# Lucio Blaster 2020 - CircuitPython for Advanced Prop Making

## Overview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg6SUQ9hZ2c

It's time for a modernized prop blaster! This guide is an overhaul of the Lucio Blaster project from 2017 (The original was a three part guide [here](https://learn.adafruit.com/overwatch-lucio-gun-pt1/overview), [here](https://learn.adafruit.com/overwatch-lucio-gun-pt-2/blaster-circuit-integration?view=all), and [here](https://learn.adafruit.com/overwatch-prop-gun-lucios-blaster-pt-3).) You can also use this as a leaping off point for any prop or cosplay element that requires lights, music, and triggered sound effects.

A lot has changed in three years, and the project has been greatly simplified, thanks to advances in hardware and software! We'll now use the Feather M4 Express running CircuitPython and a Prop-Maker FeatherWing.

Thanks to dual-stream, native .mp3 playback in CircuitPython, we can eliminate the need for multiple pieces of hardware previously required to play music and sound effects at the same time, and the power, amplification, and NeoPixel driving circuits have been similarly simplified.

And speaking of NeoPixels -- the LED animation library makes it astonishingly simpler to create highly awesome lighting effects!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/826/medium800/gaming_luciotwo-3105.jpg?1594138334)

This guide shows how to connect all the electronics you need to make your own Sonic Amplifier, or modify them to any prop need.

A future update will show all of the guts fit into a new 808-themed 3D printed blaster! Download the [model files here](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2034258) to make your own.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/935/medium800/gaming_lucio2020_still01.jpg?1594186358)

Here's some demo video of the original version to get a feel for the project:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5D7CIrJA88

## Parts
Featured
### Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51

[Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
It's what you've been waiting for, the Feather M4 Express featuring ATSAMD51. This Feather is fast like a swift, smart like an owl, strong like a ox-bird (it's half ox, half bird, OK?) This feather is powered by our new favorite chip, the **ATSAMD51J19** -&nbsp; with...

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![Angled shot of a Adafruit Feather M4 Express. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3857-10.jpg)

Featured
### Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing

[Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3988)
The Adafruit Feather series gives you lots of options for a small, portable, rechargeable microcontroller board. Perfect for fitting into your next prop build! This FeatherWing will unlock the prop-maker inside all of us, with tons of stuff packed in to make sabers & swords, props, toys,...

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![Angled shot of a Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3988-00.jpg)

Featured
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGBW LED Strip - Black PCB 144 LED/m

[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGBW LED Strip - Black PCB 144 LED/m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2848)
What is better than smart RGB LEDs? Smart RGB+White LEDs! These NeoPixels now have 4 LEDs in them (red, green, blue _and_ white) for excellent lighting effects.&nbsp;These LED strips are fun and glowy, and you can control each LED individually!

**This is the 144...**

Out of Stock
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![Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip with different rainbow and white lights moving around](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2848-07.jpg)

Featured
### Adafruit Mono 2.5W Class D Audio Amplifier - PAM8302

[Adafruit Mono 2.5W Class D Audio Amplifier - PAM8302](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2130)
This super small mono amplifier is surprisingly powerful - able to deliver up to 2.5 Watts into 4-8 ohm impedance speakers. Inside the miniature chip is a class D controller, able to run from 2.0V-5.5VDC. Since the amp is a class D, its very efficient (over 90% efficient when driving an...

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![Angled shot of an Adafruit Mono 2.5W Class D Audio Amplifier assembled to a speaker and white breadboard. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2130-00.jpg)

Featured
### Adafruit Quad Side-By-Side FeatherWing Kit with Headers

[Adafruit Quad Side-By-Side FeatherWing Kit with Headers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4254)
This is the **FeatherWing Quad Side-by-Side** - a prototyping add-on and more for all Feather boards. This is similar to our [FeatherWing Proto](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2884) except there are four! The magic of the Quad comes when you want to connect your...

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![Angled shot of a Adafruit Quad Side-By-Side FeatherWing Kit with a bonnet connected. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4254-02.jpg)

### NeoPixel 1/4 60 Ring - 5050 RGBW LED w/ Integrated Drivers

quantity: 4
[NeoPixel 1/4 60 Ring - 5050 RGBW LED w/ Integrated Drivers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2875)
What is better than smart RGB LEDs? Smart RGB+White LEDs! These NeoPixels now have 4 LEDs in them (red, green, blue _and_ white) for excellent lighting effects. Round and round and round they go! &nbsp;

**This is the NeoPixel 1/4 60 LED Ring&nbsp;in Cool White**. <a...></a...>

In Stock
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![NeoPixel Ring with 60 x 5050 RGBW LEDs lighting up rainbow and white](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2875-02.jpg)

### NeoPixel Ring - 16 x 5050 RGBW LEDs w/ Integrated Drivers

quantity: 3
[NeoPixel Ring - 16 x 5050 RGBW LEDs w/ Integrated Drivers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2856)
What is better than smart RGB LEDs? Smart RGB+White LEDs! These NeoPixel rings now have 4 LEDs in them (red, green, blue _and_ white) for excellent lighting effects. Round and round and round they go! &nbsp;

**This is the 16 LED RGBW NeoPixel Ring in Cool White**. <a...></a...>

In Stock
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![NeoPixel Ring with 16 x 5050 RGBW LEDs lighting up rainbow and white](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2856-01.jpg)

### NeoPixel Jewel - 7 x 5050 RGBW LED w/ Integrated Drivers

[NeoPixel Jewel - 7 x 5050 RGBW LED w/ Integrated Drivers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2860)
Be the belle of the ball with the NeoPixel Jewel! These NeoPixel Jewels now have 4 LEDs in them (red, green, blue,&nbsp;_and_&nbsp;white) for excellent lighting effects.

**This is the Cool White RGBW version.** We also have this jewel in <a...></a...>

In Stock
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![NeoPixel Jewel - 7 x 5050 RGB LED wired to Trinket, lit up rainbow and white](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2860-04.jpg)

### Colorful Round Tactile Button Switch Assortment - 15 pack

[Colorful Round Tactile Button Switch Assortment - 15 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1009)
Little clicky switches are standard input "buttons" on electronic projects. These work best in a PCB but [can be used on a solderless breadboard as shown in this tutorial](http://www.ladyada.net/learn/arduino/lesson5.html). The pins are normally open (disconnected) and...

In Stock
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![Top-down shot of 15 colorful round tactile button switches in green, yellow, red, blue, and white.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1009-07.jpg)

### Mini Panel Mount SPDT Toggle Switch

quantity: 2
[Mini Panel Mount SPDT Toggle Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3221)
This or that, one or the other, perhaps or perhaps not! So hard to make decisions these days without feeling like you're just going back and forth constantly. Deciding whether or not to use this mini toggle switch? That's the easiest decision you'll make all day!

This...

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![Angled shot of blue, mini, SPDT toggle switch.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3221-01.jpg)

### Terminal Block kit for Feather - 0.1" Pitch

[Terminal Block kit for Feather - 0.1" Pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3173)
We've got a simple and highly functional solution to wiring your [Adafruit Feather](https://www.adafruit.com/categories/830) board! These **0.1" Pitch Terminal Blocks** , are exactly the right size to it your Feather board or FeatherWing. They are...

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![Angled shot of two Terminal Blocks kit for Feather - 0.1" Pitch assembled on an Adafruit Feather board.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3173-02.jpg)

### Lithium Ion Battery Pack - 3.7V 6600mAh

[Lithium Ion Battery Pack - 3.7V 6600mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/353)
Need a massive battery for your project? This lithium-ion pack is made of 3 balanced 2200mAh cells for a total of 6600mA capacity! The cells are connected in parallel and spot-welded to a protection circuit that provides over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-current protection.

Each cell...

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![Lithium Ion Battery Pack with three round cells 3.7V 6600mAh with JST PH connector](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/353-03.jpg)

### Thin Plastic Speaker w/Wires - 8 ohm 0.25W

quantity: 3
[Thin Plastic Speaker w/Wires - 8 ohm 0.25W](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1891)
Listen up! This 1.5" diameter speaker cone is the perfect addition to any audio project where you need an 8Ω impedance and are using 0.25W of power. The speakers are rated at 0.25W, with a maximum input of 0.5W (printed wattage on back of speaker may have either value).

We...

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![Angled Shot of the Thin Plastic Speaker w/Wires - 8 ohm 0.25W](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1891-05.jpg)

### JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Socket to Color Coded Cable - 200mm

quantity: 6
[JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Socket to Color Coded Cable - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4046)
This cable will let you turn a JST PH 3-pin cable _socket_ into 3 individual tinned wires. These are great to match up with our JST 3-PH cables, for extending and connecting sensors or LEDs, and the wires are even color coded!

[We...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893)

In Stock
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![Angled shot of JST PH 3-Pin Socket to Color Coded Cable - 200mm](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4046-02.jpg)

### JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Socket to Color Coded Cable - 200mm

quantity: 6
[JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Socket to Color Coded Cable - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4046)
This cable will let you turn a JST PH 3-pin cable _socket_ into 3 individual tinned wires. These are great to match up with our JST 3-PH cables, for extending and connecting sensors or LEDs, and the wires are even color coded!

[We...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893)

In Stock
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![Angled shot of JST PH 3-Pin Socket to Color Coded Cable - 200mm](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4046-02.jpg)

### Molex PicoBlade 2-pin Cable - 200mm

[Molex PicoBlade 2-pin Cable - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3922)
When 0.1" is too big, and JST PH's too chunky, the ultra-slim "PicoBlade" is a reliable alternative. These are only 1.25mm pitch, but have a nice clicky connection.

This cable is nice and long, 200mm in fact. It's got both small form factor (won't take up a lot...

In Stock
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![Molex Pico Blade 2-pin Cable pigtail ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3922-05.jpg)

Featured
### Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 26AWG in Various Colors

[Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 26AWG in Various Colors](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1970)
Silicone-sheathing wire is super-flexible and soft, and it's also strong! Able to handle up to 200°C and up to 600V, it will do when PVC covered wire wimps out. We like this wire for being extremely supple and flexible, so it is great for wearables or projects where the wire-harness...

Out of Stock
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![Stranded-core wires in white, gray, black, blue, green, red, orange, and yellow.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1970-00.jpg)

# Lucio Blaster 2020 - CircuitPython for Advanced Prop Making

## Build the Blaster Circuit

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/827/medium800/gaming_luciotwo-3104.jpg?1594138370)

We'll build out the circuit starting with the NeoPixels. These will plug into the JST port on the Propmaker FeatherWing which can drive them with more power than a bare microcontroller on its own.

A pair of toggle switches will connect the Propmaker for powering the project on and off via the Enable pin, and for switching song/color modes.

To drive the four speakers we'll connect one to the amp built into the Propmaker and then add three 2.5W class D amps for the remaining speakers.

We'll plug the Feather and Propmaker into a quad FeatherWing kit which gives us plenty of prototyping area to connect the amps and the trigger buttons. Adding Feather terminal headers make it easy to connect the buttons.

Here's a Fritzing diagram of the complete circuit:

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/856/medium800/gaming_Lucio2020_09_bb.jpg?1594158028)

## NeoPixels

We'll create a single circuit of all the NeoPixel strands, rings, and jewel so that they share a single data line, ground, and power.

First, solder together the four quarter segments into a single ring. When doing so, be sure to solder all of the power and ground pads, and three of the four Data In/Data Out pairs.

On the un-soldered Data In segment, solder a JST wiring interconnect cable so that the ring can be connected to the rest of the NeoPixels -- this will be the last set of NeoPixels so it doesn't need an out cable.

![gaming_luciotwo-3036.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/829/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3036.jpg?1594138649)

![gaming_luciotwo-3037.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/830/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3037.jpg?1594138657)

![gaming_luciotwo-3038.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/831/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3038.jpg?1594138663)

![gaming_luciotwo-3072.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/832/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3072.jpg?1594138674)

## And More NeoPixels

Solder a pair of in/out interconnect cables to each ring, jewel, and strand so they may all be joined.

It's important to be consistent with polarity of interconnects so all of the Data In sides can only be connected with Data Out sides.

![gaming_luciotwo-3069.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/833/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3069.jpg?1594138806)

![gaming_luciotwo-3070.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/834/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3070.jpg?1594138812)

![gaming_luciotwo-3071.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/835/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3071.jpg?1594138813)

![gaming_luciotwo-3068.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/836/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3068.jpg?1594138819)

## Connect the Strands

I decided to wire the two VU meter strips directly to each other, and use the interconnects at either end for connecting to the Propmaker FeatherWing and the rest of the circuit.

Plug them all together and they're ready for use!

![gaming_luciotwo-3073.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/838/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3073.jpg?1594139098)

![gaming_luciotwo-3067.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/839/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3067.jpg?1594139108)

Primary: 

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/855/medium800/gaming_luciotwo-3074.jpg?1594158000)

## Quad Board

Solder female headers into the top two positions of the Quad board.

Solder male headers to the underside of the Feather and the Propmaker so they can be attached to the Quad.

Then, solder the terminal blocks to the bottom quad area.

![gaming_luciotwo-2703.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/860/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2703.jpg?1594159319)

![gaming_luciotwo-2704.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/861/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2704.jpg?1594159334)

![gaming_luciotwo-2706.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/862/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2706.jpg?1594159341)

![gaming_luciotwo-2707.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/863/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2707.jpg?1594159350)

## Add Amps

Use three sections of male header pin rows to solder the three amps to the prototyping area as shown, pushing the long ends of the pins down into the board so they can be used as posts for soldering the wires.

We'll wire the circuit connections as they're shown in the Frizing diagram, except we'll do it underneath the board.

Solder a set of wires from the Quad board GND to the GND posts of the two bottom amps as shown in the first wiring picture here.

This is followed by running a circuit from the +V rail to the appropriate posts.

Then, run the A0 pin to the A+ (audio in) pin on both bottom amps and the A1 pin to the A+ of the top amp.

![gaming_luciotwo-2709.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/864/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2709.jpg?1594159475)

![gaming_luciotwo-2715.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/865/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2715.jpg?1594159507)

![gaming_luciotwo-2719.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/866/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2719.jpg?1594159551)

![gaming_luciotwo-2720.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/868/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2720.jpg?1594159601)

![gaming_luciotwo-3108.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/875/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3108.jpg?1594160794)

![gaming_luciotwo-2729.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/880/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2729.jpg?1594161111)

![gaming_luciotwo-2730.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/881/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-2730.jpg?1594161120)

## Connect Speakers & Switches

Connect two of the small speakers and the large front speaker to their respective amps as shown using the terminal blocks.

The third small speaker will connect to the speaker output on the Propmaker. Do this by grafting in a [Molex "Pico-Blade" connector](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3922).

You'll use the Feather terminal headers to connect the trigger buttons to ground, A5 and A6.

The toggle switches are connected to the **En** & **GND** pins on the Propmaker wing and the **SW** & **GND** pins, also on the Propmaker. You can solder these directly or add a couple of 0.1" terminal blocks first.

![gaming_luciotwo-3080.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/883/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3080.jpg?1594161381)

![gaming_luciotwo-3083.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/910/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3083.jpg?1594165624)

![gaming_luciotwo-3084.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/911/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3084.jpg?1594165971)

![gaming_luciotwo-3085.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/912/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3085.jpg?1594165983)

![gaming_luciotwo-3086.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/913/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3086.jpg?1594165992)

![gaming_luciotwo-3081.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/914/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3081.jpg?1594166021)

## NeoPixels, USB, & Battery Power

You can now plug in the LiPoly battery as well as the USB panel mount to extend the Feather's USB port to make it accessible from the exterior of the prop. The USB will be used both for programming the Feather as well as charging the battery.

Plug the NeoPixel mega strand into the JST socket on the Propmaker FeatherWing and the blaster is ready to go!

![gaming_luciotwo-3098.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/915/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3098.jpg?1594166079)

![gaming_luciotwo-3099.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/916/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3099.jpg?1594166085)

![gaming_luciotwo-3102.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/917/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3102.jpg?1594166233)

![gaming_luciotwo-3103.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/918/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3103.jpg?1594166240)

![gaming_luciotwo-3100.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/920/medium640/gaming_luciotwo-3100.jpg?1594166272)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/931/medium800/gaming_luciotwo-3105.jpg?1594166537)

# Lucio Blaster 2020 - CircuitPython for Advanced Prop Making

## CircuitPython on Feather M4 Express

[CircuitPython](https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython) is a derivative of [MicroPython](https://micropython.org) designed to simplify experimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It makes it easier than ever to get prototyping by requiring no upfront desktop software downloads. Simply copy and edit files on the **CIRCUITPY** drive to iterate.

The following instructions will show you how to install CircuitPython. If you've already installed CircuitPython but are looking to update it or reinstall it, the same steps work for that as well!

## Set up CircuitPython Quick Start!

Follow this quick step-by-step for super-fast Python power :)

[Download the latest version of CircuitPython for this board via CircuitPython.org](https://circuitpython.org/board/feather_m4_express/)
 **Click the link above and download the latest UF2 file.**

Download and save it to your desktop (or wherever is handy).

![arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0ExpressUF2Downloaded.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/057/318/medium640/arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0ExpressUF2Downloaded.png?1531152402)

Plug your Feather M4 into your computer using a known-good USB cable.

**A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! So make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.**

Double-click the **Reset** button next to the USB connector on your board, and you will see the NeoPixel RGB LED turn green. If it turns red, check the USB cable, try another USB port, etc. **Note:** The little red LED next to the USB connector will pulse red. That's ok!

If double-clicking doesn't work the first time, try again. Sometimes it can take a few tries to get the rhythm right!

![arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0Bootloader.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/057/320/medium640/arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0Bootloader.jpg?1531152568)

You will see a new disk drive appear called **FEATHERBOOT**.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Drag the **adafruit\_circuitpython\_etc.uf2** file to **FEATHERBOOT.**

![arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0FEATHERBOOT.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/057/321/medium640/arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0FEATHERBOOT.png?1531152779)

![arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0DragCircuitPythonUF2.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/057/324/medium640/arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0DragCircuitPythonUF2.png?1531152877)

The LED will flash. Then, the **FEATHERBOOT** drive will disappear and a new disk drive called **CIRCUITPY** will appear.

That's it, you're done! :)

![arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0CIRCUITPY.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/057/323/medium640/arduino_compatibles_FeatherM0CIRCUITPY.png?1531152841)

## Further Information

For more detailed info on installing CircuitPython, check out [Installing CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-circuitpython).

# Lucio Blaster 2020 - CircuitPython for Advanced Prop Making

## Code the Blaster

## Text Editor

Adafruit recommends using the Mu editor for using your CircuitPython code with the Feather boards. You can get more info in [this guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-mu-editor).

Alternatively, you can use any text editor that saves files.

## Installing Project Code

To use with CircuitPython, you need to first install a few libraries, into the lib folder on your **CIRCUITPY** drive. Then you need to update **code.py** with the example script.

Thankfully, we can do this in one go. In the example below, click the **Download Project Bundle** button below to download the necessary libraries and the **code.py** file in a zip file. Extract the contents of the zip file, open the directory **Lucio\_Blaster\_2020/** and then click on the directory that matches the version of CircuitPython you're using and copy the contents of that directory to your **CIRCUITPY** drive.

Your **CIRCUITPY** drive should now look similar to the following image:

![CIRCUITPY](https://adafruit.github.io/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/Lucio_Blaster_2020.png )

https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Lucio_Blaster_2020/code.py

## Audio Samples

You can get started by using the Lucio music and sound effects .mp3 files. (Of course, you're free to use any files that you like, see below for more info on that.)

Download the .zip file linked below and then uncompress the file. Drag the **/lucio** directory onto the root level of your Feather's **CIRCUITPY** drive.

[lucio.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/092/934/original/lucio.zip?1594179939)
## Make Your Own

To make your own .mp3, use audio software such as [Audacity](https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/mp3_export_options.html) to save them with these settings:

- bit rate: anywhere from 16 to 320 kb/s (lower will be smaller, higher is better quality)
- sample rate: 22050Hz or 44100Hz are recommended, although 16kHz, 24kHz, and 48kHz should also work
- channels: mono or stereo
- must be DRM free

## What It Does

These are the main features of the code:

- Play one of two background music song files depending on the mode switch position
- Play NeoPixel LED animation to the beat, the base color changed depending on mode switch position
- Trigger button plays shooting sound effect file and flashes all NeoPixels white
- Alt trigger button plays alt shooting sound effect file and flashes all NeoPixels white
- Tilt "up" of the unit (Propmaker FeatherWing's accelerometer) plays reload sound effect
- Tilt "down" of the unit plays "ultimate" sound effect

Look through the code and you'll see places to tweak and modify the behavior. You can use the **led\_animation** library's `PixelSubset` code to send entirely different animation and color to the different logical groupings of pixels, for example.

# Lucio Blaster 2020 - CircuitPython for Advanced Prop Making

## Original Lucio Blaster Construction


## Guide Products

### Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51

[Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
It's what you've been waiting for, the Feather M4 Express featuring ATSAMD51. This Feather is fast like a swift, smart like an owl, strong like a ox-bird (it's half ox, half bird, OK?) This feather is powered by our new favorite chip, the **ATSAMD51J19** -&nbsp; with...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3857/guides)
### Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing

[Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3988)
The Adafruit Feather series gives you lots of options for a small, portable, rechargeable microcontroller board. Perfect for fitting into your next prop build! This FeatherWing will unlock the prop-maker inside all of us, with tons of stuff packed in to make sabers & swords, props, toys,...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3988)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3988/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGBW LED Strip - Black PCB 144 LED/m

[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGBW LED Strip - Black PCB 144 LED/m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2848)
What is better than smart RGB LEDs? Smart RGB+White LEDs! These NeoPixels now have 4 LEDs in them (red, green, blue _and_ white) for excellent lighting effects.&nbsp;These LED strips are fun and glowy, and you can control each LED individually!

**This is the 144...**

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2848)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2848/guides)
### Adafruit Mono 2.5W Class D Audio Amplifier - PAM8302

[Adafruit Mono 2.5W Class D Audio Amplifier - PAM8302](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2130)
This super small mono amplifier is surprisingly powerful - able to deliver up to 2.5 Watts into 4-8 ohm impedance speakers. Inside the miniature chip is a class D controller, able to run from 2.0V-5.5VDC. Since the amp is a class D, its very efficient (over 90% efficient when driving an...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2130)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2130/guides)
### Adafruit Quad Side-By-Side FeatherWing Kit with Headers

[Adafruit Quad Side-By-Side FeatherWing Kit with Headers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4254)
This is the **FeatherWing Quad Side-by-Side** - a prototyping add-on and more for all Feather boards. This is similar to our [FeatherWing Proto](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2884) except there are four! The magic of the Quad comes when you want to connect your...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4254)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4254/guides)
### NeoPixel 1/4 60 Ring - 5050 RGBW LED w/ Integrated Drivers

[NeoPixel 1/4 60 Ring - 5050 RGBW LED w/ Integrated Drivers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2875)
What is better than smart RGB LEDs? Smart RGB+White LEDs! These NeoPixels now have 4 LEDs in them (red, green, blue _and_ white) for excellent lighting effects. Round and round and round they go! &nbsp;

**This is the NeoPixel 1/4 60 LED Ring&nbsp;in Cool White**. <a...></a...>

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2875)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2875/guides)
### NeoPixel Ring - 16 x 5050 RGBW LEDs w/ Integrated Drivers

[NeoPixel Ring - 16 x 5050 RGBW LEDs w/ Integrated Drivers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2856)
What is better than smart RGB LEDs? Smart RGB+White LEDs! These NeoPixel rings now have 4 LEDs in them (red, green, blue _and_ white) for excellent lighting effects. Round and round and round they go! &nbsp;

**This is the 16 LED RGBW NeoPixel Ring in Cool White**. <a...></a...>

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2856)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2856/guides)
### NeoPixel Jewel - 7 x 5050 RGBW LED w/ Integrated Drivers

[NeoPixel Jewel - 7 x 5050 RGBW LED w/ Integrated Drivers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2860)
Be the belle of the ball with the NeoPixel Jewel! These NeoPixel Jewels now have 4 LEDs in them (red, green, blue,&nbsp;_and_&nbsp;white) for excellent lighting effects.

**This is the Cool White RGBW version.** We also have this jewel in <a...></a...>

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2860)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2860/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit Feather M4 Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m4-express-atsamd51.md)
- [Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-prop-maker-featherwing.md)
- [Adafruit PAM8302 - Mono 2.5W Class D Audio Amplifier](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-pam8302-mono-2-5w-class-d-audio-amplifier.md)
- [How To Solder Headers](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-solder-headers.md)
- [Pathfinder Robot Companion](https://learn.adafruit.com/pathfinder.md)
- [Humidity and Temperature Monitor with E-Ink Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/humidity-and-temperature-monitor-redux-e-ink-display.md)
- [MP3 Playback in CircuitPython with Lars the Sloth Puppet](https://learn.adafruit.com/mp3-circuitpython-lars.md)
- [Superhero Power Gauntlet](https://learn.adafruit.com/superhero-power-gauntlet.md)
- [CircuitPython OLED and Dual Knob Sketcher](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-oled-knob-sketcher.md)
- [Zelda Master Sword](https://learn.adafruit.com/zelda-master-sword.md)
- [Party Parrot Zoetrope](https://learn.adafruit.com/party-parrot-zoetrope.md)
- [Adafruit 1.14" 240x135 Color TFT Breakout LCD Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-1-14-240x135-color-tft-breakout.md)
- [MicroLipo v2 Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/microlipo-case.md)
- [NeoPixel Flame Torch](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-flame-torch.md)
- [Deco Two-Key Feather Macro Pad](https://learn.adafruit.com/deco-two-key-keypad-macropad-circuitpython-feather.md)
- [STEMMA Lego base plates](https://learn.adafruit.com/stemma-lego-base-plates.md)
- [Computer Space Mini Arcade](https://learn.adafruit.com/computer-space-mini-arcade.md)
- [BLE Buzzy Box](https://learn.adafruit.com/ble-buzzy-box.md)
