• Step 1: Attach wires to 5V IN, 5V Ground, and Data In on the NeoPixel ring.
  • Step 2: Connect those wire to the Arduino.
  • Step 3: There is no step 3!

Here's the Details:

Wires

We're using 20 AWG wire for this project. It's a litte heavier than usual for small electronics but it provides the physical structure for the project and fits snugly into the header sockets on the Arduino.

Cut 2 pieces of wire for the power to NeoPixel Ring.

Remove 1/4" of insulation from one end and 1/2" from the other.

Cut a 3rd piece if you are not using the resistor (there's a resistor built into the NeoPixel ring so its not essential to add your own)

Even if you are using the resistor,  you may want to  cut a 1/2" piece of wire to create a "pin" for the resistor so it plugs securely into the header socket. You can just jam the resistor lead into the header socket, but it's more secure if you add the pin. You can skip this step if you're new to soldering.

Soldering

Insert the short end each wire from the "back" side of the NeoPixel ring and apply a small amount of solder.

Trim the wires.

That's the hard part! All the soldering is done!

Now just flip the assembly over and insert the wires into the correct sockets on the board.

 

Wiring It Up

The positive power goes in the socket marked "5v"

Negative wire goes in "GND"

Data wire (or resistor) goes in Pin 2.

The candle is done!

Optional Extras

Reflector

I also added a small reflector. Take a semicircle of shiny mylar and roll it into a cone shape. Tape it into the center of the assembly.

Retaining Ties

To secure the board into the pumpkin, I threaded some twist-ties into the mounting holes in the Metro. I then pulled these through the original lamp mounting hole in the pumpkin and secured them around a craft stick

This guide was first published on Nov 05, 2015. It was last updated on Nov 05, 2015.

This page (Assembly) was last updated on Oct 29, 2015.

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