# Sparkle Motion Christmas Tree Lights
## Overview
I needed some holiday spirit in the workshop, so here's a quick Sparkle Motion NeoPixel strand Christmas Tree!
The Sparkle Motion board running WLED makes it easy to set up great looking lighting and animation, plus, there's no soldering involved, just plug and play your way into the holidays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMriqZJaYSw
## Parts
Featured
### Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board
[Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
The **Adafruit Sparkle Motion ** is the flagship in our series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the best small WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid,
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6100/guides)
Featured
### Adafruit NeoPixel LED Star Shape Pixel Strand - 20 LEDs
[Adafruit NeoPixel LED Star Shape Pixel Strand - 20 LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5982)
Attaching NeoPixel strips to your costume can be a struggle as the flexible PCBs can crack when bent too much. So how to add little shooting stars of color? Use these stranded NeoPixel LEDs that come in adorable 5-pointed star shapes.
Each strand has **20 stars with a single RGB...**
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5982)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5982/guides)
Featured
### Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion
[Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
Here is a cute and minimal enclosure for your **Adafruit Sparkle Motion** board. to keep it safe during use and transport. This case has been custom-designed and 3D printed to accommodate all the...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6301/guides)
Featured
### Vertical Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 3A Output and Switch
[Vertical Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 3A Output and Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5801)
We love the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5, with their fancy new USB Type C power connectors. Now we have an even _better_ power supply that can be used with either Pi 4 or even a Pi 5 with 5V output, 3A of current to handle builds with accessories and displays. The vertical-style plug...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5801)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5801/guides)
Featured
### 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set
[3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
These 3-wire cables are 163mm (6.4") long and come as a set. One cable has a JST SM type connector plug on the end. The other cable has a matching JST SM type receptacle connector. They are good for whenever you have 3 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug. We like the solid and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1663/guides)
# Sparkle Motion Christmas Tree Lights
## WLED Software
## Board Choices
WLED runs on several different boards in Adafruit's collection. There are different benefits to each, but the installation process is largely the same. This page contains instructions for multiple boards -- be sure to use the pinouts and installation instructions for the one you're using,
**Sparkle Motion**
This is our flagship ESP32 board, designed with WLED and Xlights in mind. It has 4 outputs and is set up to drive either 5v, 12v or 24v pixels. It's a workhorse of a board and for larger projects it's the clear winner. It has an onboard microphone for instant sound-reactive support, and an IR sensor built in, to make it easy to control your project with an infrared remote. It also has a couple stemma ports so you can add your own sensors or peripherals.
**Sparkle Motion Mini**
The Sparkle Motion Mini is a smaller version of the Sparkle Motion board. It has two LED outputs, a microphone, and two stemma ports that make it easy to add an IR sensor or other peripherals. It's got an onboard NeoPixel and a small footprint, making it perfect for wearables or smaller projects. It will power a whole lot of pixels through the onboard USB port: it's safe to draw up to 4A through this port, giving you plenty of power for most wearable projects.
Info: For Sparkle Motion Mini use at least the 0.15.1 release of WLED.
**QT Py Pico ESP32**
The [QT Py Pico](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5395) is small and affordable, so usually my go-to for smaller costumes or wearables. It also has a range of BFF add-on boards that add functionality. [Here's a guide with more QT Py info](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-qt-py-esp32-pico/overview). The QT Py will drive up to around 30 pixels through the onboard USB port, so if you have more LEDs than that you may want to consider the Sparkle Motion Mini instead, or you can power the board through the +5v pin.
Note: WLED works on the QT Py Pico but NOT on the S2 or S3 versions, at the time of writing.
**Feather Huzzah ESP32 **
The [Feather Huzzah ESP32](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3405) the top of the line. It's a great choice for projects where you want to add sensors, interaction, or drive a whole lot of LEDs. It's the most reliable as well -- I've run these for two months straight with no power cycling and they just keep on truckin. Adafruit has a very wide selection of Feather Wing boards that connect to the Feather microcontroller line. The sky is the limit with these boards.
It also comes in a version with a high-powered WiFi range extender! If you're trying to sync multiple instances across distance, check this one out. [Feather Huzzah ESP32 V2 w.FL Antenna](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5438)
**Feather Huzzah ESP8266**
The [Feather Huzzah ESP8266](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2821) will run WLED as well, but won't drive as many pixels: the ESP32 limit on WLED is around 1000 pixels per input, but the ESP8266 tops out at around 500. It's about $5 cheaper though, so for smaller projects it's a great way to save a little money and still have access to all the Featherwing options in the Adafruit store.
## Driver Update
Some versions of our controllers have a new serial chip which needs a driver installed before we can install WLED. Head over to our [How to Install Drivers for WCH USB to Serial Chips](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-install-drivers-for-wch-usb-to-serial-chips) tutorial, and download and install the new driver.
If you have an older QT Py with CP2102 USB-to-Serial bridge, [use SiLabs’ driver instead](https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads).
## Install WLED
These next steps require a **_Web Serial_-compatible browser**. As of this writing, that means **Google Chrome** , **Microsoft Edge** or **Opera** ,or **Firefox** “desktop” browsers. Other browsers (Safari, Explorer and _anything_ mobile) won’t work.
Visit [https://install.wled.me/](https://install.wled.me/)
Plug your microcontroller into your computer with a known good USB cable. Click "Install" and select the port for your board.
Depending on the USB-to-serial bridge chip on the board, you might see one _or two_ serial ports. On Mac, for instance, there might be both “/dev/cu.usbmodem[number]” _and_ “/dev/cu.wchusbserial[number]”. Use the “ **wchusbserial** ” one.
After successful installation, enter your WiFi network name and password when prompted. This must be a **2.4 GHz** WiFi network; ESP32 does not support 5 GHz networks. If it can’t connect, then as a fallback WLED will create its own 2.4 GHz WiFi access point.
Danger: Sometimes the "Connect to Wi-Fi" prompt doesn't show up. Don't panic, just see the step below on connecting your computer or mobile device to the WLED-AP access point created on the microcontroller itself!
If you don't see the "Connect to Wi-Fi" prompt, you'll need to set up your WiFi network using AP (access point) mode. Open up your WiFi settings and look for a WiFi network called `WLED-AP`. (Note, this access point can take up to 30 seconds to appear sometimes.) Connect to this network using the default password `wled1234`. The WLED interface will pop up in its own captive browser window.
From here, go into **Config/Wifi Settings** and enter your WiFi credentials for the access point you normally use near the top.
Give your project a name in the mDNS field a little further down the page. Now you can type in "projectname.local" (where "projectname" is your mDNS name) into any web browser on the same wifi network to access your microcontroller.
You can also scan the QR code below to open access point mode.
For more help and troubleshooting tips visit the [Getting Started page on the WLED knowledge base.](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/getting-started/)
## Setup & Preferences
### WiFi Setup
Head to the **WiFi Setup** screen under Config and create a good URL so you can control your project from any web-enabled device. Call it something you'll remember, that's easy to type into any web browser on your WiFi network in order to connect to your project.
In Safari or Chrome on your phone or computer, type in this web address to access the WLED interface: [http://projectname.local](http://projectname.local) (where "projectname" is whatever you put into this field).
Check out the Additional Settings page for more info on accessing your project. WLED has an "access point mode" that doesn't require a WiFi network for when you're out on the go. It's also helpful to download one of the WLED apps to help manage and organize your projects.
### LED Preferences
Next, head to the **LED Preferences** tab under the Config menu.
Scroll down to **Hardware Setup**. Put your total number of LEDs into the "Length" field, and change GPIO to the pin number associated with the pin you soldered to. Check the pinout diagram for the board you're using (it's the number in yellow).
- [Sparkle Motion Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion)
- [Sparkle Motion Mini Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion-mini/overview)
- [QT Py Pico Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/assets/112309)
- [Feather Huzzah ESP8266 Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/assets/46249)
- [Feather Huzzah ESP32 Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-huzzah32-esp32-feather/pinouts)
## Use It
Now you can use any computer or handheld device to control your LEDs.
Make sure your device is on the same WiFi network as your board. Navigate to your custom URL (projectname.local/ ) in a web browser. You'll see a color picker above a whole bunch of color palette choices.
Choose a color, choose an effect, and watch your lights animate and glow!
Save your favorite combinations as presets, create playlists, control the speed and intensity of the animations, and lots more. This web app is incredibly intuitive and easy to use.
Head over to the WLED wiki at [https://kno.wled.ge/](https://kno.wled.ge/) to delve into all the particulars.
# Sparkle Motion Christmas Tree Lights
## Assemble
## Plug Extension
Unscrew the three rightmost terminal blocks. Insert the wires from the female JST cable so that they are arranged as shown in the third picture here, then tighten the screws.
You can double check this with the NeoPixel strand color coding:
- NeoPixel **red** to Sparkle Motion **+**
- NeoPixel **green** to Sparkle Motion **21**
- NeoPixel **black** to Sparkle Motion **-**
## Case It
Place the Sparkle Motion board in the case and snap the lid on top. There is only one orientation that will work, so check that the slots align with the board parts.
## Plug in Strands
Next, plug in the strands. They are keyed/polarized to only connect one way.
Primary: A note on power consumption: the five strands shown here add up to 100 NeoPixel LEDs. At full brightness on white (which uses all three diodes) this arrangment draws less than 1A of current, including the Sparkle Motion board. With the 5V 3A power supply used here you should be able to connect ~300 LEDs, but you should connect some strands to the other output terminals or power both ends of the strands to avoid voltage drop due to resistance.
## Plug in Power
Plug in the USB power supply.
# Sparkle Motion Christmas Tree Lights
## LED Settings
## LED Length
Set the LED Length to the same number as your total count in the LED Settings, and if you've created any logical segments as well.
## Optional Remote
You can follow [these instructions](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion/ir-remote-setup) to set up an [optional IR remote control](https://a.co/d/aD8OJoR) which makes it simple for anyone in the house to adjust the lights!
You can use the remote (or the web page/mobile app) to pick colors and patterns, or set up some presets using [these instructions](https://learn.adafruit.com/floor-lamp-with-wled/create-presets).
https://youtu.be/gMriqZJaYSw?si=QBSa-Le5iBc4Hl-Y
## Classic Christmas Patterns
Here are some great classic Christmas tree light patterns you can create. (You can see each of them in the video above.)
Pick the Effect mode shown in each example, and the corresponding colors and effect sliders. Then, click the + Preset so save. The very first one you create will automatically be run on restart.
### Red & Green Blink
- **Effect mode \> Colorful**
- **Color 1** = red
- **Color 2** = green
- **Color 3** = black
## Solid Red
- **Effect mode \> Solid**
- **Fx color =** red
## Solid Green
- **Effect mode \> Solid**
- **Fx color =** green
## Solid Warm
- **Effect mode \> Solid**
- **Fx color =** a cozy golden white
### Candle Flicker
- **Effect mode \> Candle**
- **Fx color** = warm white color
- **Bg color** = black
- **Effect speed** = slow
- **Effect intensity** = medium high
## Chase Three Colors
- **Effect mode \> Chase 3**
- **Color 1 =** red
- **Color 2 =** warm white
- **Color 3 =** green
- **Effect speed** = medium
- **Size** = medium
### Static Classic Bulbs
To create a static pattern of multiple bulb colors we will use the WLED **Segments** capability. This lets us create multiple virtual strands with non-contiguous spacing. By offsetting them we can have multiple static colors that repeat evern n-spaces.
First, set the **Effect mode** to **Solid** black to turn off all the LEDs.
Then, set the **Segment 0** spacing to the number of bulb colors you want, in this case, I'll choose **5**.
Set the **Solid** color to **red** ; we see every fifth LED light up.
For the second bulb color, we'll create **Segment 1** , with the same settings as **Segment 0** , but with an **Offset** of 1.
Set **Segment 1** to **green**. and now we see the pattern begin to emerge.
We'll repeat this for:
- **Segment 2** with **Offset** of **2** and color **white**
- **Segment 3 ** with **Offset** of **3** and color **blue**
- **Segment 4** with **Offset** of **4** and color **orange**
- **Segment 5** with **Offset** of 5 and color **purple**
Here are each of the segments added together.
# Sparkle Motion Christmas Tree Lights
## Trim the Tree
Even this somewhat sad little artificial tree deserves to shine! Wrap your lights around the tree and watch the magic when you flip on the Sparkle Motion lights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMriqZJaYSw
## Guide Products
### Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board
[Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
The **Adafruit Sparkle Motion ** is the flagship in our series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the best small WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid,
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6100/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel LED Star Shape Pixel Strand - 20 LEDs
[Adafruit NeoPixel LED Star Shape Pixel Strand - 20 LEDs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5982)
Attaching NeoPixel strips to your costume can be a struggle as the flexible PCBs can crack when bent too much. So how to add little shooting stars of color? Use these stranded NeoPixel LEDs that come in adorable 5-pointed star shapes.
Each strand has **20 stars with a single RGB...**
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5982)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5982/guides)
### Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion
[Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
Here is a cute and minimal enclosure for your **Adafruit Sparkle Motion** board. to keep it safe during use and transport. This case has been custom-designed and 3D printed to accommodate all the...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6301/guides)
### Vertical Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 3A Output and Switch
[Vertical Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 3A Output and Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5801)
We love the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5, with their fancy new USB Type C power connectors. Now we have an even _better_ power supply that can be used with either Pi 4 or even a Pi 5 with 5V output, 3A of current to handle builds with accessories and displays. The vertical-style plug...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5801)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5801/guides)
### 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set
[3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
These 3-wire cables are 163mm (6.4") long and come as a set. One cable has a JST SM type connector plug on the end. The other cable has a matching JST SM type receptacle connector. They are good for whenever you have 3 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug. We like the solid and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1663/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit Sparkle Motion](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion.md)
- [Magic Mirror with Glowing Secret Messages](https://learn.adafruit.com/magic-mirror-with-glowing-secret-messages.md)
- [NeoPixel Aquarium with Submersible Lights](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-aquarium-with-submersible-lights.md)
- [Glowing Interactive Crystal Staff ](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-interactive-crystal-staff.md)
- [Mushroom Lights with NeoPixels and WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/mushroom-lights-with-neopixels-and-wled.md)
- [Holiday Lights: Easy DIY Christmas Wreath & Garland with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/holiday-garland-decor-app-control-with-no-coding.md)
- [16x16 NeoPixel Matrix Square Pixel Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/16x16-neopixel-matrix-square-pixel-display.md)
- [Adafruit IO Home: Lights and Temperature ](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-house-lights-and-temperature.md)
- [StarFlower NeoPixel Strand with MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/starflower-neopixel-strand.md)
- [Sparkle Motion Skirt with 2D Mapping](https://learn.adafruit.com/sparkle-motion-skirt-with-2d-mapping.md)
- [LED Festival Coat with Mapping and WLED ](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-festival-coat-with-mapping-and-wled.md)
- [xLights for Sparkle Motion Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/xlights-for-sparkle-motion-board.md)
- [Intro to DMX](https://learn.adafruit.com/intro-to-dmx.md)
- [Starlight Groove Tutu – Sound-Reactive LED Skirt](https://learn.adafruit.com/starlight-groove-tutu-sound-reactive-led-skirt.md)
- [itsaSNAP Apple Health Status Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/itssnap-apple-fitness-status-board.md)
- [Memento Photo Capture with itsaSNAP](https://learn.adafruit.com/memento-photo-capture-with-itsasnap.md)