In this project we’ll show you how to light up your marble run and motorize it with an Adafruit Crickit.
The tracks are fully 3d printed and designed by Tulio Laanen – It uses a worm style elevator to lift ball bearings up the the top of the tracks.
This impressive design is 3D printed in a single part. We design a base to fit the electronics and components! |
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The Adafruit Crickit drives a gearbox DC motor to turn the elevator, while the LED strips illuminate the tracks and animate different effects.
You can also use the on-board sensors to trigger other components like additional servos, solenoids or even electromagnets. We can it interactive using sound, temperature and more!
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Prerequisite Guides
There's resources in these guides that go beyond what's covered in this tutorial. MakeCode guide is all about setting up your Circuit Playground Express board. TheCircuit Playground Express introduction guide walks you through all of the pinouts, sensors and everything you need to know.
Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express
Circuit Playground Express
TT Motor All-Metal Gearbox - 1:90 Gear Ratio
3 x AA Battery Holder with 2.1mm Plug
Adafruit NeoPixel UV LED Strip with 32 LED/m
Premium Male/Male Jumper Wires - 40 x 3" (75mm)
Panel Mount Extension USB Cable - Micro B Male to Micro B Female
Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch
Ultimaker 3 - 3D Printer
Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types
Prerequisite Guides
If you're new to Adafruit CRICKIT, Circuit Python and soldering, take a moment to walk through the following guides to get you started.