Drop into the new year with a blinged out Circuit Playground Express!
This guide will show how to build a simple drop mechanism that mimics the famous Times Square Ball Drop on New Year's Eve in New York City.
Programming this celebrative project is easy using Microsoft MakeCode, a drag and drop interface and language that requires no prior programming experience!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Prerequisite guides
Reading or at least skimming through these guides before beginning will save you some time in the future. You can always refer back to them if you need help!
1 x
Circuit Playground Express (CPX)
Circuit Playground Express is a great introduction to electronics and programming
Optional but recommended:
1 x
Small Alligator Clip to Male Jumper Wire Bundle - 12 Pieces
Help with testing out code and prototyping project
Tools and Materials
- Medium to large width corrugated cardboard - need at least 1 sheet sized 22 cm X 14 cm
- Scrap pieces of cardboard (to make spool and mount)
- Paper towel or aluminum foil roll center
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Hobby knife
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Twine or string
- Thumb tack
- Duct tape
- Glue stick
- Mini bamboo skewers
Optional:
- Cutting mat (for cutting cardboard)
- Construction paper, glitter glue, foil door curtain (for decorations)
- Popsicle stick for spreading glitter glue.
