# Superhero Power Plant ## Overview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yR6ekf0bgU Planning an epic Iron Man costume for Halloween or Comic Con, or looking for that iconic piece that turns a plain t-shirt into Tony Stark? Look no further, for in this guide we'll show you how to make your own electronic glowing reactor with a cool pulsing effect. You can even customize it once complete, go for red, purple, green, pink: Whatever color will power you up! Or change the pulse rate or effects to add a special touch. Info: This is a simple soldering+crafts project, but before you begin, please review the following prerequisite guides: - [Introducing GEMMA](http://http//learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma) or [Introducing Gemma M0](../../../../adafruit-gemma-m0/) - [Adafruit NeoPixel Überguide](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide) Vector designs by Dano Wall. Vice photo by John de Cristofaro. Parts list: - [GEMMA v2](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1222) or [GEMMA M0](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) wearable microcontroller - [NeoPixel ring](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1463) - single [FLORA NeoPixel](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1260) - [solid-core hookup wire](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1311) - [JST extension cable](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1131) - [3xAAA battery pack](http://www.adafruit.com/products/727) with [batteries](http://www.adafruit.com/products/617) - 2x laser-cut/etched acrylic in clear or white ([files on Thingiverse](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:157296)) - elastic - safety pin or velcro - E6000 craft glue or hot melt glue - needle and thread - tracing/printer paper Tools: - [soldering iron](http://www.adafruit.com/products/180) & [solder](http://www.adafruit.com/products/145) - [helping third hand tool](http://www.adafruit.com/products/291) - [pliers](http://www.adafruit.com/products/146) - [wire strippers](http://www.adafruit.com/products/527) - [flush snips](http://www.adafruit.com/products/152) - scissors ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/359/medium800/flora_reactor_1800.png?1380575226) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/013/532/medium800/gemma_DSC_3790.jpg?1389108468) # Superhero Power Plant ## Laser it ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/234/medium800/flora_IMG_2505.jpg?1380227577) Download the [vector files for this project from Thingiverse](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:157296) (Iron Man 3-inspired version available, too). Inking the engraved portion with a dry erase marker really brings out the detail. We layer two of these together for a neat 3D effect then later we'll wrap wire through the provided holes and indents to hold them together. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/235/medium800/flora_IMG_2508.jpg?1380227644) Hairline features are vector cuts, everything else is engraved. Our settings, using a 60 Watt Epilog: Raster speed 50%, raster power 50%, vector speed 40%, vector power 100%, vector frequency 5000 Have fun! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/361/medium800/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-06.jpg?1380593799) # Superhero Power Plant ## Circuit Diagram Info: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/421/medium800/flora_adafruit-arc-reactor-diagram.jpg?1380729269) GEMMA Vout -\> NeoPixel Ring Vcc and single FLORA pixel + GEMMA D1 -\> NeoPixel Ring Data IN GEMMA GND -\> NeoPixel Ring Gnd and single FLORA pixel - NeoPixel Ring Data OUT -\> single FLORA pixel inward-facing arrow # Superhero Power Plant ## Build Circuit Using solid-core wire for stiffness, solder short wires to all four junctions on the NeoPixel ring. Orient all wires to stick down through the pixel ring, and solder its output to the inward-facing arrow on a FLORA NeoPixel. This center pixel will sit back in space more than the pixel ring, adding a bit more space for diffusion behind the faceplate. ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-00.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/362/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-00.jpg?1380593857) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-01.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/364/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-01.jpg?1380594225) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-02.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/366/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-02.jpg?1380595293) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-03.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/369/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-03.jpg?1380595606) Carefully solder the rest of the wire connections according to the [circuit diagram](http://learn.adafruit.com/superhero-power-plant/circuit-diagram). The single pixel will sit back to back with GEMMA, not quite on the same plane as the pixel ring. ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-04.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/372/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-04.jpg?1380595858) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-05.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/375/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-05.jpg?1380596120) # Superhero Power Plant ## Arduino Code ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/278/medium800/gemma_flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-07.jpg?1505175003) Info: If this is your first time using GEMMA, work through the [Introducing G](http://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma)[EMMA (original)](http://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma) or [Introducing Gemma M0 guide](../../../../adafruit-gemma-m0/) first; you need to customize some settings in the Arduino IDE. Once you have it up and running (test the 'blink' sketch), then follow the instructions on the following page for installing the NeoPixel library: ## **[NeoPixel Überguide: Arduino Library Installation](../../../../adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/arduino-library-installation)** Plug in your circuit via USB and test that all LEDs are functioning properly with the NeoPixel example sketch 'strandtest.' Please refer to [Introducing GEMMA](http://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma) and the [NeoPixel Überguide](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide) if you haven't before. Once you've verified your wiring is correct, load your desired color code or the sketch below that gently pulses the LEDs blue. https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Superhero_Power_Plant/Superhero_Power_Plant.ino # Superhero Power Plant ## CircuitPython Code ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/046/292/medium800/gemma_CircuitPython-Gemma-w-Blinka.jpg?1505234305) **GEMMA M0** boards can run **CircuitPython**  — a different approach to programming compared to Arduino sketches. In fact, **CircuitPython comes factory pre-loaded on GEMMA M0**. If you’ve overwritten it with an Arduino sketch, or just want to learn the basics of setting up and using CircuitPython, this is explained in the [**Adafruit GEMMA M0 guide**](../../../../adafruit-gemma-m0/circuitpython-setup-1). Info: Below is CircuitPython code that works similarly to the Arduino sketch shown on a prior page. To use this, plug the GEMMA M0 into USB…it should show up on your computer as a small **flash drive** …then edit the file “ **code.py** ” with your text editor of choice. Select and copy the code below and paste it into that file, **entirely replacing its contents** (don’t mix it in with lingering bits of old code). When you save the file, the code should **start running almost immediately**  (if not, see notes at the bottom of this page). **If GEMMA M0 doesn’t show up as a drive, follow the GEMMA M0 guide link above to prepare the board for CircuitPython.** https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Superhero_Power_Plant/code.py This code requires the **neopixel.py** library. A factory-fresh board will have this already installed. If you’ve just reloaded the board with CircuitPython, create the “lib” directory and then [download neopixel.py from Github](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_NeoPixel). # Superhero Power Plant ## Affix Faceplate Strip your copper wire and insert through one set of slots in the stacked acrylic pieces. Hide the ends to the back side of the faceplate and use pliers to squeeze the wires into a tight fit. Our thick wire couldn't be wrapped multiple times around, so we cut each loop at the back and started with a fresh loop. The wire ends will be hidden so the back doesn't have to look pretty! ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-08.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/363/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-08.jpg?1380594205) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-09.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/365/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-09.jpg?1380595282) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-10.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/371/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-10.jpg?1380595727) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-11.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/374/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-11.jpg?1380596026) Continue this process to place five or six loops in each slot until they are all filed with faux "coils." ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-12.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/377/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-12.jpg?1380596367) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-13.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/388/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-13.jpg?1380634445) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/392/medium800/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-15.jpg?1380637170) The arc reactor in Iron Man 3 has a different design without wires. We used white acrylic and a blue dry-erase marker in the etchings to achieve the above effect. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/393/medium800/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-16.jpg?1380639405) Dab some E6000 adhesive on the back of the coils, and gently glue the circuit assembly to it. Don't press so hard that the metal wire comes in contact with the pixel ring PCB-- the glue acts as an insulator. E6000 dries clear and flexible in about 24 hours. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/400/medium800/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-17.jpg?1380671067) If you're in a rush you _can_ use hot melt glue. It's inferior to E6000 in almost every way, but it will get the job done fast. # Superhero Power Plant ## Wear it! Thread a piece of elastic long enough to go around your chest through the circuit, between GEMMA and the NeoPixel Ring. To keep it from obscuring the center pixel, cinch the elastic in one spot with a few stitches, then align that spot with the circuit. Use a safety pin or velcro to secure the strap. ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-18.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/367/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-18.jpg?1380595412) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-19.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/370/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-19.jpg?1380595678) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-20.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/373/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-20.jpg?1380595899) ![flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-22.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/376/medium640/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-22.jpg?1380596190) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/390/medium800/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-23.jpg?1380636601) Use a [JST extension cable](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1131) and [3xAAA battery pack](http://www.adafruit.com/products/727 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/727") tucked in your pocket for many hours of glow time. We experimented with using a [coincell battery pack](http://www.adafruit.com/products/783) as well, but it only lasted for about an hour. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/391/medium800/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-24.jpg?1380637132) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/011/394/medium800/flora_iron-man-arc-reactor-adafruit-25.jpg?1380639438) ## Featured Products ### Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform [Adafruit GEMMA M0 - Miniature wearable electronic platform](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) The **Adafruit Gemma M0** is a super small microcontroller board, with just enough built-in to create many simple projects. It may look small and cute: round, about the size of a quarter, with friendly alligator-clip sew pads. But do not be fooled! The Gemma M0 is incredibly... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3501) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3501/guides) ### Adafruit GEMMA v2 - Miniature wearable electronic platform [Adafruit GEMMA v2 - Miniature wearable electronic platform](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1222) **Deprecation Warning: The Gemma bit-bang USB technique it uses doesn't work as well as it did in 2014, many modern computers won't work well. So while we still carry the Gemma so that people can maintain some older projects, we no longer recommend it.** In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1222) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1222/guides) ### NeoPixel Ring - 16 x 5050 RGB LED with Integrated Drivers [NeoPixel Ring - 16 x 5050 RGB LED with Integrated Drivers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1463) Round and round and round they go! 16 ultra bright smart LED NeoPixels are arranged in a circle with 1.75" (44.5mm) outer diameter. The rings are 'chainable' - connect the output pin of one to the input pin of another. Use only one microcontroller pin to control as many as you can... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1463) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1463/guides) ### Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel version 3 - Pack of 4 [Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel version 3 - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1260) What's a wearable project without LEDs? Our favorite part of the Flora platform is these tiny smart pixels. Designed specifically for wearables, these updated Flora NeoPixels have ultra-cool technology: these ultra-bright LEDs have a constant-current driver cooked right into the LED... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1260) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1260/guides) ### 3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST [3 x AAA Battery Holder with On/Off Switch and 2-Pin JST](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727) This battery holder connects 3 AAA batteries together in series for powering all kinds of projects. We spec'd these out because the box is slim, and 3 AAA's add up to about 3.3-4.5V, a very similar range to Lithium Ion/polymer (Li-Ion) batteries and have an on-off switch. That makes... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/727) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/727/guides) ### JST-PH Battery Extension Cable - 500mm [JST-PH Battery Extension Cable - 500mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1131) By popular demand, we now have a handy extension cord for all of our JST PH-terminated battery packs (such as our LiIon/LiPoly and 3xAAA holders). One end has a JST-PH compatible socket, and the other end has a matching plug. Between the two, 500mm of color coded wire. Handy for wearable... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1131) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1131/guides) ### Alkaline AAA batteries - 2 pack [Alkaline AAA batteries - 2 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/617) Battery power for your portable project! These batteries are good quality at a good price, and work fantastic with any of the kits or projects in the shop that use AAA's. This is a pack of **2 AAA batteries**. These batteries are Alkaline (MnO2) chemistry,... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/617) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/617/guides) ### Hook-up Wire Spool Set - 22AWG Solid Core - 6 x 25 ft [Hook-up Wire Spool Set - 22AWG Solid Core - 6 x 25 ft](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1311) Perfect for bread-boarding, free wiring, etc. This box contains 6 spools of solid-core wire. The wire is easy to solder to and when bent it keeps its shape pretty well. We like to have a few spools of this stuff around which is why this set is quite nice! We suggest picking up wire strippers... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1311) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1311/guides) ## Related Guides - [3D Printed LED Goggles](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-led-goggles.md) - [NeoPixels on Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixels-on-raspberry-pi.md) - [NeoPixel Coat Buttons](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-coat-buttons.md) - [Mystical LED Halloween Hood](https://learn.adafruit.com/mystical-led-halloween-hood.md) - [Introducing Gemma](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-gemma.md) - [NeoPixel Ring Bangle Bracelet](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-ring-bangle-bracelet.md) - [Bluetooth Controlled NeoPixel Headphones](https://learn.adafruit.com/bluetooth-controlled-neopixel-headphones.md) - [NeoPixel LED Mickey Ears](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-led-mickey-ears.md) - [Logan’s Run Hand Jewel LED](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-in-you-hand-logans-run-life-clock.md) - [3D Printed NeoPixel Ring Hair Dress](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-ring-hair-dress.md) - [DIY Thermal Light Painting - Heat Map Photography](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-flir-light-painting-heat-map-photography.md) - [GEMMA Hoop Earrings](https://learn.adafruit.com/gemma-hoop-earrings.md) - [NeoPixel Tiara](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-tiara.md) - [CircuitPython Hardware: SSD1306 OLED Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/micropython-hardware-ssd1306-oled-display.md) - [A colorful CLUE slideshow purse with Bright Wearables](https://learn.adafruit.com/a-colorful-clue-slideshow-purse.md)