Install Grid to Frames

Get the frame and grid parts ready.

Orient the frame so the printed bottom surface is laid face down. Orient the grid so the printed bottom surface is facing up.

Insert the grid into the frame so the matching groove and dovetails are matting. Push the grid until it sits flush with the frame.

Repeat the installation for the second frame and grid parts.

Diffuser Panels

Get the diffuser panels ready to install into the assembled grids.

This tutorial will opt for the black LED acrylic.

Install Diffuser Panel

Insert the diffuser panel through the opening on the side of the frame grid assembly.

If using a 3D printed panel, note the orientation. The panel has a thin base layer and a thick lip - This accommodates for stand 1/8in thick acrylic material.

Install Connectors

Bring the two frame grid assemblies together so the slotted ends are facing each other.

Get the two connectors ready to install onto the frame grids.

While holding the two together, slide the connector over the dovetails on the two frames. Push the connector until it sits flush with the frames.

Repeat the installation with the second connector.

Assembled Frames

Take a moment to inspect the assembled frames, making sure the side connectors are flush with the frame and the diffuser panels are properly installed.

Install LEDs

Get the NeoPixel Pebble/Seed strand ready to install into the grid.

Orient the frame grid assembly so the bottom surface of the grids are facing up.

Starting with the first NeoPixel LED, firmly press it into pill shaped cutout in the lower right side of the grid.

The NeoPixel LED should sit just below the thickness of the grids surface. If it's pushed in too far, the light will create a sharp spotlight, whereas the ideal effect is for the light to evenly fill the full rectangular cell in the grid.

Install 1st Row

Continuing with the installation, going from right to left, press fit more NeoPixel LEDs across the first row of the grids.

Take your time, making sure each LED is fitted relatively the same depth as the first.

If the LED doesn't quite fit, you can pinch and flex the wires to get the LED to insert, then pull the wire to seat the LED at the desired depth.

Data Flow

The NeoPixel LEDs are arranged in a zigzag pattern. On the 12th LED, go up one row, and then continue with the installation going from left to right.

At the end of the row, at the 24th LED, go up another row, then continue going from right to left.

Repeat the installation process for all 72 LEDs.

Installed NeoPixels

With all 72 NeoPixels installed, take a moment to inspect each LED, making sure they're all inserted with relatively the same depth.

Install Leg Stands

Get the two leg stands ready to install onto the frame.

Starting with the left leg, line it up with the dovetail on the left side of the frame.

Insert and slide the left leg so it fully seats with the frame.

Repeat the installation process for the right leg stand.

Frame Standing

The left leg features a dedicated wire channel for fitting the silicon ribbon cable from the NeoPixel strand.

Press the 3-wire silicone ribbon cable into the routed channel following the leg stand.

Install Feather to Case

Orient the Feather with the bottom of the case. The end with the rectangular cutout should line up with the screw-block terminals on the Feather.

Insert the Feather into the bottom cover so the edge of the PCB is fitted underneath the two corner clips.

Slightly flex the bottom cover so the other side of the Feather can be fitted under the second set of corner clips.

Assemble Case

Orient the case frame with the bottom cover and snap fit it over. The shorter cutout should be lined up with the Feather USB-C port.

Orient the top cover to match the Feather; two buttons, screw-blocks and the STEMMA QT port. Then snap fit it over the frame.

Connect NeoPixels to Feather

Use a small slotted screwdriver to unscrew the three inserts on the screw block (they're labeled 5V, Neo and G on the bottom of the Feather PCB).

Insert the three wires from the NeoPixel strand to their corresponding pins on the Feather screw block.

While holding the wires in place, use the screwdriver to secure the wires to the terminals.

Final Build

Take a moment to inspect the wires from the NeoPixel strand are secured to the correct sockets on the Feather screw block terminals.