# Neocontroller Color Grading Input Box
## Overview
https://youtu.be/zrICPafOv2M
Build this sliders-and-keyswitches input device to speed up your photo color grading workflow!
Adobe Lightroom Classic can be controlled via MIDI messages, giving you quick access to essential processing controls. It's a snap to adjust fundamental photo developing parameters such as exposure, color temperature, contrast, and saturation with the handy sliders. Use the keys to swap photos, and pull up the crop and heal tools.
Or, use it for any MIDI-capable application or host device, such as synthesizers, mixers, and more.
Primary:
## Parts
Featured
### Adafruit Feather RP2040
[Adafruit Feather RP2040](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4884)
A new chip means a new Feather, and the Raspberry Pi RP2040 is no exception. When we saw this chip we thought "this chip is going to be awesome when we give it the Feather Treatment" and so we did! This Feather features the **RP2040** , and all niceties you know and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4884)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4884/guides)
### 4ea. NeoSlider
Featured
### Adafruit NeoSlider I2C QT Slide Potentiometer with 4 NeoPixels
[Adafruit NeoSlider I2C QT Slide Potentiometer with 4 NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5295)
Our family of I2C-friendly user interface elements grows by one with this new product that makes it plug-n-play-easy to add a 75mm long slide potentiometer to any microcontroller or microcomputer with an I2C port.
Each breakout is 3" long and 0.8" wide, with a single linear...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5295)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5295/guides)
Featured
### NeoKey 1x4 QT I2C - Four Mechanical Key Switches with NeoPixels
[NeoKey 1x4 QT I2C - Four Mechanical Key Switches with NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4980)
The only thing better than a nice mechanical key is, perhaps, FOUR mechanical keys that also can glow any color of the rainbow - and that's what the **Adafruit NeoKey 1x4 QT I2C Breakout** will let you do! This longgg 3" x 0.8" PCB fits...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4980)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4980/guides)
### 4ea. Keycaps
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long
quantity: 4
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
This 4-wire cable is 50mm / 1.9" long and fitted with JST SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4399/guides)
Featured
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210)
This 4-wire cable is a little over 100mm / 4" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4210/guides)
Featured
### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread
[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
Totaling 380 pieces, this **M2.5 Screw Set** is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! M2.5 size screws fit almost all of the Adafruit breakout/dev board mounting holes...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3299/guides)
Featured
### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M3 Thread
[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M3 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4685)
Totaling **420 pieces** , this **M3 Screw Set** is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! M3 size screws fit a number of Adafruit breakout/dev board...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4685)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4685/guides)
Featured
### Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick
[Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594)
A nice whoppin' slab of some lovely black acrylic to add some extra diffusion to your LED Matrix project. This material is 2.6mm (0.1") thick and is made of special cast acrylic that makes it perfect for glowy projects, especially matricies or NeoPixels.
Unlike smoke or...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4594/guides)
Featured
### Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4
[Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
Keep your electronics from going barefoot, give them little rubber feet! These small sticky bumpers are our favorite accessory for any electronic kit or device. They are sticky, but not impossible to remove. They're small enough to fit onto any board, and have just enough height to give...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/550/guides)
# Neocontroller Color Grading Input Box
## Install CircuitPython
[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.
## CircuitPython Quickstart
Follow this step-by-step to quickly get CircuitPython running on your board.
[Download the latest version of CircuitPython for this board via circuitpython.org](https://circuitpython.org/board/adafruit_feather_rp2040/)
**Click the link above to download the latest CircuitPython UF2 file.**
Save it wherever is convenient for you.
To enter the bootloader, hold down the **BOOT/**** BOOTSEL button**(highlighted in red above), and while continuing to hold it (don't let go!), press and release the**reset button**(highlighted in red or blue above). **Continue to hold the BOOT/BOOTSEL button until the RPI-RP2 drive appears!**
If the drive does not appear, release all the buttons, and then repeat the process above.
You can also start with your board unplugged from USB, press and hold the BOOTSEL button (highlighted in red above), continue to hold it while plugging it into USB, and wait for the drive to appear before releasing the button.
A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! **Make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.**
You will see a new disk drive appear called **RPI-RP2**.
Drag the **adafruit\_circuitpython\_etc.uf2** file to **RPI-RP2.**
The **RPI-RP2** drive will disappear and a new disk drive called **CIRCUITPY** will appear.
That's it, you're done! :)
## Safe Mode
You want to edit your **code.py** or modify the files on your **CIRCUITPY** drive, but find that you can't. Perhaps your board has gotten into a state where **CIRCUITPY** is read-only. You may have turned off the **CIRCUITPY** drive altogether. Whatever the reason, safe mode can help.
Safe mode in CircuitPython does not run any user code on startup, and disables auto-reload. This means a few things. First, safe mode _bypasses any code in_ **boot.py** (where you can set **CIRCUITPY** read-only or turn it off completely). Second, _it does not run the code in_ **code.py**. And finally, _it does not automatically soft-reload when data is written to the_ **CIRCUITPY** _drive_.
Therefore, whatever you may have done to put your board in a non-interactive state, safe mode gives you the opportunity to correct it without losing all of the data on the **CIRCUITPY** drive.
### Entering Safe Mode
To enter safe mode when using CircuitPython, plug in your board or hit reset (highlighted in red above). Immediately after the board starts up or resets, it waits 1000ms. On some boards, the onboard status LED (highlighted in green above) will blink yellow during that time. If you press reset during that 1000ms, the board will start up in safe mode. It can be difficult to react to the yellow LED, so you may want to think of it simply as a slow double click of the reset button. (Remember, a fast double click of reset enters the bootloader.)
### In Safe Mode
If you successfully enter safe mode on CircuitPython, the LED will intermittently blink yellow three times.
If you connect to the serial console, you'll find the following message.
```terminal
Auto-reload is off.
Running in safe mode! Not running saved code.
CircuitPython is in safe mode because you pressed the reset button during boot. Press again to exit safe mode.
Press any key to enter the REPL. Use CTRL-D to reload.
```
You can now edit the contents of the **CIRCUITPY** drive. Remember, _your code will not run until you press the reset button, or unplug and plug in your board, to get out of safe mode._
## Flash Resetting UF2
If your board ever gets into a really _weird_ state and CIRCUITPY doesn't show up as a disk drive after installing CircuitPython, try loading this 'nuke' UF2 to RPI-RP2. which will do a 'deep clean' on your Flash Memory. **You will lose all the files on the board** , but at least you'll be able to revive it! After loading this UF2, follow the steps above to re-install CircuitPython.
[Download flash erasing "nuke" UF2](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/145/511/original/nuke_universal.uf2?1786537992)
# Neocontroller Color Grading Input Box
## Code the Neocontroller
## Text Editor
Adafruit recommends using the **Mu** editor for editing your CircuitPython code. 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 simple text files.
## Download the Project Bundle
Your project will use a specific set of CircuitPython libraries and the **code.py** file. To get everything you need, click on the **Download Project Bundle** link below, and uncompress the .zip file.
Drag the contents of the uncompressed bundle directory onto your Feather board's **CIRCUITPY** drive, replacing any existing files or directories with the same names, and adding any new ones that are necessary.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/NeoController/code.py
## Customize Settings
The code allows you to customize the MIDI note values and CC numbers. To change the notes the keyswitches send, change the fourth value of the items in this list:
```python
keys = [ # neokey (adjust if multiple sets), key number, keypress color, MIDI note
(neokey, 0, blue, 40),
(neokey, 1, red, 42),
(neokey, 2, blue, 43),
(neokey, 3, red, 46),
]
```
In order to send the `0-127` values over different CC numbers when you move the NeoSliders, adjust this list:
```auto
cc_numbers = [48, 49, 50, 51] # pick the CC number for each slider to send over
```
# Neocontroller Color Grading Input Box
## Build and Use the Neocontroller
## Set Addresses
To use four NeoSliders on one I2C bus, each board needs a unique address. You will cut the traces on three of the boards to set them.
Set them to:
- **0x30 (default, don't cut any traces)**
- **0x31 -- cut trace A0**
- **0x32 -- cut trace A1**
- **0x33 -- cut traces A0 and A1**
More info is available [here](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neoslider/pinouts#address-jumpers-3107357-19).
The NeoKey 1x4 has a default I2C address of 0x30 so to prevent a conflict, you can solder the **A3** jumper closed, changing it to address **0x38** as [shown here](https://learn.adafruit.com/neokey-1x4-qt-i2c/pinouts#address-jumpers-3098419-13).
[NeoKey_1x4_plate.stl](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/107/322/original/NeoKey_1x4_plate.stl?1639599063)
## NeoKey Prep
Insert the keyswitches through the keyplate (3D printing file linked above), minding the orientation so they'll fit into the hot swap sockets. Position them so the "window" in the switch is above the reverse-mount NeoPixels.
Then, carefully align the legs with the NeoKey board and insert them all at once, squeezing with even pressure.
## Connect the Boards
Connect the Feather, NeoKey, and NeoSliders as shown using the STEMMA QT cables.
[neocontroller_170.802mm_x_181.415mm_b.ai.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/110/154/original/neocontroller_170.802mm_x_181.415mm_b.ai.zip?1648177311)
[neocontroller_170.802mm_x_181.415mm.pdf](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/110/152/original/neocontroller_170.802mm_x_181.415mm.pdf?1648170528)
## Cut the Enclosure
Use the linked .ai file (it is the blue .zip file above) to cut the case parts from acrylic. You can do this on a laser cutter or CNC machine (I used and [Epilog](https://www.epiloglaser.com/) Zing 16), by hand with a saw and drill (print the .ai as a template), or send the .ai file to a service bureau for cutting. You can also use the .pdf file that includes dimensions for other cutting methods.
## Connect the Base
Use the M2.5 screws and nuts to secure the NeoSliders to the case bottom as shown.
## NeoKey Mounting
Mount the NeoKey onto the screws as shown, by threading the nuts on first, and then sliding the board and keyplate holes over the screws. This places the board at a good height and it will stay put in use, no need for longer screws or top nuts.
## Mount the Feather
Use short screws and nuts to mount the feather board as shown, with the USB port facing the back of the board, over the notched cutout.
## Top Plate
Mount the M3 standoffs from the bottom with short M3 screws.
Place the top plate over the controls, then secure with four more screws.
## Caps
Place the four fader caps and keycaps onto their respective controls.
## Feet
Stick four adhesive bump-on feet under the enclosure to prevent sliding.
Plug in USB and you're ready to go!
## Use the Neocontroller
Plug in the Neocontroller to your computer over USB-A to USB-C data/power cable. For typical MIDI use, simply select the Feather RP2040 MIDI device. To use with Lightroom Classic, first download and install the free [MIDI2LR plug-in as shown here](https://rsjaffe.github.io/MIDI2LR/).
There are plenty of good setup and configuration videos out there, such as [this.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSQl1txZOmc)
Here it is in action:
https://youtu.be/zrICPafOv2M
## Guide Products
### Adafruit Feather RP2040
[Adafruit Feather RP2040](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4884)
A new chip means a new Feather, and the Raspberry Pi RP2040 is no exception. When we saw this chip we thought "this chip is going to be awesome when we give it the Feather Treatment" and so we did! This Feather features the **RP2040** , and all niceties you know and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4884)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4884/guides)
### Adafruit NeoSlider I2C QT Slide Potentiometer with 4 NeoPixels
[Adafruit NeoSlider I2C QT Slide Potentiometer with 4 NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5295)
Our family of I2C-friendly user interface elements grows by one with this new product that makes it plug-n-play-easy to add a 75mm long slide potentiometer to any microcontroller or microcomputer with an I2C port.
Each breakout is 3" long and 0.8" wide, with a single linear...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5295)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5295/guides)
### NeoKey 1x4 QT I2C - Four Mechanical Key Switches with NeoPixels
[NeoKey 1x4 QT I2C - Four Mechanical Key Switches with NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4980)
The only thing better than a nice mechanical key is, perhaps, FOUR mechanical keys that also can glow any color of the rainbow - and that's what the **Adafruit NeoKey 1x4 QT I2C Breakout** will let you do! This longgg 3" x 0.8" PCB fits...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4980)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4980/guides)
### Black Windowed Lamp R4 Keycap for MX Compatible Switches
[Black Windowed Lamp R4 Keycap for MX Compatible Switches](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5112)
These stark and elegant **Black Windowed Lamp R4 Keycaps** are made of opaque black plastic with a small cutout in the south-center edge that wraps around the top and bottom. The cut-out has a clear plastic window to allow an LED installed under the switch to glow through. They...
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5112)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5112/guides)
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
This 4-wire cable is 50mm / 1.9" long and fitted with JST SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4399/guides)
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210)
This 4-wire cable is a little over 100mm / 4" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4210/guides)
### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread
[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
Totaling 380 pieces, this **M2.5 Screw Set** is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! M2.5 size screws fit almost all of the Adafruit breakout/dev board mounting holes...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3299/guides)
### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M3 Thread
[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M3 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4685)
Totaling **420 pieces** , this **M3 Screw Set** is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! M3 size screws fit a number of Adafruit breakout/dev board...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4685)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4685/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Introducing Adafruit Feather RP2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-rp2040-pico.md)
- [Adafruit NeoKey 1x4 QT I2C Breakout](https://learn.adafruit.com/neokey-1x4-qt-i2c.md)
- [Adafruit NeoSlider](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neoslider.md)
- [Adafruit Sparkle Motion](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion.md)
- [No-Code IoT Humidity and Temperature Sensor with Adafruit IO WipperSnapper](https://learn.adafruit.com/no-code-humidity-and-temp-tracker.md)
- [Cheekmate - a Wireless Haptic Communication System](https://learn.adafruit.com/cheekmate-wireless-haptic-communication.md)
- [Adabot Toy Robot Friend](https://learn.adafruit.com/adabot-rp2040.md)
- [Introducing Adafruit Crickit #MakeRobotFriend](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-crickit-creative-robotic-interactive-construction-kit.md)
- [LED Rocket Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-rocket-lamp.md)
- [ItsyBitsy ESP32 wFL case](https://learn.adafruit.com/itsybitsy-esp32-wfl-case.md)
- [Animatronic Cosplay Wings](https://learn.adafruit.com/animatronic-cosplay-wings.md)
- [16x16 NeoPixel Matrix Square Pixel Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/16x16-neopixel-matrix-square-pixel-display.md)
- [Sailor Moon Star Locket](https://learn.adafruit.com/sailor-moon-star-locket.md)
- [ESP32-S3 BLE iOS Media Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/esp32-s3-ble-ios-media-controller.md)
- [Desk Calculator with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/desk-calculator-with-circuitpython.md)
- [Talking HAL 9000 with RP2040 Prop Maker Feather](https://learn.adafruit.com/hal-9000-rp2040-prop-maker.md)
- [Sensor-Locked Secrets with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/sensor-locked-secrets-with-circuitpython.md)
- [Feather TFT STEMMA Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/feather-tft-stemma-case.md)