Skip to main content
TFT Gizmo Turtle

TFT Gizmo Turtle

Image for user pixil3d
by Ruiz Brothers
published November 20, 2019, last updated September 09, 2024
posted in 3D Printing Programming/ MicroPython / CircuitPython Circuit Playground/ Bluefruit
Save Subscribe Download
21
Beginner
Project guide

Overview

Play Video: Turtle TFT Gizmo

Turtle GFX Bluefruit

3D print and program your own turtle graphics turtle with CircuitPython! Use the TFT Gizmo and Circuit Playground Bluefruit to display graphics and images.

This project uses the Turtle Graphics library for Adafruit’s CircuitPython. This was inspired by the Logo programming language. With CircuitPython, you can program your own turtle graphics and display them on Adafruit’s TFT Gizmo.

Fridge Magnet

The case is 3D printed and designed to house the components. The parts were designed to snap fit so the assembly is pretty easy to put together.

It’s got little neodymium magnets on the bottom of the flippers. You can stick it to your refrigerator or any metal surface. 

TFT Gizmo

The TFT Gizmo is specifically designed to work with the Circuit Playground Express and Circuit Playground Bluefruit. The TFT Gizmo features a 240x240 IPS screen for displaying graphics and images. The two boards are bolted together using included hardware.

Prerequisite Guides

Read through the guides linked below for more information on Circuit Playground Bluefruit, CircuitPython, and the Turtle Graphics Library.

Parts 

Components used to build this project.

shot of a Black woman's neon-green manicured hand holding up a Circuit Playground Bluefruit glowing rainbow LEDs.
Circuit Playground Bluefruit is our third board in the Circuit Playground series, another step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've...
view guides using product
$24.95
In Stock
Add to Cart
Hand pressing buttons on circuit playground, then turning over to show TFT gizmo display an image of a friendly robot or snake
Extend and expand your Circuit Playground projects with a bolt on TFT Gizmo that lets you add a lovely color display in a sturdy and reliable fashion. This PCB looks just like a round...
view guides using product
$19.95
In Stock
Add to Cart
Lithium Ion Polymer Battery 3.7v 350mAh with JST 2-PH connector and short cable
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...
$5.95
In Stock
Add to Cart
Convex Plastic Lens with Edge
The eyes have it! Add this little lens to make a big expression with our Spooky Eyes demo for microcontrollers or Raspberry Pi. These are plastic lenses, with brilliant clarity and a...
$3.95
In Stock
Add to Cart
Fully Reversible Pink/Purple USB A to micro B Cable
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pink and purple Blinka-like pattern, it's also fully reversible! That's right, you will save seconds a day by...
$3.95
In Stock
Add to Cart
4 x Neodymium Magnet Discs
D42 – 1/4" dia. x 1/8" thick

Text editor powered by tinymce.

Install or Update CircuitPython

Follow this quick step-by-step to install or update CircuitPython on your Circuit Playground Bluefruit.

Click the link above and download the latest UF2 file

Download and save it to your Desktop (or wherever is handy)

Plug your Circuit Playground Bluefruit into your computer using a known-good data-capable USB cable.

A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! So make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.

Double-click the small Reset button in the middle of the CPB (indicated by the red arrow in the image). The ten NeoPixel LEDs will all turn red, and then will all turn green. If they turn all red and stay red, check the USB cable, try another USB port, etc. The little red LED next to the USB connector will pulse red - this is ok!

If double-clicking doesn't work the first time, try again. Sometimes it can take a few tries to get the rhythm right!

(If double-clicking doesn't do it, try a single-click!)

You will see a new disk drive appear called CPLAYBTBOOT.

 

 

 

Drag the adafruit_circuitpython_etc.uf2 file to CPLAYBTBOOT.

The LEDs will turn red. Then, the CPLAYBTBOOT drive will disappear and a new disk drive called CIRCUITPY will appear.

That's it, you're done! :)

Text editor powered by tinymce.

Play Video: Turtle Graphics CircuitPython on Circuit Playground Bluefruit @adafruit @johnedgarpark #adafruit

Libraries

Now we'll install the libraries that we need to use Turtle graphics on the Circuit Playground Bluefruit with TFT Gizmo.

Click this link to go to the circuitpython.org Libraries page. Download the latest version of the Bundle library .zip file that matches the version of CircuitPython you're using on the board.

Uncompress the .zip file and then copy the following directory and three library .mpy files to the lib directory of the CIRCUITPY drive:

  • adafruit_bus_device
  • adafruit_logging.mpy
  • adafruit_st7789.mpy
  • adafruit_turtle.mpy

The Mu Editor

Adafruit recommends using the free program Mu to edit your CircuitPython programs and save them on your Circuit Playground Bluefruit. You can use any text editor, but Mu has some handy features.

See this page on the Circuit Playground Bluefruit guide on the steps used to install Mu.

programming_Python_Turtle_Graphics.jpg

Turtle Graphics Code

Let's start of with a simple bit of code. It will draw a square on the screen.

Copy the code below and then paste it into a new document in Mu. Save it to the CIRCUITPY drive as code.py.

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

#Turtle Gizmo Square
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

turtle.pendown()

#top
turtle.forward(80)
turtle.right(90)

#right
turtle.forward(80)
turtle.right(90)

#bottom
turtle.forward(80)
turtle.right(90)

#left
turtle.forward(80)
turtle.right(90)

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub

Square

After the setup code imports libraries and configures some pins for the display, the main body of the code runs. Watch the screen on your TFT Gizmo as the board restarts and runs the code.

First, it sets the pen down with the turtle.pendown() command. (Later, you'll learn to lift the pen with turtle.penup() so you don't always draw a line then the turtle moves!)

The turtle starts out at the origin point -- 0,0 on the x- and y-axis respectively. It then moves forward 80 pixels, drawing a line as it goes using the turtle.forward(80) command. This draws the top of the square.

Next, the turtle turns right using the turtle.right(90) command.

This same pair of commands -- forward() and right() -- run three more times in order to complete the square.

circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9175.jpg

Since there are some repetitive steps in there, we can tidy up the code by iterating through a loop four times like this:

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

#Turtle Gizmo Square Loop
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

turtle.pendown()
for _ in range(4):
    turtle.forward(80)
    turtle.right(90)

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub

Try out that code -- it's much shorter, but you'll see the same square drawn on the screen!

Asterisk

Now that we can loop through a command many times, let's add another two commands -- turtle.back()and turtle.left()

We can move forward and backward to create a line, shift the angle 18 degrees to the left, and do it all again. After twenty iterations of this we have a nice star pattern!

With a small change to the code (see the comment on line 18) we can turn this into an iris pattern!

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

#Turtle Gizmo Asterix
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

turtle.pendown()
for _ in range(20):
    turtle.forward(80)
    turtle.back(80) #try changing this to 70 for an iris effect
    turtle.left(18)

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9174.jpg

Circle

The built-in command turtle.circle() makes it very simple to draw a triangle. No, just kidding! It draws a circle!

Try out the example here, and then us some different numbers for the circle radius instead of the 118 here.

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Gizmo Circle
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

turtle.penup()
turtle.right(90)
turtle.forward(118)
turtle.left(90)
turtle.pendown()
turtle.circle(118) #radius of the circle

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9173.jpg

Circle Petals

Let's get a little fancy. We will now introduce a few more techniques, including the turtle.pencolor() command to change the color of the line that our turtle draws, as well as iterating through multiple loops with changing variables.

This will allow us to change the size of a series of five circles, and repeat the pattern four times.

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Circle Petals
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import Color, turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

colors = [Color.YELLOW, Color.GREEN]

for _ in range(4):
    for i in range (5):
        turtle.pencolor(colors[i % 2])
        turtle.pendown()
        turtle.circle(60 - (i*10) )
        turtle.penup()
    turtle.right(90)

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9172.jpg

Star

Here's a super stylish, 1970's inspired star! Note how the length of each forward command is increased as the value of i goes up during each of the 26 iterations of the loop.

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Gizmo Star Fancy
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import Color, turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

turtle.pendown()
turtle.pencolor(Color.BLUE)
for i in range(26):
    turtle.fd(i*10)
    turtle.rt(144)

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9171.jpg

Rainbow Benzene

Here's a classic, beautiful design. This hexagonal shape twists with each iteration, and every side of each perceived hexagon is a different color of the rainbow!

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Gizmo Rainbow Benzene
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import Color, turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

benzsize = min(display.width, display.height) * 0.5

print("Turtle time! Lets draw a rainbow benzene")

colors = (Color.RED, Color.ORANGE, Color.YELLOW, Color.GREEN, Color.BLUE, Color.PURPLE)

turtle.pendown()
start = turtle.pos()

for x in range(benzsize):
    turtle.pencolor(colors[x%6])
    turtle.forward(x)
    turtle.left(59)

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9170.jpg

Parabolas

This lovely parabolic curve set creates the illusion of curvature. It is in fact made up entirely of straight line segments, just as you would with a piece of string art and some pins pushed into a canvas.

It also introduces the turtle.dot() command, which drops down a dot of your desired radius wherever the turtle is. In this case, the turtle is moved with turtle.goto() This command allows the turtle to instantly head to a coordinate point on the screen rather than needing explicit angle rotations specified along with a "forward" command.

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Gizmo Parabolic Jack
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import Color, turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

print("Draw parabolas using straight line segments!")

def vert(x, y, size):
    turtle.goto(x, y)
    turtle.dot(size)

turtle.penup()
turtle.pencolor(Color.GREEN)

vert(0, 0, 7)
vert(0, 100, 7)
vert(100, 0, 7)
vert(0, -100, 7)
vert(-100, 0, 7)

x_quad=[10, 10, -10, -10]
y_quad=[10, -10, -10, 10]

for q in range(4):
    for i in range(0,11):
        x_from = 0
        y_from = (10-i) * y_quad[q]
        x_to = i * x_quad[q]
        y_to = 0
        turtle.penup()
        turtle.goto(x_from,y_from)
        turtle.pendown()
        turtle.goto(x_to,y_to)

turtle.home()


while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9169.jpg

Sierpinski Triangle

Time to get fractal! These are recursive, equilateral triangles as described by Waclaw Sierpinski in 1915! Read more about them here.

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Gizmo Sierpinski Triangle
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

def getMid(p1, p2):
    return ((p1[0] + p2[0]) / 2, (p1[1] + p2[1]) / 2) #find midpoint

def triangle(points, depth):

    turtle.penup()
    turtle.goto(points[0][0], points[0][1])
    turtle.pendown()
    turtle.goto(points[1][0], points[1][1])
    turtle.goto(points[2][0], points[2][1])
    turtle.goto(points[0][0], points[0][1])

    if depth > 0:
        triangle([points[0],
                  getMid(points[0], points[1]),
                  getMid(points[0], points[2])],
                 depth-1)
        triangle([points[1],
                  getMid(points[0], points[1]),
                  getMid(points[1], points[2])],
                 depth-1)
        triangle([points[2],
                  getMid(points[2], points[1]),
                  getMid(points[0], points[2])],
                 depth-1)

big = min(display.width/2, display.height/2)
little = big / 1.4
seed_points = [[-big, -little], [0, big], [big, -little]] #size of triangle
triangle(seed_points, 4)

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9168.jpg

Hilbert Curve

Here's another interesting fractal pattern, called a Hilbert curve.

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Gizmo Hilbert
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import Color, turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

def hilbert2(step, rule, angle, depth, t):
    if depth > 0:
        a = lambda: hilbert2(step, "a", angle, depth - 1, t)
        b = lambda: hilbert2(step, "b", angle, depth - 1, t)
        left = lambda: t.left(angle)
        right = lambda: t.right(angle)
        forward = lambda: t.forward(step)
        if rule == "a":
            left()
            b()
            forward()
            right()
            a()
            forward()
            a()
            right()
            forward()
            b()
            left()
        if rule == "b":
            right()
            a()
            forward()
            left()
            b()
            forward()
            b()
            left()
            forward()
            a()
            right()

turtle.penup()

turtle.goto(-108, -108)
turtle.pendown()
turtle.pencolor(Color.PURPLE)
hilbert2(7, "a", 90, 5, turtle)

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9166.jpg

Koch Snowflake

This is a third generation fractal Koch snowflake.

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Gizmo Koch Snowflake
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

def f(side_length, depth, generation):
    if depth == 0:
        side = turtle.forward(side_length)
    else:
        side = lambda: f(side_length / 3, depth - 1, generation + 1)
        side()
        turtle.left(60)
        side()
        turtle.right(120)
        side()
        turtle.left(60)
        side()

turtle.penup()
turtle.goto(-99, 56)
turtle.pendown()

num_generations = 3
top_side = lambda: f(218, num_generations, 0)

top_side()
turtle.right(120)
top_side()
turtle.right(120)
top_side()

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9165.jpg

Christmas Tree

This lovely Christmas tree was adapted from this program written by Keith Randall.

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Gizmo Christmas Tree
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import Color, turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

# Fractal Christmas Tree:
# https://codegolf.stackexchange.com/questions/15860/make-a-scalable-christmas-tree
#  by Keith Randall
n = 42  # input value for scaling the tree. note: ornaments don't scale
turtle.goto(0, -20)

#star
turtle.left(90)
turtle.forward(3*n)
turtle.pencolor(Color.YELLOW)
turtle.left(126)
turtle.pendown()
for _ in range(5):
    turtle.forward(n/5)
    turtle.right(144)
    turtle.forward(n/5)
    turtle.left(72)
turtle.right(126)

#tree
turtle.pencolor(Color.GREEN)
turtle.back(n*4.8)

def tree(d,s):
    if d <= 0:
        return
    turtle.forward(s)
    tree(d-1, s*.8)
    turtle.right(120)
    tree(d-3, s*.5)
    turtle.right(120)
    tree(d-3, s*.5)
    turtle.right(120)
    turtle.back(s)
turtle.pendown()
turtle.pencolor(Color.GREEN)
tree(15, n)
turtle.back(n/2)

#ornaments
def ornament(x, y):
    turtle.penup()
    turtle.goto(x, y)
    turtle.pencolor(Color.RED)
    turtle.pendown()
    turtle.dot(7)
    turtle.penup()

orn_pnts=[  (5, 60), (-7, 40), (10, 20), (-15, 0), (25, -20),
            (-27, -30), (7, -33), (40, -60), (-9, -63),
            (-50, -88), (62, -97) ]

for j in range(len(orn_pnts)):
    ornament(orn_pnts[j][0], orn_pnts[j][1])


turtle.penup()
turtle.goto(0, -120)

while True:
    pass
View on GitHub
circuitpython_turtle_gizmo_9164.jpg

Snowflakes

This example will draw lots of beautiful snowflake-style patterns! If you want to get technical about the number of sides in your flakes, make some adjustments to this line:

draw_flake(randint(5, 8)) #adjust number of arms here

Download Project Bundle
Copy Code 
# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2019 John Edgar Park for Adafruit Industries
#
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

# Turtle Gizmo Snowflakes
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup start |========================================
import time
from random import randint
import board
import busio
import displayio
from adafruit_st7789 import ST7789
from adafruit_turtle import turtle
displayio.release_displays()
spi = busio.SPI(board.SCL, MOSI=board.SDA)
display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=board.TX, chip_select=board.RX)
display = ST7789(display_bus, width=240, height=240, rowstart=80,
                 backlight_pin=board.A3, rotation=180)
turtle = turtle(display)
#==| Turtle Gizmo Setup end |=========================================

def draw_arm():
    turtle.pendown()
    for angle, length in arm_data:
        turtle.forward(length)
        turtle.left(angle)
        turtle.forward(length)
        turtle.backward(length)
        turtle.right(2*angle)
        turtle.forward(length)
        turtle.backward(length)
        turtle.left(angle)
    turtle.penup()

def draw_flake(arms):
    turtle.penup()
    turtle.home()
    turtle.clear()
    angle = 0
    delta_angle = 360 // arms
    for _ in range(arms):
        turtle.home()
        turtle.setheading(angle)
        draw_arm()
        angle += delta_angle
    turtle.penup()
    turtle.home()

while True:
    arm_data = [(randint(30, 80), randint(10, 40)) for _ in range(5)]
    draw_flake(randint(5, 8)) #adjust number of arms here
    time.sleep(5)
View on GitHub

Where to Find More

You can find much more information about turtle graphics as well as example scripts through an Internet search of "turtle python graphics examples" or some variation. Since turtle graphics are mainly in terms of moving and turning they can usually be converted to CircuitPython and the adafruit_turtle library.

Check out these example sites:

Text editor powered by tinymce.

3D Parts

STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Original design source may be downloaded using the links below.

CAD Assembly

This animation shows how the parts snap are put together. The TFT Gizmo is bolted to the Circuit Playground Bluefruit with hardware screws. The PCBs are fitted on top of the turtle body while the turtle shell snap fits on top. A plastic convex lens can be used to magnify the display. 

Design Source Files

The project assembly was designed in Fusion 360. This can be downloaded in different formats like STEP, SAT and more. Electronic components like Adafruit's board, displays, connectors and more can be downloaded from our Adafruit CAD parts GitHub Repo.

Slicing Parts

The parts were sliced using CURA using the slice settings below. The parts were 3D printed using PLA filament. 

  • PLA filament 220c extruder
  • 0.2 layer height
  • 10% gyroid infill
  • 60mm/s print speed
  • 60c heated bed

Install Magnets

Neodymium magnets can be press fitted into the bottoms of the flippers. If the magnets are too tight to fit into, a deburring tool can be used to loosen up the tolerance.

Magnet Dimensions: 1/4" dia. x 1/8" thick

The small slits can be used to pop out the magnets. Use the tip of a small flathead screwdriver to pry them out of the holes.

Text editor powered by tinymce.

Installing Circuit Playground Bluefruit and TFT Gizmo

Use the included hardware to secure the TFT Gizmo to the Circuit Playground Bluefruit. Optionally use a 350mah battery to make this a portable project.

Install the Battery

Place the battery on top of the TFT Gizmo and orient it so the battery cable is facing the pico connector.

Installing the Circuit Playground Bluefruit

Orient the Circuit Playground Bluefruit so the USB port is facing up with the 12o'clock label on the TFT Gizmo.

Secure Hardware

Place the CPB over the TFT Gizmo. Use a screwdriver to install the included screws. Tightly fasten all 12 screws onto the pads. 

Plug in Battery

Pull out the battery cable from in between the CPB and TFT Gizmo. Then, plug it into the battery port.

Turning It Off

The CPB will power on once the battery is connected. To turn off the circuit, you'll need to disconnect the battery. 

Install PCB to Turtle

Orient the PCBs for the USB port is facing the bottom rear. Place the PCBs over the body of the turtle. Press down to snap fit onto the built in standoffs on the turtle.

Install a lens for TFT Gizmo Display

Optionally use a plastic convex lens to magnify the display. Place it in the center of the screen. The lens is not glued to the parts, it is simply held in place by the turtle shell.

Install Turtle Shell

Place the turtle shell over the display. The opening in the center of the shell will keep the lens in place.

Snaps Fit the Turtle Shell

Hold the assembly together and turn the turtle over on its side. Press fit the two parts together so the snaps are fitted over the nubs on the inside of the shell.

Accessible USB 

The USB port is accessible on the bottom rear of the turtle. The rest of the components on the Circuit Playground Bluefruit are also accessible.

TFT Gizmo Turtle

And there you have it, that’s how to assemble our 3D Printed Turtle. This was a cute project to work on and I hope it inspires you to try out Adafruit’s CircuitPython.

There's tons of other great projects you can make. Check out the BLE image transfer guide for beaming pictures to the TFT Gizmo using a mobile device!

Text editor powered by tinymce.

Related Guides
Adafruit Circuit Playground Bluefruit
By Kattni Rembor
171
Beginner
Adafruit Circuit Playground TFT Gizmo
By M. LeBlanc-Williams
56
Beginner
CircuitPython BLE Libraries on Any Computer
By Dan Halbert
43
Beginner
No-Solder PaperCraft Crystal Light Strand
By Erin St Blaine
34
Beginner
Circuit Playground Bluefruit Quick Draw Duo
By Kevin Walters
12
Beginner
CLUE Rock, Paper, Scissors Game using Bluetooth
By Kevin Walters
9
Beginner
Getting Started with CircuitPython and Bluetooth Low...
By Kattni Rembor
94
Beginner
TFT Gizmo Animated Eye
By Phillip Burgess
27
Beginner
LED Reactive Light-Up Hockey Puck in MakeCode
By Ruiz Brothers
19
Beginner
¡Bienvenido a CircuitPython!
By Kattni Rembor
7
Beginner
Bluetooth TV Zapper
By John Park
12
Beginner
How to use the Puppet Module in the Bluefruit...
By Isaac Wellish
2
Beginner
Wirelessly Program a Circuit Playground Bluefruit...
By Isaac Wellish
15
Beginner
Updated
Multi-tasking with CircuitPython
By Tim C
73
Beginner
PyLeap Tone Piano for Circuit Playground Bluefruit
By Kattni Rembor
1
Beginner
Updated
Cyberpunk Santa Eye
By John Park
10
Beginner
BLE Synth with the Feather nRF52840 and Circuit...
By Liz Clark
18
Intermediate
Search

Search

Categories