Welcome, intrepid creators and enthusiasts of the extraordinary, to this illuminating tutorial on crafting your very own LED top hat. In this journey, we shall delve into the harmonious blend of Victorian elegance and modern marvels, weaving together the vibrant glow of Progress with the timeless charm of Style.

Imagine, furthermore, a hat that not only dazzles with light but also dances to the rhythm of sound and responds to your commands through the marvel of WiFi control. Prepare to embark on a splendid voyage into the heart of innovation, where tradition meets the future in a dance of light and shadow.

Before you Start

This is a fairly complex build with a lot of pieces. You may want to skim through the whole guide to get a feel for the scope of the project.

I'm going to take you pretty deep into some of the cool features of WLED. If this is your first time using this software, play around with the basics first. Your hat will be very cool even without the 2d effects or sound reactivity. 

This project uses WLED v 14.4 Audioreactive. Be sure to select the Audioreactive option when you install the software.

This hat features:

• Audioreactive modes using a PDM microphone breakout
• A decorative button that changes between modes, toggles audioreactive mode, and turns the LEDs on and off
• 2d Matrix setup for "mapped" animations
• A physical on/off switch
• WiFi control from any smartphone or computer

So, gather your tools, ignite your creativity, and get started on this magnificent adventure!

Materials

Additional Electronics

• USB C Splitter
• USB C Power Switch
• USB C Battery Pack

Hat Build Materials

• A Top Hat: find a nice one that fits comfortably with at least 2-3 inches of height above the crown of your head, and has fairly straight vertical sides - a funky, curvy hat will make it harder to line up the LED matrix
• 1/2" EVA craft foam for lining the hat and making an enclosure inside for the electronics
• Diffusion Material: I used a pair of opaque tights to stretch over the hat
• Trim & Decoration for the hat that will hide your momentary switch button

Tools & Supplies

• Soldering iron & accessories
• Hot glue gun 
• Heat gun
• E6000 glue
• Heat shrink
• Awl
• Needle & thread