# Tombstone Prop-Maker RP2040

## Overview

https://youtu.be/U4jtZsjRZNg

Build an interactive tombstone for Halloween with Adafruit's RP2040 PropMaker Feather.

This ghoulish prop features lights and sounds but also an RGB LED matrix and a servo controlled Raven.

The servo, sound effects, and NeoPixels are triggered whenever a time of flight sensor detects something nearby.

The RGB LED matrix displays scrolling text messages to warn or welcome would-be trick-or-treaters. 

 

![hacks_hero-bird-loop_1.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/124/295/medium640thumb/hacks_hero-bird-loop_1.jpg?1694486618)

![hacks_hero-indoor-loop_1.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/124/297/medium640thumb/hacks_hero-indoor-loop_1.jpg?1694487115)

The tombstone is an off-the-shelf styrofoam prop. It's easy to work with so we were able to cut out channels and recesses for the electronics and wiring.

 

The RP2040 PropMaker Feather does most of the work and the Matrix FeatherWing makes it easy to plug in an RGB LED matrix.

 

CircuitPython has great support for RGB matrices and the time of flight sensor. It's got adjustable parameters so you can customize just about every attribute of this project.

![hacks_eyes-glow-loop.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/124/301/medium640thumb/hacks_eyes-glow-loop.jpg?1694490403)

![hacks_neopixel-eye-cutouts.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/124/303/medium640/hacks_neopixel-eye-cutouts.jpg?1694490469)

## Parts
### Adafruit RP2040 Prop-Maker Feather with I2S Audio Amplifier

[Adafruit RP2040 Prop-Maker Feather with I2S Audio Amplifier](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5768)
The Adafruit Feather series gives you lots of options for a small, portable, rechargeable microcontroller board. By picking a feather and stacking on a FeatherWing you can create advanced projects quickly. One popular combo is our [Feather M4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5768)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5768/guides)
![Video of a white hand pressing a button to briefly turn an LED strip into white lights. Also wired up to the microcontroller are a servo motor and a speaker.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/5768-09.jpg)

### Adafruit RGB Matrix Featherwing Kit

[Adafruit RGB Matrix Featherwing Kit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3036)
Ahoy! It's time to create a dazzling light up project with our new **RGB Matrix FeatherWing**. Now you can quickly and easily create projects featuring your favorite 16 or 32-pixel tall matrix boards. Using our RGB Matrix library is easy and...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3036)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3036/guides)
![Video of a woman with a turquoise manicure attaching a driver board to the back of a LED matrix panel. She flips the matrix panel around reveal it lit up text in rainbow colors: "Ada
fruit
32x32
*RGB* ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/3036-05.jpg)

### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch

[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides)
![Two white hands hold out an assembled and powered on 64x32 RGB LED Matrix Panel - 4mm pitch. The matrix displays "Adafruit Industries LED MATRIX! 32x64 *RGB*"](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2278-00.jpg)

### Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~1 to 1300mm

[Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~1 to 1300mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5396)
The **Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Sensor** is another great _Time of Flight_ distance sensor from ST in the VL5 series of chips, this one is great for shorter distances. The sensor contains a very tiny invisible laser source and a matching sensor. The...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5396)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5396/guides)
![Video of a hand hovering over a Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor thats connected to a white breadboard reading the range of motion of the hand. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/5396-05.jpg)

### Speaker - 40mm Diameter - 4 Ohm 5 Watt

[Speaker - 40mm Diameter - 4 Ohm 5 Watt](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3968)
Hear the good news! This speaker is a great addition to any audio project where you need a 4 Ohm impedance and 3W or less of power.

At **40mm diameter** it has a more square-ish shape, but a smaller face. Sound quality and volume are nicely sandwiched between our...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3968)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3968/guides)
![Angled Shot of the Speaker - 40mm Diameter - 4 Ohm 3 Watt.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3968-03.jpg)

### NeoPixel RGBW Mini Button PCB - Pack of 10

[NeoPixel RGBW Mini Button PCB - Pack of 10](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4776)
These are the smallest NeoPixel breakouts around! Tiny, bright RGB+White pixels to your project. These little PCBs are only 9.1mm x 9.1mm and have two sets of three pads on the back for soldering wires. These ultra-bright LEDs have a constant-current driver cooked right into the LED package!...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4776)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4776/guides)
![Glowing NeoPixel Mini Button PCB wired up to a microcontroller](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/4776-00.jpg)

### Part: 5V 4A (4000mA) switching power supply
quantity: 1
5V 4A (4000mA) switching power supply
[5V 4A (4000mA) switching power supply](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1466)

### Part: Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel
quantity: 1
Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel
[Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4749)

### Part: Micro servo - TowerPro SG92R
quantity: 1
Micro servo - TowerPro SG92R
[Micro servo - TowerPro SG92R](https://www.adafruit.com/product/169)

### Part: JST PH 2-Pin Cable – Plug Header 200mm
quantity: 2
JST PH 2-Pin Cable – Plug Header 200mm
[JST PH 2-Pin Cable – Plug Header 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3814)

### Part: JST PH 2-Pin Cable - Socket Connector 100mm
quantity: 2
JST PH 2-Pin Cable - Socket Connector 100mm
[JST PH 2-Pin Cable - Socket Connector 100mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/261)

### Part: JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Socket
quantity: 1
JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Socket
[JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Socket](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4046)

### Part: STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Plug
quantity: 1
STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Plug
[STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin Plug](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893)

### Part: Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable
quantity: 1
Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable
[Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3889)

### Part: Split Wire Loom Tubing Wire Conduit
quantity: 1
Split Wire Loom Tubing Wire Conduit
[Split Wire Loom Tubing Wire Conduit](https://amzn.to/3sTADHq)

This is the foam tombstone we used - feel free to buy one of your choice or make one with materials at hand.

### Part: 3.5 Ft Gargoyle Tombstone
quantity: 1
3.5 Ft Gargoyle Tombstone
[3.5 Ft Gargoyle Tombstone](https://www.spirithalloween.com/product/3-5-ft-gargoyle-tombstone-decorations/131272.uts)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/124/304/medium800thumb/hacks_hero-wide-loop_1.jpg?1694490589)

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/tombstone-prop-maker-rp2040/circuit-diagram.md)

## Featured Products

### Adafruit RP2040 Prop-Maker Feather with I2S Audio Amplifier

[Adafruit RP2040 Prop-Maker Feather with I2S Audio Amplifier](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5768)
The Adafruit Feather series gives you lots of options for a small, portable, rechargeable microcontroller board. By picking a feather and stacking on a FeatherWing you can create advanced projects quickly. One popular combo is our [Feather M4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5768)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5768/guides)
### Adafruit RGB Matrix Featherwing Kit

[Adafruit RGB Matrix Featherwing Kit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3036)
Ahoy! It's time to create a dazzling light up project with our new **RGB Matrix FeatherWing**. Now you can quickly and easily create projects featuring your favorite 16 or 32-pixel tall matrix boards. Using our RGB Matrix library is easy and...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3036)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3036/guides)
### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch

[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides)
### Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~1 to 1300mm

[Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor - ~1 to 1300mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5396)
The **Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Sensor** is another great _Time of Flight_ distance sensor from ST in the VL5 series of chips, this one is great for shorter distances. The sensor contains a very tiny invisible laser source and a matching sensor. The...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5396)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5396/guides)
### Speaker - 40mm Diameter - 4 Ohm 5 Watt

[Speaker - 40mm Diameter - 4 Ohm 5 Watt](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3968)
Hear the good news! This speaker is a great addition to any audio project where you need a 4 Ohm impedance and 3W or less of power.

At **40mm diameter** it has a more square-ish shape, but a smaller face. Sound quality and volume are nicely sandwiched between our...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3968)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3968/guides)
### NeoPixel RGBW Mini Button PCB - Pack of 10

[NeoPixel RGBW Mini Button PCB - Pack of 10](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4776)
These are the smallest NeoPixel breakouts around! Tiny, bright RGB+White pixels to your project. These little PCBs are only 9.1mm x 9.1mm and have two sets of three pads on the back for soldering wires. These ultra-bright LEDs have a constant-current driver cooked right into the LED package!...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4776)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4776/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit RGB Matrix FeatherWings](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-matrix-featherwing.md)
- [Adafruit VL53L4CD Time of Flight Distance Sensor](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-vl53l4cd-time-of-flight-distance-sensor.md)
- [Adafruit RP2040 Prop-Maker Feather](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-rp2040-prop-maker-feather.md)
- [Zelda Echoes Of Wisdom Tri Rod](https://learn.adafruit.com/zelda-tri-rod.md)
- [ Faz-Wrench - Five Nights at Freddy's](https://learn.adafruit.com/faz-wrench.md)
- [Adafruit Protomatter RGB Matrix Library](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-protomatter-rgb-matrix-library.md)
- [RGB Matrix Automatic YouTube ON AIR Sign](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-matrix-automatic-youtube-on-air-sign.md)
- [LED Matrix Sports Scoreboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-matrix-sports-scoreboard.md)
- [Guitar Synth with CircuitPython SynthIO](https://learn.adafruit.com/guitar-synth-with-circuitpython-synthio.md)
- [Halloween Countdown Display Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/halloween-countdown-display-matrix.md)
- [Adafruit PCA9548 8-Channel STEMMA QT / Qwiic I2C Multiplexer](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-pca9548-8-channel-stemma-qt-qwiic-i2c-multiplexer.md)
- [Matrix Portal Stained Glass with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-stained-glass-with-wled.md)
- [Audio Synthesis with CircuitPython synthio](https://learn.adafruit.com/audio-synthesis-with-circuitpython-synthio.md)
- [Image Correction for RGB LED Matrices](https://learn.adafruit.com/image-correction-for-rgb-led-matrices.md)
- [Cardboard Window Skull With Animated LED Eyes](https://learn.adafruit.com/cardboard-window-skull-animated-led-eyes.md)
- [Raspberry Pi LED Matrix Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-led-matrix-display.md)
- [Adafruit MatrixPortal M4](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-matrixportal-m4.md)