tray-dish?from=search#profileId-1708371). We've made it a little deeper and appropriately sized for this wand. It's got a convenient pour spout for draining. If you print it from clear PETG it will glow when you dip the wand!
[bubble_tray.stl](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/144/863/original/bubble_tray.stl?1784130533)
# Light Up Bubble Wand with WLED
## Assembly
Once you're certain your lights are working, waterproof the connector. This won't make it submersible but it will make it stand up to drips and splashes of bubble juice.
Slide some clear 1" heat shrink onto your Sparkle Motion Mini and shrink it down so it's encased in plastic. Plug in the USB cable and then wrap both ends with waterproof silicone tape, tightly around the wires. Wrap the connector too, if you'd like, though I've found these JST connectors hold up to water pretty well.
Use a little more tape to secure the USB cable to the battery in a couple spots, so it'll slide into the handle easily. The charging port will be at the far end from the controller.
Cut your light strand to the right length to wrap once around the inside and once around the outside of your wand. I ended up with 27 lights in my strand. It's not a bad idea to leave it just a little longer than you think you'll need, and trim it once you get it attached to your wand.
Thread the cut end of the lights through the hole in the ring attachment piece from outside to inside.
Pull all the lights through the hole, then thread the male connector up through the slot in the handle and out the other end.
Plug the Mini Sparkle Motion into the lights via the connector and into the battery with the USB cable. Slide the connector and then the battery up into the handle, keeping the male connector wire bunched up inside the handle as well. Orient the battery so the on/off switch and indicator lights line up with the slot in the handle.
Press the handle down onto the ring and secure it with two small screws.
Glue the lights to the inner ring of the wand using your favorite waterproof glue. I used hot glue (since I'm prototyping) and it held up pretty well, but hot glue is not usually a great long-term solution. E6000 or silicone adhesive will make a longer lasting permanent bond.
Thread the remainder of the lights through the small hole in the ring and secure the rest to the outside. Add a big dollop of glue to the cut ends of the wire - if those come in contact with water they could short out your project, so pay special attention to getting them well-coated in glue.
Add another big dollop of glue at the point where the light strand goes into the handle, to minimize soap oozing up into there.
Place the cap on the end of the wand. If it's loose, put a dab of hot glue or a rubber band around the handle so it fits tightly.
You'll be able to charge the battery by removing the cap and plugging in a USB cable to the USB-A port on the back of the handle - unplugging the Mini Sparkle Motion isn't necessary for charging.
Turn the wand on and off with the switch on the battery. Double-click to turn off. This battery also has handy indicator lights to show the level of charge - and with only 27 lights, this wand will glow for hours (if not days or weeks!) before it needs recharging.
# Light Up Bubble Wand with WLED
## Animations
Creating animations with WLED is fun and easy. I made a few different animations using different modes and colors, and created a playlist that cycles through them automatically when I turn the bubble wand on.
Choose a color palette and an effect and then mess around with the speed sliders until you've got something that looks beautiful on your bubble wand. My favorite effects for this project are slow moving rainbow colored gradients (Rainbow, Flow, or Gradient effect, or Rainbow Glitter for extra sparkle) with different color palettes. I also like Colorloop with various palettes - this one makes the whole wand one color at a time, which is an interesting effect also.
## AudioReactive Presets
To use AudioReactive mode, select one of the effects that has a music note next to the name. WLED has a handful of audio-enabled effects you can play with. Try them with different speeds and colors, and try them in different audio environments as well. Some work better at a piano recital and some work better at a noisy festival.
Using sound reactive modes can make the lights react when you tap on the handle, which can come across as magic!
Save your presets into a playlist. You can tweak the amount of time each animation plays for, and change the duration of the transition too. Once you're happy with it, check the "Apply at Boot" checkbox. This will make your playlist start up automatically when the wand is powered up.
It's a good idea to back up your presets once you're happy with them, in case the board needs a re-install for any reason. Go to config \> Security & Updates to find the backup screen.
# Light Up Bubble Wand with WLED
## Bubbles
## Bubble Recipe
This is [Shane Romick's](https://www.firepixie.com/shows/bubble-magic) bubble recipe, modified from Mike's "Stir and Go" as found on the [Soap Bubble Wiki](https://soapbubble.fandom.com/wiki/Soap_Bubble_Wiki). Check out the wiki for lots more bubble recipes and knowlege!
### Shane's Bubble Recipe
- 4 teaspoons of guar gum
- 1/4 cup glycerine
- 1 gallon of HOT tap water
- 1 cup of Dawn Professional Manual Pot and Pan detergent
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
**Instructions** :
1. Fill bucket with 1 gallon of the hottest tap water possible. (Mark your bucket at this level for future mixes so you can fill directly from the sink.)
2. Mix the guar gum and glycerine in a bowl until they form a slurry with no lumps
3. Stirl the guar gum / glycerine mixture into the hot water until it's fully dissolved
4. Whisk in the Dawn detergent
5. Swirl the mixture and then sprinkle in the baking powder, whisking until it's fully dissolved
6. Once all the baking powder on top has been mixed in, you're ready to make some awesome bubbles.
## Fog-filled Bubbles
Smoke or fog-filled bubbles look amazing on this table and are really fun to make. You can use a fog machine or a nicotine-free vape to make the smoke. Nicotine-free vapes are around $15-20 for a one-time use disposable, or a little more for a rechargeable and refillable one. Or look for a fog machine that blows fog directly into the bubbles without having to spend any time in your lungs first.
## Guide Products
### Mini Sparkle Motion - WLED-friendly ESP32 NeoPixel LED Driver
[Mini Sparkle Motion - WLED-friendly ESP32 NeoPixel LED Driver](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6160)
The **Adafruit Sparkle Motion Mini** is part of our series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the best small WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6160)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6160/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Pebble / Seed LED Strand - 200 LEDs - 2" Pitch
[Adafruit NeoPixel Pebble / Seed LED Strand - 200 LEDs - 2" Pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6024)
We have all sorts of LED strips for a wide range of needs. [_Chonky_](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3869) strips? We got those! [Strips with alligator...](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=neopixel%20alligator%20clips%20stripping%20wires)
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6024)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6024/guides)
### Slim Right Angle USB C to USB C Cable - 150mm
[Slim Right Angle USB C to USB C Cable - 150mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6371)
We used a cable like this in a recent build and decided it's perfect for when you want to make a compact USB-C-to-C connection in an enclosure. The metal plugs are durable and easy to grip for plugging and unplugging, while the ribbon cable is flexible and short. Also great for going...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6371)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6371/guides)
### 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set
[3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
These 3-wire cables are 163mm (6.4") long and come as a set. One cable has a JST SM type connector plug on the end. The other cable has a matching JST SM type receptacle connector. They are good for whenever you have 3 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug. We like the solid and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1663/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit Sparkle Motion Mini](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion-mini.md)
- [WLED 16: What's New](https://learn.adafruit.com/wled-16-what-is-new.md)
- [Starlight Groove Tutu – Sound-Reactive LED Skirt](https://learn.adafruit.com/starlight-groove-tutu-sound-reactive-led-skirt.md)
- [Programmable 12v Outdoor Cafe Lights](https://learn.adafruit.com/programmable-12v-outdoor-cafe-lights.md)
- [Holiday Lights: Easy DIY Christmas Wreath & Garland with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/holiday-garland-decor-app-control-with-no-coding.md)
- [StarFlower NeoPixel Strand with MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/starflower-neopixel-strand.md)
- [Light Up Paper Dragon Wall Sconce](https://learn.adafruit.com/light-up-paper-dragon-wall-sconce.md)
- [Tree Branch Wall Lamp with Sound Reactive Lights](https://learn.adafruit.com/tree-branch-wall-lamp-with-sound-reactive-lights.md)
- [Glowing Interactive Crystal Staff ](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-interactive-crystal-staff.md)
- [Sound Reactive Paper Lanterns with LedFx](https://learn.adafruit.com/sound-reactive-paper-lanterns-with-led-fx.md)
- [Adafruit IO Home: Lights and Temperature ](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-house-lights-and-temperature.md)
- [LED Festival Coat with Mapping and WLED ](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-festival-coat-with-mapping-and-wled.md)
- [MIT Green Building NeoPixel Tetris](https://learn.adafruit.com/tetris-building.md)
- [Cases for Sparkle Motion](https://learn.adafruit.com/cases-for-sparkle-motion.md)
- [Synchronized NeoPixel Shoelaces with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-shoelaces-with-wled.md)
- [Sparkle Motion Christmas Tree Lights](https://learn.adafruit.com/sparkle-motion-christmas-tree-lights.md)