# Pip-Boy 2040 Wrist-Mounted Prop
## Overview
Prep your wrist for the apocalypse! Build your own small form-factor, Fallout-inspired Pip-Boy with Feather RP2040 and CircuitPython.
You can make this prop wrist-computer for cosplay, or for general stylishness all the time. Swap graphic screens on the beautiful round rectangle IPS TFT display with the directional buttons, move the cursor with the joystick, look rad.
The demo code is a simple slide-show with navigation controls, but the platform can be used to code your own unique device behavior.
## Parts
Featured
### Adafruit 1.69" 280x240 Round Rectangle Color IPS TFT Display
[Adafruit 1.69" 280x240 Round Rectangle Color IPS TFT Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5206)
Don't be such a _square_ - throw a curve-ball into your electronics with a curved-edge miniature display. Here's a new "round rect" TFT display - it's 1.69" diagonal and has a high-density 220 ppi, 280x240 full color pixels with IPS any-angle viewing....
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5206)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5206/guides)
Featured
### Adafruit Joy FeatherWing for all Feathers
[Adafruit Joy FeatherWing for all Feathers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3632)
Make a game or robotic controller with this **Joy-** ful **FeatherWing**. This FeatherWing has a 2-axis joystick and 5 momentary buttons (4 large and 1 small) so you can turn your feather board into a tiny game controller. This wing communicates with your host...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3632)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3632/guides)
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)
Featured
### FeatherWing Tripler Mini Kit - Prototyping Add-on For Feathers
[FeatherWing Tripler Mini Kit - Prototyping Add-on For Feathers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3417)
This is the **FeatherWing Tripler** - a prototyping add-on and more for all Feather boards. This is similar to our [FeatherWing Proto](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2884) except there are three! The magic of the Tripler comes when you want to connect your Feather to...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3417)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3417/guides)
Featured
### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery with Short Cable - 3.7V 420mAh
[Lithium Ion Polymer Battery with Short Cable - 3.7V 420mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4236)
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 420mAh for a total of about 1.55 Wh. If you need a larger (or smaller!) battery,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4236)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4236/guides)
Featured
### Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch
[Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805)
These nice switches are perfect for use with breadboard and perfboard projects. They have 0.1" spacing and snap in nicely into a solderless breadboard. They're easy to switch no matter what size fingers you have, but not so easy that they'll get flipped by accident. Work great as...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/805/guides)
Featured
### Stacking Headers for Raspberry Pi Pico - 2 x 20 Pin
[Stacking Headers for Raspberry Pi Pico - 2 x 20 Pin](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5582)
These two **Stacking**** Headers** alone are, well, lonely. But pair them with the [Raspberry Pi Pico](https://www.adafruit.com/category/875), and you're in business!
What do they do? They stack. Put the headers through your...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5582)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5582/guides)
### Short Feather Male Headers - 12-pin and 16-pin Male Header Set
quantity: 2
[Short Feather Male Headers - 12-pin and 16-pin Male Header Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3002)
These two **Short** **Male Headers** alone are, well, lonely. But pair them with any of our [Feather](https://www.adafruit.com/categories/777) boards and you're in business!
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3002)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3002/guides)
### Short Headers Kit for Feather - 12-pin + 16-pin Female Headers
[Short Headers Kit for Feather - 12-pin + 16-pin Female Headers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2940)
These two **Short** **Female Headers** alone are, well, lonely. But pair them with any of our [Feather](https://www.adafruit.com/categories/777) boards and you're in business!
These headers are particularly cute and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2940)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2940/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...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3299/guides)
## Watch Strap
I used a 22mm wide nylon band, [similar to this one.](https://countycomm.com/collections/watch-bands/products/maratac-mil-series-bands?variant=33232615372)
[M4 x 30mm socket-head screws](https://www.mcmaster.com/#91292A130) x4
and
[M4 x 0.7mm thread ](https://www.mcmaster.com/mv1484837058/#catalog/94180A351)[brass heat-set inserts](https://www.mcmaster.com/mv1484837058/#catalog/94180A351) x8
# Pip-Boy 2040 Wrist-Mounted Prop
## Build the Pip-Boy 2040
## Display Circuit
Here's what the circuit looks like when directly wired to the Feather. Don't solder this together just yet, we'll use the Feather Tripler as shown below for the build.
Warning:
This view shows the same wiring (minus the enable switch) but with the screen to the left of the Feather as it will be on the Tripler.
## Layout
Here's an initial layout to determine parts placement on the FeatherWing Tripler.
## Tripler
This diagram shows the display wired to the Feather via the Tripler. This illustration has the display off to the side for clarity. On the real board you'll use the header to connect the display to the board with this wiring in place.
Here's what it looks like with the display in place but the wiring visible x-ray style.
Non-xray version. Note that the display will not overlap the Feather in the final board, thanks to an angled stacking header.
## Feather Soldering
A compact way to attach the Feather to the board, while allowing the Joy FeatherWing to mount on top is to solder header pins directly through the Feather to the Tripler as shown here.
Solder the header pins to the Feather Tripler as shown, then remove the plastic spacer with pliers or a shimming tool of some kind.
Then, put some insulating Kapton tape or heat shrink tubing under the Feather to avoid shorting anything, and solder the Feather to the Tripler.
## FeatherWing Sockets
Solder the socket headers to the Joy FeatherWing as shown.
## Screen Socket Soldering
Use a tall stacking header to create a pluggable socket for the display.
This will set the screen at a good height for the build, and you can bend the long headers to use as connection points for the wires on the FeatherWing Tripler.
Follow the wiring in the photo as well as the Fritzing diagrams above.
Solder in the slide switch as well and wire it to the ground and Enable pins of the Feather.
## Battery
Use a length of double-stick foam tape to secure the battery to the FeatherWing. This will keep it from rattling around inside your Pip-Boy.
## Assemble the Pip-Boy Components
Plug in the Joy FeatherWing, and the display.
It's now ready for coding and case assembly.
# Pip-Boy 2040 Wrist-Mounted Prop
## 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/000/101/659/original/flash_nuke.uf2?1618945856)
# Pip-Boy 2040 Wrist-Mounted Prop
## Code the Pip-Boy 2040
## 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, along with a folder full of image files. 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/PipBoy_2040/code.py
## Use the Pip-Boy
While this platform can be used to code your own unique behavior, the project example is a simple slide-show with input controls.
When the Pip-Boy 2040 boots up it will run through a series of images, then pause. You can use the left and right buttons to got between menus, and the up and down buttons to show the sub-menu screens.
The joystick will move the cursor around the screen.
# Pip-Boy 2040 Wrist-Mounted Prop
## 3D Printed Pip-Boy 2040 Case
You can build a 3D printed, wrist-mounted case for your Pip-Boy 2040. A nylon watch strap will allow you to adjust it for a perfect fit -- or you can use velcro strips to secure it to a costume jacket or rad cyber armor.
[Model files](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5161040)
## Print the Case
Print the three model files (linked above) at 0.2mm layer height and 18% infill.
## Threaded Inserts
For case section assembly, use [M4 x 30mm socket-head screws](https://www.mcmaster.com/#91292A130), and [M4 x 0.7mm thread ](https://www.mcmaster.com/mv1484837058/#catalog/94180A351)[brass heat-set inserts.](https://www.mcmaster.com/mv1484837058/#catalog/94180A351)
For more info on using heat-set threaded inserts, [see this guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/heat-set-rig).
Using your soldering iron, carefully heat and sink the four inserts into the model as shown.
## Case Top
Secure the Joy FeatherWing and the Display to the case top using eight M2.5 x 10mm screws and nuts.
## Middle
Align the boards and press the header pins into the sockets.
Then, fit the board into the middle section, making sure to line up the USB-C port.
## Base
Flip the base so the curved face is down (this is contoured for your arm), with the flat side facing the board.
Use the M4 screws to assemble the three sections, screwing them into the threaded inserts.
## Extra Inserts
You can add four inserts on top of the excess screw length for that post-apocalyptic atom-punk look!
## Strap
Add your watch strap and you're ready to wear the Pip-Boy 2040.
Flip the slide switch to power it on.
Info: Here's a great looking build by a community member: https://manchicken.com/2025/03/08/pip-boy-2040-finished/
## Guide Products
### Adafruit 1.69" 280x240 Round Rectangle Color IPS TFT Display
[Adafruit 1.69" 280x240 Round Rectangle Color IPS TFT Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5206)
Don't be such a _square_ - throw a curve-ball into your electronics with a curved-edge miniature display. Here's a new "round rect" TFT display - it's 1.69" diagonal and has a high-density 220 ppi, 280x240 full color pixels with IPS any-angle viewing....
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5206)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5206/guides)
### Adafruit Joy FeatherWing for all Feathers
[Adafruit Joy FeatherWing for all Feathers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3632)
Make a game or robotic controller with this **Joy-** ful **FeatherWing**. This FeatherWing has a 2-axis joystick and 5 momentary buttons (4 large and 1 small) so you can turn your feather board into a tiny game controller. This wing communicates with your host...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3632)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3632/guides)
### 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)
### FeatherWing Tripler Mini Kit - Prototyping Add-on For Feathers
[FeatherWing Tripler Mini Kit - Prototyping Add-on For Feathers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3417)
This is the **FeatherWing Tripler** - a prototyping add-on and more for all Feather boards. This is similar to our [FeatherWing Proto](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2884) except there are three! The magic of the Tripler comes when you want to connect your Feather to...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3417)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3417/guides)
### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery with Short Cable - 3.7V 420mAh
[Lithium Ion Polymer Battery with Short Cable - 3.7V 420mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4236)
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 420mAh for a total of about 1.55 Wh. If you need a larger (or smaller!) battery,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4236)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4236/guides)
### Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch
[Breadboard-friendly SPDT Slide Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805)
These nice switches are perfect for use with breadboard and perfboard projects. They have 0.1" spacing and snap in nicely into a solderless breadboard. They're easy to switch no matter what size fingers you have, but not so easy that they'll get flipped by accident. Work great as...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/805)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/805/guides)
### Stacking Headers for Raspberry Pi Pico - 2 x 20 Pin
[Stacking Headers for Raspberry Pi Pico - 2 x 20 Pin](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5582)
These two **Stacking**** Headers** alone are, well, lonely. But pair them with the [Raspberry Pi Pico](https://www.adafruit.com/category/875), and you're in business!
What do they do? They stack. Put the headers through your...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5582)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5582/guides)
### Short Feather Male Headers - 12-pin and 16-pin Male Header Set
[Short Feather Male Headers - 12-pin and 16-pin Male Header Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3002)
These two **Short** **Male Headers** alone are, well, lonely. But pair them with any of our [Feather](https://www.adafruit.com/categories/777) boards and you're in business!
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3002)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3002/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Introducing Adafruit Feather RP2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-rp2040-pico.md)
- [Adafruit 1.69" 280x240 Round Rectangle Color IPS TFT Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-1-69-280x240-round-rectangle-color-ips-tft-display.md)
- [NeoPixel Flame Torch](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-flame-torch.md)
- [Leverless Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/leverless-controller.md)
- [Boomy Pi Airplay Boombox](https://learn.adafruit.com/boomy-pi-airplay.md)
- [Goose Game M4SK Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/goose-game-m4sk-controller.md)
- [Qualia S3 Compass](https://learn.adafruit.com/qualia-s3-compass.md)
- [Building the Assistive Technology Ultimate Remote](https://learn.adafruit.com/building-the-assistive-technology-ultimate-remote.md)
- [Fiber Optic Whip](https://learn.adafruit.com/fiber-optic-whip.md)
- [Adafruit IO Time Tracking Cube](https://learn.adafruit.com/time-tracking-cube.md)
- [USB C Power Delivery Monitor](https://learn.adafruit.com/usb-c-benchtop-power-supply.md)
- [GEMMA M0 Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/gemma-m0-case.md)
- [CircuitPython Painter](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-painter.md)
- [Planetary Gear Dreidels](https://learn.adafruit.com/planetary-gear-dreidels.md)
- [JOY Controller for Adafruit Feather](https://learn.adafruit.com/joy-controller-feather.md)
- [Adafruit 2.4" TFT FeatherWing](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-2-4-tft-touch-screen-featherwing.md)
- [Driving TM1814 addressable LEDs](https://learn.adafruit.com/driving-tm1814-addressable-leds.md)