# Adafruit QT Py and NeoPixel LEDs
## Overview
The QT Py is a tiny little development board capable of big things. Big things are great, but LEDs are the best. QT Py plus LEDs is even better! This guide will help you get started using NeoPixel LEDs with your QT Py and QT Py Haxpress (A QT Py with a soldered-on flash chip). You'll learn how to wire up the board and LEDs, and how to get the software set up.
For the QT Py, you'll be provided with an example that includes some simple animations, such as blink and chase, with basic customisations so you can modify them to fit your needs.
If you've soldered up a QT Py Haxpress, you have the option to use it with the CircuitPython LED Animation library. This guide includes a page on how to use the LED Animation library with your QT Py Haxpress, with three examples to get you started, as well as links to details and more animations.
Let's get blinking!
## Parts
### Adafruit QT Py - SAMD21 Dev Board with STEMMA QT
[Adafruit QT Py - SAMD21 Dev Board with STEMMA QT](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4600)
What a cutie pie! Or is it... a QT Py? This diminutive dev board comes with our favorite lil chip, the SAMD21 (as made famous in our GEMMA M0 and Trinket M0 boards).
This time it comes with [our favorite connector - the STEMMA QT](http://adafruit.com/stemma), a chainable I2C...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4600)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4600/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with 3-pin JST PH 2mm Connector
[Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with 3-pin JST PH 2mm Connector](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3919)
Plug in and glow, this **Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with JST PH Connector** has **30 total LEDs** in a **"60 LED per meter" spacing** , and is 0.5 meters long, in classy Adafruit Black. Its not too long, but has lots of glowing action.
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3919)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3919/guides)
### Tiny Premium Breadboard
[Tiny Premium Breadboard](https://www.adafruit.com/product/65)
This is a tiny little breadboard... half the size of a half-size breadboard!
**As of Sep 8, 2022** - This Tiny breadboard has been updated to make plugging and un-plugging boards and headers a buttery-smooth operation. Updated design also includes a metal...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/65)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/65/guides)
### Premium Silicone Covered Male-Male Jumper Wires - 200mm x 40
[Premium Silicone Covered Male-Male Jumper Wires - 200mm x 40](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4482)
These premium male-male jumper wires are handy for making wire harnesses or jumpering between headers on PCBs. They're 200mm (~7.8") long and come loose as a pack of 40 (10 pieces of red, blue, yellow, and Adafruit black). They have 0.1" male header contacts on...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4482)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4482/guides)
### USB C to USB C Cable - USB 3.1 Gen 4 with E-Mark - 6" long
[USB C to USB C Cable - USB 3.1 Gen 4 with E-Mark - 6" long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4198)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit! Rather than the regular USB A, this cable has **USB C to USB C** plugs!
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power. Like Lightning and MagSafe cables, USB C...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4198)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4198/guides)
### USB C to USB C Cable - USB 3.1 Gen 4 with E-Mark - 1 meter long
[USB C to USB C Cable - USB 3.1 Gen 4 with E-Mark - 1 meter long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4199)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit! Rather than the regular USB A, this cable has **USB C to USB C** plugs!
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power. Like Lightning and MagSafe cables, USB C...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4199)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4199/guides)
### USB Type A to Type C Cable - 6" long
[USB Type A to Type C Cable - 6" long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4472)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop.
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4472)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4472/guides)
### USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long
[USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop.
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4474/guides)
# Adafruit QT Py and NeoPixel LEDs
## QT Py NeoPixel Wiring
The first thing you need to do is connect NeoPixels smart color LEDs to your QT Py. NeoPixels come in [many form factors](https://www.adafruit.com/category/168) but connecting them is basically the same. There are three pins: **ground** , **5v** **power** and **data**. You'll connect these to the appropriate pins on your QT Py.
For an in depth look at NeoPixels, check out [this guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide).
There are options for connecting NeoPixels to the QT Py. You can solder headers to your QT Py and use a breadboard, or you can solder wires directly to your QT Py. It's up to you!
To demonstrate the examples in this guide, I have connected a [NeoPixel LED Strip with 3-pin JST Connector](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3919) to the QT Py on a [tiny breadboard](https://www.adafruit.com/product/65) using [Silicone Covered Male-Male Jumper Wires](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4482). You can use any form of NeoPixels and connect them however you like, but if you want the examples to run without modification, ensure that you've connected them to the pin listed below.
Warning:
## Wiring
Connect the NeoPixels to the QT Py as follows:
- **QT Py A3** to **NeoPixel data / DIN (data in)**
- **QT Py GND** to **NeoPixel ground**
- **QT Py 5V** to **NeoPixel power (5V)**
Warning:
Once you've got everything connected, it's time to get coding and light it up!
# Adafruit QT Py and NeoPixel LEDs
## Basic Animations for QT Py
CircuitPython makes using NeoPixels with a QT Py super simple. Simply load the necessary libraries and save the example to your board. This example includes some basic animations to use with a QT Py and NeoPixels, such as blinking, theatre chase, and color wipe. Each animation has some customisations you can do to fit with your project. Let's take a look!
## Step 1 - Install CircuitPython
This guide requires CircuitPython be installed, click the button below to learn how to do that and install the latest version of CircuitPython
[Install CircuitPython on QT Py Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-qt-py/circuitpython)
## CircuitPython NeoPixel Library Installation
First make sure you are running the [latest version of Adafruit CircuitPython for the QT Py](https://circuitpython.org/board/qtpy_m0/).
You'll need to install the [Adafruit CircuitPython NeoPixel](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_NeoPixel) library and its dependency on your QT Py.
Next you'll need to install the necessary libraries to use the LEDs -- carefully follow the steps to find and install these libraries from [Adafruit's CircuitPython Library Bundle](https://circuitpython.org/libraries). Our CircuitPython starter guide has [a great page on how to install libraries from the bundle](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/circuitpython-libraries).
You'll want to manually install the following libraries by copying the files to the **lib** folder on your **CIRCUITPY** drive:
- **adafruit\_pixelbuf.mpy**
- **neopixel.mpy**
Before continuing make sure your board's **lib** folder or root filesystem has the **neopixel.mpy** , and **adafruit\_pixelbuf.mpy** files copied over.
## Light It Up!
Save the following example to your **CIRCUITPY** drive as **code.py** :
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/QT_Py/QT_Py_NeoPixels/code.py
Your LEDs should begin blinking red! The blinking will be followed by a purple chase animation, three solid colors (red, green and blue), three color wipes (yellow, cyan and purple), and a rainbow cycle. Each of the animations is simple to use. Let's take a look!
## Blink
The blink animation turns on the LEDs for a specified period of time, and turns them off for the same amount of time. To use blink, specify a `color`, and the `wait` time interval you'd like to use.
```python
[...]
for blinks in range(5):
blink(RED, 0.5)
```
If you use `blink()` on its own, it will blink only one time. So, the example includes code to blink it for a a specified number of times - in this case 5 times. If you want to increase or decrease the number of blinks, change `5` on the line `for blinks in range(5):` to a larger or smaller number.
To change the blinking itself, you have the option to specify a color and a time interval. For example, try changing `blink(red, 0.5)` to `blink(blue, 1)`. Slower blue blinking!
## Chase
The chase animation lights up a single LED spaced every x-number of pixels and creates a theatre chase animation. To use chase, specify a `color`, `spacing`, and `iteration step`.
```python
[...]
for step in range(50):
chase(PURPLE, spacing=4, iteration_step=step)
time.sleep(0.05)
```
For chase to work, the `iteration_step` should be the `step` in a range. Increase the number in `range(number)` to increase the length of time the chase animation runs, decrease it to shorten the time it runs.
To change the chase itself, you have the option to specify a color and the spacing. For example, try changing `chase(PURPLE, spacing=4, iteration_step=step)` to `chase(GREEN, spacing=2, iteration_step=step)`. Tighter green chase!
If you use `chase()` without a `time.sleep()`, the animation runs very quickly. So, there is a `time.sleep(0.05)` included to slow it down a bit. You can increase this number to slow down the chase animation further, or set it to `0` for super fast chasing!
## Color Wipe
The color wipe fills the LEDs a specified color beginning with the first pixel and wiping to the last pixel. To use color wipe, specify a `color` and `wait` to determine speed.
```python
[...]
color_wipe(YELLOW, 0.01)
```
Color wipe is used standalone. To change it, you have the option to specify a color and the speed. For example, try changing `color_wipe(YELLOW, 0.01)` to `color_wipe(BLUE, 0.2)`. Slower blue color wipe!
## Rainbow Cycle
The rainbow cycle spreads a rainbow across all pixels and then cycles it across all pixels for once. To use, specify a `wait` time to determine the speed.
```python
[...]
rainbow_cycle(0)
```
The rainbow cycle is used standalone. To change it, you have the option to specify the speed. For example, try changing the `rainbow_cycle(0)` to `rainbow_cycle(0.2)`. Slower rainbow cycle!
To cycle the rainbow more than once, you can use range in the same way you did with `blink`. Add the following code to cycle the rainbow three times. Change `3` to any number to cycle that number of times.
```python
[...]
for cycles in range(3):
rainbow_cycle(0)
```
That's all there is to using basic animations with QT Py and NeoPixels!
# Adafruit QT Py and NeoPixel LEDs
## LED Animations with QT Py Haxpress
Warning:
The CircuitPython LED Animation library makes animating your LEDs super simple with a wide variety of easily customisable animations. [Most of the available animations run on the SAMD21 microcontroller](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations/faqs#does-the-led-animation-library-run-on-the-samd21-microcontroller-3074329-2) found on the QT Py. This page provides examples of using blink, chase and comet animations. You can use any of the other valid animations in the same way.
For more details about these animations and the others available in the LED Animation library, check out the [CircuitPython LED Animations guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations/).
## CircuitPython LED Animation Library Installation
You'll need to install the Adafruit CircuitPython LED Animation library and the NeoPixel library on your QT Py.
For more details on getting started with this library, check out [the Import and Setup page of the CircuitPython LED Animations guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations/import-and-setup).
First make sure you are running the [latest version of Adafruit CircuitPython for the QT Py Haxpress](https://circuitpython.org/board/qtpy_m0_haxpress/).
Next you'll need to install the necessary libraries to use the LEDs -- carefully follow the steps to find and install these libraries from [Adafruit's CircuitPython Library Bundle](https://circuitpython.org/libraries). Our CircuitPython starter guide has [a great page on how to install libraries from the bundle](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/circuitpython-libraries).
You'll want to manually install the following libraries by copying the files and folders to the **lib** folder on your **CIRCUITPY** drive:
- **adafruit\_led\_animation**
- **neopixel.mpy**
Before continuing make sure your board's **lib** folder or root filesystem has the **adafruit\_led\_animation** , and **neopixel.mpy** files and folders copied over.
Warning:
## Blink
This is a blinking animation that lights up and turns off all the LEDs at a specified interval.
Save the following example as **code.py** on your **CIRCUITPY** drive:
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_LED_Animation/blob/main/examples/led_animation_blink.py
The LEDs should begin to blink purple!
For details on how to customise the blink animation, check out [the Blink section of the CircuitPython LED Animations guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations/basic-animations#blink-3063709-12).
## Chase
This is a theatre chase style animation that lights up blocks of LEDs evenly spaced and chases them along the strip.
Save the following example as **code.py** on your **CIRCUITPY** drive:
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_LED_Animation/blob/main/examples/led_animation_chase.py
Groups of three LEDs lit up white should chase along the strip spaced out by six LEDs turned off!
For details on how to customise the chase animation, check out [the Chase section of the CircuitPython LED Animations guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations/basic-animations#chase-3063734-24).
## Comet
This is a comet animation with a bright LED moving along the strip with a progressively dimming tail of a specified size following it.
Save the following example as **code.py** on your **CIRCUITPY** drive:
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_LED_Animation/blob/main/examples/led_animation_comet.py
A jade colored comet should begin bouncing back and forth across the strip!
For details on how to customise the comet animation, check out [the Comet section of the CircuitPython LED Animations guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations/basic-animations#comet-3063738-30).
## More Animations
The CircuitPython LED Animation library has many more animations available, [most of which will work](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations/faqs#does-the-led-animation-library-run-on-the-samd21-microcontroller-3074329-2) on your QT Py Haxpress. For more information on the rest of the features of the LED Animation library, check out [the CircuitPython LED Animations guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations).
## Featured Products
### Adafruit QT Py - SAMD21 Dev Board with STEMMA QT
[Adafruit QT Py - SAMD21 Dev Board with STEMMA QT](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4600)
What a cutie pie! Or is it... a QT Py? This diminutive dev board comes with our favorite lil chip, the SAMD21 (as made famous in our GEMMA M0 and Trinket M0 boards).
This time it comes with [our favorite connector - the STEMMA QT](http://adafruit.com/stemma), a chainable I2C...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4600)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4600/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with 3-pin JST PH 2mm Connector
[Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with 3-pin JST PH 2mm Connector](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3919)
Plug in and glow, this **Adafruit NeoPixel LED Strip with JST PH Connector** has **30 total LEDs** in a **"60 LED per meter" spacing** , and is 0.5 meters long, in classy Adafruit Black. Its not too long, but has lots of glowing action.
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3919)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3919/guides)
### Tiny Premium Breadboard
[Tiny Premium Breadboard](https://www.adafruit.com/product/65)
This is a tiny little breadboard... half the size of a half-size breadboard!
**As of Sep 8, 2022** - This Tiny breadboard has been updated to make plugging and un-plugging boards and headers a buttery-smooth operation. Updated design also includes a metal...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/65)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/65/guides)
### Premium Silicone Covered Male-Male Jumper Wires - 200mm x 40
[Premium Silicone Covered Male-Male Jumper Wires - 200mm x 40](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4482)
These premium male-male jumper wires are handy for making wire harnesses or jumpering between headers on PCBs. They're 200mm (~7.8") long and come loose as a pack of 40 (10 pieces of red, blue, yellow, and Adafruit black). They have 0.1" male header contacts on...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4482)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4482/guides)
### USB C to USB C Cable - USB 3.1 Gen 4 with E-Mark - 6" long
[USB C to USB C Cable - USB 3.1 Gen 4 with E-Mark - 6" long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4198)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit! Rather than the regular USB A, this cable has **USB C to USB C** plugs!
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power. Like Lightning and MagSafe cables, USB C...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4198)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4198/guides)
### USB C to USB C Cable - USB 3.1 Gen 4 with E-Mark - 1 meter long
[USB C to USB C Cable - USB 3.1 Gen 4 with E-Mark - 1 meter long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4199)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit! Rather than the regular USB A, this cable has **USB C to USB C** plugs!
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power. Like Lightning and MagSafe cables, USB C...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4199)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4199/guides)
### USB Type A to Type C Cable - 6" long
[USB Type A to Type C Cable - 6" long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4472)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop.
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4472)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4472/guides)
### USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long
[USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop.
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4474/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit QT Py SAMD21](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-qt-py.md)
- [PyGamer NeoPixel Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/pygamer-neopixel-controller.md)
- [NeoPIO: Drive lots of LEDs with Raspberry Pi Pico](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopio-drive-lots-of-leds-with-raspberry-pi-pico.md)
- [HalloWing Light Paintstick](https://learn.adafruit.com/hallowing-light-paintstick.md)
- [Milk Jug Glow Skull](https://learn.adafruit.com/milk-jug-glow-skull.md)
- [Glowing Mirror Mask](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-mirror-mask.md)
- [Adafruit PyPortal - IoT for CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-pyportal.md)
- [PyPortal NeoPixel Color Picker](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-neopixel-color-picker.md)
- [Adafruit PyBadge and PyBadge LC](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-pybadge.md)
- [NeoPixel Remote: IR Control with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-remote-ir-control-with-wled.md)
- [CircuitPython LED Animations](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-led-animations.md)
- [Feather Guitar Hero Adapter](https://learn.adafruit.com/feather-guitar-hero-adapter.md)
- [AdaBox 009](https://learn.adafruit.com/adabox009.md)
- [HalloWing M4 Tombstone](https://learn.adafruit.com/hallowing-tombstone.md)
- [Moonshine Voice Control on Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/moonshine-voice-control-on-raspberry-pi.md)
- [Last-Minute Halloween Accoutrements with HalloWing](https://learn.adafruit.com/last-minute-halloween-accoutrements-with-hallowing.md)