# NeoPixel Basketball Hoop
## Overview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKkejV5vhEE&feature=youtu.be
Info:
Basketball hoop lights usually aren't _nearly_ glam enough! They are usually one not-very-bright color. Not anymore! With NeoPixels and Gemma you can program these basketball hoop lights to be a certain color or change colors. Besides, NeoPixels are much brighter than a few LEDs. In this guide I will show you how to install a strip of weatherproof NeoPixels onto a mini basketball hoop.This guide has two code examples: one is to have the NeoPixels shine all the time, the other code example lights the NeoPixels up only when you score a point.
# NeoPixel Basketball Hoop
## Parts Needed
[Gemma M0](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) or [Gemma v2 ](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1222)(We recommend using the Gemma M0 as it is easier to program and more compatible with modern computers)
[A 1M NeoPixel Strip - We are using 30 LED-per pixel, you can have either white or black backing color. Both work the same](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1376 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1376")
A mini or full sized basketball hoop. Check your local sports shop or hobby store!
[Red](http://www.adafruit.com/products/288),[Yellow](http://www.adafruit.com/products/289),and [Black](http://www.adafruit.com/products/290) Hookup Wire
The IR sensor and IR LED are only needed if you going to have the lights shine when you score a point.
You will also need some zip ties & velcro
You can choose how you want to power the project. There's **two options** - one for beginners and one for more advanced users
# Power choices!
Beginners may want to go with **option #1** - a 3 x AAA battery pack. This is really easy to use, just pop in 3 AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries. Its less expensive than a LiPo battery, but its also heavier and doesn't have to coolness of built in recharge-ability.
Advanced users can go with **option #2** - a lithium polymer battery pack. This is a thin rechargeable battery. It's a little more expensive but its much lighter and thinner. You have to do some more soldering to attach a switch, and an external charger is required.
# Parts for Option #1
[3 x AAA battery holder with on/off switch and JST cable](http://www.adafruit.com/products/727 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/727")
[3 AAA batteries](http://www.adafruit.com/products/617)
# Parts for Option #2
[SPDT Switch](http://www.adafruit.com/products/805 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/805")
[Lipo Battery](http://www.adafruit.com/products/258 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/258") (Make sure this is charged! Use the USB charger to charge it up.)
[USB Lipo Battery Charger](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1304)
# Tools Needed
- [A Soldering Iron](http://www.adafruit.com/products/180 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/180")
- [Wire Strippers](http://www.adafruit.com/products/527 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/527")
- [Wire Cutters](http://www.adafruit.com/products/152 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/152")
- A Computer
- Heat Gun
# NeoPixel Basketball Hoop
## Always On Circuit Diagram
The instructions on this page are for an "always on" hoop. See the next page "Point Sensor Circuit Diagram" for instructions on adding an IR Sensor and IR LED to have the hoop illuminate when a point is scored.
Info:
# Step One:
Cut and strip a black, yellow, and red wire each about 6" long and with 1/2" stripped off the ends
# Step Two:
Solder the black wire to the ground pin on the NeoPixels.
# Step Three:
Solder the yellow wire to the data pin on the NeoPixels.
# Step Four:
Solder the red wire to the 5V pin on the NeoPixels.
# Step Five:
Solder the red wire that is connected to the **5V** pin on the NeoPixels to the **Voltage Out** pin on the Gemma. This pin connects to the battery pack so its the best way to light up a bunch of pixels
# Step Six:
Solder the yellow wire that connects to the data pin on the NeoPixels to the **D1** pin on the Gemma.
# Step Seven:
Solder the black wire that connects to the ground pin on the NeoPixel Strip to the ground pad on the Gemma.
# Step Eight:
Trim the excess wire on the Gemma on the pads you have just soldered.
# Step Nine:
This is for people using the Lipoly battery power. You can skip this step if you're using 3xAAA batteries
Cut the positive lead on the Lipo battery in half. Strip a small bit of insulation off both ends. Solder one of the wires to the middle lead on the switch. Solder the other wire to the lead to the left of the center lead. 
# Step Ten:
This is for people using the Lipoly battery power. You can skip this step if you're using 3xAAA batteries
Apply two small pieces of heat shrink tubing to the wires we have just soldered. After that is done, connect the JST connector of the battery to the Gemma. Whenever you switch the switch on, it will power the Gemma and NeoPixels.
# Step Eleven:
Attach the NeoPixels to the hoop using zip ties. In my case I attached it to the rim.
# Step Twelve:
Using Velcro we will secure the Gemma to the battery pack and the battery pack to the mini hoop.
# Finished!
Whenever the switch is flipped, it will light up the hoop as soon as the code is uploaded. Now all we have left is to upload the code to the Gemma. Make sure the battery is turned off when uploading code.
# NeoPixel Basketball Hoop
## Point Sensor Circuit Diagram
So far our hoop will just light up all the time. Using an IR sensor and IR LED we can make the NeoPixels light up whenever we score.
The IR LED pulses out IR light (940nm wavelength) at 38KHz, same as an IR remote. The IR receiver will pick up the signal as long as it can 'see' the LED. When the basketball goes through the hoop, the sensor will say it can't see the LED any more because its blocked - thats how we know it's time to light up the LEDs.
Info:
# Step One:
Solder a red wire to the **5V** pin on the IR sensor. Solder a black wire to the **Ground** pin on the temperature sensor. Solder a yellow wire to the **Data** pin on the temperature sensor. Finally cover these connections with heat shrink tubing. 
# Step Two:
Solder a black wire to the **Ground** lead on the LED. The ground lead is the shorter one. Next solder a yellow wire to the longer lead on the LED. Put a small bit of heat shrink tubing on both of the connections. Also put some heat shrink tubing over the LED to narrow its beam. 
# Step Three:
Solder the black **Ground** wires from both the IR Sensor and IR LED to the **Ground** pad on the Gemma. Solder the yellow data wire that leads from the LED to **D0** on the Gemma. Solder the red **5V** pin on the IR sensor to the **Vout** pin on the Gemma. Finally solder the yellow data cable from the IR sensor to **D2** on the Gemma.
# NeoPixel Basketball Hoop
## Arduino Code
You will need to install the Gemma and NeoPixel libraries. You can install both of these manually, but there is a better way. You can now download the Arduino IDE with support for NeoPixels and Gemma. Visit the Gemma tutorial for tons more information on [getting started with Gemma](http://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma)!
## Installation
Before you install the software for this project you'll need to make sure you're running the latest [Arduino IDE version](https://www.arduino.cc/en/main/software). In addition you'll need to install the [Adafruit NeoPixel library](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_NeoPixel) using either the [library manager](https://www.arduino.cc/en/guide/libraries#toc3) (recommended) or a [manual installation](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-all-about-arduino-libraries-install-use/arduino-libraries).
Once you have the Arduino IDE and NeoPixel library setup, click the button below to download the Arduino sketches for this project from their [home on GitHub](https://github.com/adafruit/TechnoTiki):
You can download two Arduino sketches:
- [NeoPixel\_Basketball\_Hoop](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/master/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop.ino) - The hoop is always illuminated.
- [NeoPixel\_Basketball\_Hoop-Point\_Sensor](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/master/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop-Point_Sensor.ino) - The hoop illuminates when a point is scored.
Open the appropriate sketch in the Arduino IDE.
## Strand Test Code for NeoPixels
Once that is installed, you can upload NeoPixel code to the Gemma. The code below is probably what you want to start with. It is based off of the Strand Test code for NeoPixels. This can easily be modified to any animation you want to program.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop.ino
## Point Sensor Code
So far our hoop will just light up all the time. Using an IR sensor and IR LED we can make the NeoPixels light up whenever we score.
The IR LED pulses out IR light (940nm wavelength) at 38KHz, same as an IR remote. The IR receiver will pick up the signal as long as it can 'see' the LED. When the basketball goes through the hoop, the sensor will say it can't see the LED any more because its blocked - thats how we know it's time to light up the LEDs.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop-Point_Sensor/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop-Point_Sensor.ino
## Upload
Once you've configured the sketch for your hardware you're ready to upload it to the Gemma board. Before you upload make sure you've setup the Arduino IDE to program Gemma. In the **Tools -\> Board** menu select the **Arduino Gemma** board (you can use this option even if you're using the Adafruit Gemma boards). Also in the **Tools -\> Programmer** menu select the **USBtinyISP** option.
Make sure the Gemma's USB micro/mini connector is connected to your computer. If your Gemma board has an **on/off** switch slide it into the **on** position. Press the reset button on the Gemma and you should see its red light start pulsing as the bootloader waits for a sketch to be uploaded. In the Arduino IDE press the **upload button** or use the **Sketch -\> Upload** command. After a few moments you should see the sketch uploaded to the hardware (on Linux systems you might see broken pipe errors that can be ignored).
If you receive an error be sure to [read the Gemma guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma/introduction) and confirm you can upload a basic LED blinking sketch.
# NeoPixel Basketball Hoop
## CircuitPython Code
**GEMMA M0** boards can run **CircuitPython** — a different approach to programming compared to Arduino sketches. In fact, **CircuitPython comes factory pre-loaded on GEMMA M0**. If you’ve overwritten it with an Arduino sketch, or just want to learn the basics of setting up and using CircuitPython, this is explained in the [**Adafruit GEMMA M0 guide**](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-gemma-m0/circuitpython-setup-1).
Info:
Below is CircuitPython code that works similarly (though not exactly the same) as the Arduino sketch shown on a prior page. To use this, plug the GEMMA M0 into USB…it should show up on your computer as a small **flash drive** …then edit the file “ **main.py** ” with your text editor of choice. Select and copy the code below and paste it into that file, **entirely replacing its contents** (don’t mix it in with lingering bits of old code). When you save the file, the code should **start running almost immediately** (if not, see notes at the bottom of this page).
**If GEMMA M0 doesn’t show up as a drive, follow the GEMMA M0 guide link above to prepare the board for CircuitPython.**
## Required Libraries
Additional libraries will be necessary to run both of the CircuitPython examples on this page.
- neopixel.mpy
- adafruit\_irremote.mpy
These libraries are available for download here:
[Adafruit CircuitPython Library Bundle](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_Bundle)
## Install Circuit Python Libraries
Now that we have all of the libraries and know which ones this project needs, we'll need to copy them onto the USB drive (which will be named CIRCUITPY after flashing the firmware). In the CIRCUITPY drive, create a new folder and name it "lib". Then, copy the libraries to that "lib" folder. The lib folder should contain **neopixel.mpy** and **adafruit\_irremote.mpy**
There are two different CircuitPython sketches to choose from:
1. [NeoPixel\_Basketball\_Hoop](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/master/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop.py) - Hoop Lights are always on. No point sensor hardware.
2. [NeoPixel\_Basketball\_Hoop-Point\_Sensor](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/master/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop-Point_Sensor.py) - Uses IR sensor and IR LED to illuminate only when a point is scored.
## Strand Test Code for NeoPixels
The code below is probably what you want to start with. It is based off of the Strand Test code for NeoPixels. This can easily be modified to any animation you want to program.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/code.py
## Point Sensor Code
So far our hoop will just light up all the time. Using an IR sensor and IR LED we can make the NeoPixels light up whenever we score.
The IR LED pulses out IR light (940nm wavelength) at 38KHz, same as an IR remote. The IR receiver will pick up the signal as long as it can 'see' the LED. When the basketball goes through the hoop, the sensor will say it can't see the LED any more because its blocked - thats how we know it's time to light up the LEDs.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop/NeoPixel_Basketball_Hoop-Point_Sensor/code.py
## Featured Products
### Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform
[Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501)
The **Adafruit Gemma M0** is a super small microcontroller board, with just enough built-in to create many simple projects. It may look small and cute: round, about the size of a quarter, with friendly alligator-clip sew pads. But do not be fooled! The Gemma M0 is incredibly...
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3501/guides)
### Adafruit GEMMA v2 - Miniature wearable electronic platform
[Adafruit GEMMA v2 - Miniature wearable electronic platform](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1222)
**Deprecation Warning: The Gemma bit-bang USB technique it uses doesn't work as well as it did in 2014, many modern computers won't work well. So while we still carry the Gemma so that people can maintain some older projects, we no longer recommend it.**
In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1222/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED
[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1376)
You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! These NeoPixel strips have 30 digitally-addressable pixel LEDs per meter and are very affordable and are only 12.5 mm...
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### 3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST
[3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727)
This battery holder connects 3 AAA batteries together in series for powering all kinds of projects. We spec'd these out because the box is slim, and 3 AAA's add up to about 3.3-4.5V, a very similar range to Lithium Ion/polymer (Li-Ion) batteries and have an on-off switch. That makes...
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[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727)
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[Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304)
Oh so adorable, this is the tiniest little lipo charger, so handy you can keep it any project box! Its also easy to use. Simply plug in the gold plated contacts into any USB port and a 3.7V/4.2V lithium polymer or lithium ion rechargeable battery into the JST plug on the other end. There are...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1304/guides)
### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 1200mAh
[Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 1200mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/258)
Lithium-ion polymer (also known as 'lipo' or 'lipoly') batteries are thin, light, and powerful. The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This battery has a capacity of 1200mAh for a total of about 4.5 Wh. If you need a larger battery,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/258)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/258/guides)
### Super-bright 5mm IR LED
[Super-bright 5mm IR LED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/387)
Infrared LEDs are used for remote controls (they're the little LED in the part you point at your TV) and 'night-vision' cameras, and these little blue guys are high powered ones! They are 940nm wavelength, which is what nearly all devices listen to. They're 20 degree beamwidth,...
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[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/387)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/387/guides)
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[IR (Infrared) Receiver Sensor](https://www.adafruit.com/product/157)
IR sensor tuned to 38KHz, perfect for receiving commands from a TV remote control. Runs at 3V to 5V so it's great for any microcontroller.
To use, connect pin 3 (all the way to the right) to 5V power, pin 2 (middle) to ground and listen on pin 1. It doesn't do any decoding...
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