# Music Box with Dancing Adabot

## Overview

This guide shows how to turn just about any box with a lid into a customizable music box.

https://youtu.be/UkJmkTCQVrw

This music box begins playing music as soon as it's opened, and the user is greeted with a dancing figure (for this project, rather than a [slowly turning ballerina](https://www.amazon.com/Enchantmints-Ballerina-Musical-Jewelry-Box/dp/B000FGKDLK), an Adabot takes center stage). When closed, the singing and dancing automatically shuts off.

### Circuit Playground Express

[Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
 **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides)
![A Black woman's manicured hand holds a round microcontroller with lit up LEDs.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3333-05.jpg)

### Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express

[Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3093)
Sometimes we wonder if robotics engineers ever watch movies. If they did, they'd know that making robots into servants always ends up in a robot rebellion. Why even go down that path? Here at Adafruit, we believe in making robots our  **friends!**

So if you find...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3093)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3093/guides)
![Top down view of a Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express with a circular board connected. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3093-07.jpg)

### USB cable - USB A to Micro-B

[USB cable - USB A to Micro-B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
This here is your standard A to micro-B USB cable, for USB 1.1 or 2.0. Perfect for connecting a PC to your Metro, Feather, Raspberry Pi or other dev-board or microcontroller

Approximately 3 feet / 1 meter long

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/592/guides)
![USB cable - USB A to Micro-B - 3 foot long](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/592-01.jpg)

### Micro servo

[Micro servo](https://www.adafruit.com/product/169)
Tiny little servo can rotate approximately 180 degrees (90 in each direction) and works just like the standard kinds you're used to but _smaller_. You can use any servo code, hardware, or library to control these servos. Good for beginners who want to make stuff move without...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/169)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/169/guides)
![Micro servo with three pin cable](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/169-06.jpg)

### AdaBot LunchBox

[AdaBot LunchBox](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3437)
Your eyes do not deceive you – this is **_absolutely_** an AdaBot lunchbox! Whether you're sporting this at school, work, Maker Faire, or jury duty, this beautiful, shiny blue lunchbox is guaranteed to turn some heads.

Fill it up with your favorite edible goodies...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3437)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3437/guides)
![Friendly robot AdaBot Lunch Box](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3437-00.jpg)

### Mini Oval Speaker - 8 Ohm 1 Watt

[Mini Oval Speaker - 8 Ohm 1 Watt](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3923)
Hear the good news! This wee speaker is a great addition to any audio project where you need 8 ohm impedance and 1W or less of power. We particularly like this speaker as it is small and comes with nice skinny wires with a connector on the end. It has a handy...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3923)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3923/guides)
![Small, black, oval speaker with Pico Blade connector.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3923-06.jpg)

## Materials & Tools

To build this project you'll need:

- Box with lid (such as the [AdaBot Lunchbox](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3437))
- Paper and a printer
- [Hot glue gun](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006IY359K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and hot glue
- Scissors
- Scrap cardboard
- [Double sided foam tape](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003W0R4PE/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_Y2SGBb4DV10TX)

## Let's get to work!
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/041/medium800thumb/circuitpython_IMG_0804.2019-01-10_18_25_14.jpg?1547162742)

# Music Box with Dancing Adabot

## CircuitPython Code

## Getting Familiar

For this project, we will be using [CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/what-is-circuitpython).

CircuitPython is a programming language based on Python, one of the fastest growing programming languages in the world. It is specifically designed to simplify experimenting and learning to code on low-cost microcontroller boards.

CircuitPython is easiest to use within the Mu Editor. If you haven't previously used Mu, [this guide will get you started](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-mu-editor).

If you haven't used Circuit Playground Express with CRICKIT before, make sure you've updated it with the latest special 'seesaw' version of the CPX firmware. [This guide will show you how](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-crickit-creative-robotic-interactive-construction-kit/circuitpython-code).

## Setting Up

To get your CRICKIT for CPX set up to run this code, follow these steps:

1) Make sure you've updated the [CircuitPython firmware for CRICKIT ](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-crickit-creative-robotic-interactive-construction-kit/circuitpython-code)from the CRICKIT guide

2) Get the [latest library pack](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_Bundle/releases/latest), unzip it, and drag the libraries you need over into the  **/lib**  folder on  **CIRCUITPY**.   
[https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit\_CircuitPython\_Bundle/releases/](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_Bundle/releases/)

For this project you will need the following libraries:

- **adafruit\_crickit.mpy**
- **adafruit\_seesaw** folder
- **neopixel.mpy**

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

# Uploading

Make sure you've connected the Circuit Playground Express to your computer with a micro USB cable and have Mu open and connected to your board.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/706/medium800/circuitpython_Screen_Shot_2018-09-06_at_9.47.58_AM_copy.png?1546640876)

Copy and paste the code above into your Mu window.

Once the code is copied into Mu, press the  **Save**  button - your code should be saved to the  **CIRCUITPY**  disk drive (which appears when the Circuit Playground Express is plugged into your computer) as `code.py`.

Info: 

Now it's time to give your music box a song to sing. This [free version of Fur Elise](https://freesound.org/people/Jagadamba/sounds/387822/) is a good one for the music box (courtesy of freesound.org). 

Download the WAV file, the drag and drop that WAV file onto your  **CIRCUITPY ** drive.

[fur-elise.wav](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/962/original/fur-elise.wav?1547072178)
When you're all done, your **CIRCUITPY** drive should contain the **code.py** file, a **.wav** file, and a **/lib** folder with the necessary libraries in it.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/558/medium800/circuitpython_Screen_Shot_2019-01-17_at_2.22.38_PM.png?1547753002)

## Troubleshooting

**Problem** : My Circuit Playground Express isn't recognized by Mu!

**Solution** : Make sure your board is set up with CircuitPython, which has the Circuit Playground Express show up as a flash drive named  **CIRCUITPY**  when you connect the CPX to your computer. If it is showing up as  **CPLAYBOOT**  on your computer, you can [follow the steps in this guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express/circuitpython-quickstart) to ensure CircuitPython is loaded and you see the  **CIRCUITPY**  drive.

# Music Box with Dancing Adabot

## Complete the Circuit

Once the code is uploaded, it's a good idea to connect the motor and speaker to make sure they work before moving on to the final build.

In this example we are using the [mini 8Ω, 1 Watt oval speaker](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3923) to play audio, but the powerful Class-D amplifier on the Crickit will allow you to use most any speaker you like for this project (see [this guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-crickit-creative-robotic-interactive-construction-kit/recommended-speakers) for a list of recommended speakers). 

## Speaker Wires

 

If your speaker has a connector at the end, cut that connector off so the ends of the wires are free to be screwed into a terminal block.

 

Use wire strippers to remove a small length of insulation from the end of each wire.

![circuitpython_IMG_0760.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/953/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0760.jpg?1547068017)

![circuitpython_IMG_0763.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/954/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0763.jpg?1547068057)

## Making the Connections

 

Connect servo motor to port 2.

 

The lightest color servo wire (like yellow) should face outwards, the darkest color (like brown or black) should face the Circuit Playground Express.

 

Connect speaker to speaker port using a small screwdriver to tighten the terminal connections.

![circuitpython_IMG_0981.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/952/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0981.jpg?1547067917)

![circuitpython_IMG_0978.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/951/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0978.jpg?1547067892)

When connected to 5V power, you should see the servo, NeoPixels, and speaker come to life when the CPX is exposed to bright light. 

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/064/medium800/circuitpython_IMG_1002.jpg?1547226039)

## Troubleshooting

**Problem** : My servo isn't moving!

**Solution** : Check that a 5V power supply is connected and the slide switch on ** ** CRICKIT is set to "ON". The lightest color servo wire faces the center of Crickit, the darkest faces outwards.

 

**Problem** : My servo still isn't moving! 

**Solution** : Make sure you've updated your Circuit Playground Express with the latest special 'seesaw' version of the CPX firmware. [This guide will show you how](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-crickit-creative-robotic-interactive-construction-kit/circuitpython-code).

# Music Box with Dancing Adabot

## Music Box Construction

This music box can be customized to star any character you like in the position of the dancer. For this version we are using Adabot, a PDF of which is available below.

[Adabot-mirror.pdf](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/899/original/Adabot-mirror.pdf?1546989273)
## Scissor Time

 

Cut out a picture of your character.. 

 

The mirror images will create a character that looks good from any angle.

![circuitpython_IMG_0658.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/700/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0658.jpg?1546640180)

![circuitpython_IMG_0669.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/701/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0669.jpg?1546640539)

Glue both sides of the character together, sandwiching a straw between them.

 

Press between the pages of a heavy book. Let sit for 10 minutes for glue to cure.

![circuitpython_IMG_0670.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/702/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0670.jpg?1546640563)

![circuitpython_IMG_0672.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/703/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0672.jpg?1546640600)

![circuitpython_IMG_0673.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/704/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0673.jpg?1546640611)

![circuitpython_IMG_0674.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/705/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0674.jpg?1546640622)

## Servo Stand

 

To create a stand for the servo motor, fold the ends of a long rectangle of cardboard 90 degrees, creating a small platform with legs.

 

Glue the legs of this platform to a base using two strips of hot glue.

![circuitpython_IMG_0641.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/710/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0641.jpg?1546645215)

![circuitpython_IMG_0642.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/711/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0642.jpg?1546646471)

![circuitpython_IMG_0645.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/712/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0645.jpg?1546646491)

![circuitpython_IMG_0646.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/713/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0646.jpg?1546646526)

Mark the outline of the base of the servo motor on the top of the platform.

 

Be careful to try to center the hub of the motor in the middle of the platform.

 

Cut a hole for the servo motor and use a line of hot glue on either side to hold it firmly in place.

![circuitpython_IMG_0660.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/718/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0660.jpg?1546646663)

![circuitpython_IMG_0661.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/719/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0661.jpg?1546646672)

![circuitpython_IMG_0662.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/720/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0662.jpg?1546646682)

![circuitpython_IMG_0713.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/903/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0713.jpg?1546989521)

## Spring time

 

Glue a spring from a pen to the hub of the servo motor. A small dab of hot glue should be enough to make a firm connection.

 

Attach a short piece of a wooden skewer to the top of the spring using another dab of hot glue.

 

Slide your paper character onto this wooden skewer using the straw sandwiched in the middle. This will allow the character to rotate if necessary, and make it removable if you'd like to add a different character to your music box.

![circuitpython_IMG_0657.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/945/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0657.jpg?1547066125)

![circuitpython_IMG_0619.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/946/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0619.jpg?1547066148)

![circuitpython_IMG_0622.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/947/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0622.jpg?1547066248)

![circuitpython_IMG_0767.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/948/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0767.jpg?1547066571)

## Hold Fast

 

Use small squares of double sided foam tape to hold everything in place inside the box.

![circuitpython_IMG_0962.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/967/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0962.jpg?1547072941)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/068/966/medium800/circuitpython_IMG_0984.jpg?1547072900)

## Adding an Insert

Adding some colorful image or scenery to the inside of the music box can accentuate the dancer and highlight the rainbow lights even further. Follow these instructions to make your own box insert.

Using a sheet of paper, cut out a rectangle approximately the same internal dimensions of the box you're using. 

 

Add an inlet to allow room for the top of the servo motor to poke through and trace a circle where the Circuit Playground Express will poke through. This opening will allow the light sensor on CPX to "see" its light environment and detect  whether the box is open or closed.

 

Once you have verified that the cutout in this first insert are where you want them, you can use it as a stencil for other images you'd like to put inside. 

![circuitpython_IMG_0775.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/021/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0775.jpg?1547160367)

![circuitpython_IMG_0776.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/022/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0776.jpg?1547160407)

![circuitpython_IMG_0777.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/023/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0777.jpg?1547160418)

![circuitpython_IMG_0994.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/024/medium640/circuitpython_IMG_0994.jpg?1547160468)

These example images of Adabot and other Circuit Playground friends all make fun inserts for this music box, but let your imagination run wild here.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/559/medium800/circuitpython_JPEG_image-9DE10AE303B2-1.jpeg?1547753403)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/020/medium800thumb/circuitpython_Untitled.2019-01-10_17_34_45.jpg?1547160288)

# Music Box with Dancing Adabot

## Customization

## Custom Audio

If you want to provide your own audio file for this music box you can easily swap a new one in place of the one provided here.

Audio files can be gathered by any means you like, but they will all need to be formatted as **mono 16-bit PCM WAV**  at  **22,050 Hz**  to be recognized by CRICKIT.

[See this guide on how to convert audio files](https://learn.adafruit.com/microcontroller-compatible-audio-file-conversion/check-your-files). 

## Making Adjustments

Depending on your location, you may need to adjust your music box's responsiveness to light. This can be done in Mu, by increasing or decreasing the default value of `2000` to `3000` (responds to bright light) or down to `1000` (more responsive to dim light). 

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/069/560/medium800/circuitpython_light-value.png?1547753726)

## Exploring further

If you enjoy CircuitPython and want to continue learning you can find [lots more CircuitPython projects on the Adafruit Learn System](https://learn.adafruit.com/category/micropython-slash-circuitpython).


## Featured Products

### Circuit Playground Express

[Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
 **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides)
### Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express

[Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3093)
Sometimes we wonder if robotics engineers ever watch movies. If they did, they'd know that making robots into servants always ends up in a robot rebellion. Why even go down that path? Here at Adafruit, we believe in making robots our  **friends!**

So if you find...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3093)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3093/guides)
### USB cable - USB A to Micro-B

[USB cable - USB A to Micro-B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
This here is your standard A to micro-B USB cable, for USB 1.1 or 2.0. Perfect for connecting a PC to your Metro, Feather, Raspberry Pi or other dev-board or microcontroller

Approximately 3 feet / 1 meter long

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/592/guides)
### Micro servo

[Micro servo](https://www.adafruit.com/product/169)
Tiny little servo can rotate approximately 180 degrees (90 in each direction) and works just like the standard kinds you're used to but _smaller_. You can use any servo code, hardware, or library to control these servos. Good for beginners who want to make stuff move without...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/169)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/169/guides)
### Mini Oval Speaker - 8 Ohm 1 Watt

[Mini Oval Speaker - 8 Ohm 1 Watt](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3923)
Hear the good news! This wee speaker is a great addition to any audio project where you need 8 ohm impedance and 1W or less of power. We particularly like this speaker as it is small and comes with nice skinny wires with a connector on the end. It has a handy...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3923)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3923/guides)
### 5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed

[5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/276)
This is an FCC/CE certified and UL listed power supply. Need a lot of 5V power? This switching supply gives a clean regulated 5V output at up to 2000mA. 110 or 240 input, so it works in any country. The plugs are "US 2-prong" style so you may need a plug adapter, but you can pick one...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/276)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/276/guides)
### 3 x AA Battery Holder with 2.1mm Plug

[3 x AA Battery Holder with 2.1mm Plug](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3842)
Here's another addition to our growing family of [AA battery holders](https://www.adafruit.com/category/563). A holder for three (3) AA batteries! It's got an 8" long power cable with a 2.1mm DC jack at the end, and, oh yes, it's in classy...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3842)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3842/guides)
### Alkaline AA batteries (LR6) - 3 pack

[Alkaline AA batteries (LR6) - 3 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3521)
Battery power for your portable project! These batteries are good quality at a good price, and work fantastic with any of the kits or projects in the shop that use AAs. This is a pack of **3 AA batteries**.  
  
These batteries are Alkaline (MnO2) chemistry, with a voltage...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3521)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3521/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express.md)
- [Making oscilloscope images with DACs](https://learn.adafruit.com/dac-oscilloscope-images.md)
- [Getting Started With Steven Universe](https://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-with-steven-universe.md)
- [Buttermilk Boat with Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/boat-with-circuit-playground-express.md)
- [The Scream: Interactive Screaming Painting](https://learn.adafruit.com/the-scream-munch-screaming-interactive-scream-painting.md)
- [Using MCP23008 & MCP23017 with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-mcp23008-mcp23017-with-circuitpython.md)
- [Stumble-Bot](https://learn.adafruit.com/stumble-bot-with-circuit-playground-and-crickit.md)
- [Robotic Creatures ](https://learn.adafruit.com/robotic-creatures.md)
- [Circuit Playground or Hallowing Jack-o'-Lantern](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-jack-o-lantern.md)
- [Sparkle Skirt Playground](https://learn.adafruit.com/sparkle-skirt-playground.md)
- [The Tilt Trumpet](https://learn.adafruit.com/the-tilt-trumpet.md)
- [Mini Golf Course with Circuit Playground and Crickit](https://learn.adafruit.com/mini-golf-course-with-makecode-circuit-playground-crickit.md)
- [Porting an Arduino library to CircuitPython: VL6180X Distance Sensor](https://learn.adafruit.com/porting-an-arduino-library-to-circuitpython-vl6180x-distance-sensor.md)
- [Datalogging and File Storage in MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/data-logging-and-file-storage-in-makecode.md)
- [Light Up Paper Dragon Wall Sconce](https://learn.adafruit.com/light-up-paper-dragon-wall-sconce.md)
- [Make It Bubble](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-bubble.md)