Parts

Get the parts ready to wire and assemble.

NeoPixel Strip

Start by removing the NeoPixel strip from the reel.

Remove the stock cable from the beginning of the strip using wire cutters. 

Measure and cut a piece from the strip so it's about 6 inches (152mm) in length. This should have 18 NeoPixel LEDs in the cut piece.

Remove the silicone sheathing from the cut piece.

NeoPixel Wire

Measure and cut a piece from the 4-wire silicone ribbon cable so it's 4 inches (102mm) in length.

Peel off a single wire from the cable so it's only 3 wires.

Using wire strippers, remove a bit of insulation from each wire.

Tin the exposed wire using solder to prevent the strands of wire from fraying.

Solder Wire to NeoPixel

Locate the end of the NeoPixel strip with the DI (Data In)  label.

Solder the three wires from the cable to the pads on the back of the NeoPixel strip.

Double check the wires are properly soldered to 5V, DI and GND pads on the NeoPixel LED strip.

Wire QT Py

Make the following connections to the QT Py RP2040.

• GND from NeoPixel to GND on QT Py
• DI from NeoPixel strip to A1 on QT Py
• 5V from NeoPixel strip to 5V on QT Py

QT Py Bottom Cover

Get the QT Py and bottom cover ready to assemble.

Orient the flat edge of the bottom cover with the USB port on the QT Py.

Install QT Py to Bottom

Fit the QT Py PCB in between the four standoffs.

Insert the QT Py at an angle to fit one side of the PCB is fitted underneath the built-in clips.

Carefully flex the bottom cover to allow the other side of the QT Py PCB to fit other the built-in clips.

Connect STEMMA QT

Plug in the short STEMMA QT cable to the STEMMA QT port on the QT Py RP2040.

Install Rotary STEMMA QT

Place the Rotary STEMMA QT breakout over the bottom covers built-in standoffs with the mounting holes lined up.

Orient the breakout so that STEMMA QT ports are is lined up.

Secure Rotary STEMMA QT

Use four M2.5 x 6mm steel machine screws to secure the Rotary STEMMA QT breakout to the bottom cover.

Connect QT Py to Rotary STEMMA QT

Plug in the STEMMA QT cable from the Rotary Breakout to the QT Py RP2040.

Install Case

Pull the NeoPixel strip through the 3D printed case.

Orient the USB cutout with the QT Py's USB-C port.

Firmly press the bottom cover and case to snap fit them closed.

USB Port

The QT Py's USB-C port is accessible on the side of the case.

Install NeoPixel Strip

Orient the NeoPixel strip so the LEDs are facing up.

Carefully fit the NeoPixel strip into the inner channel on the top of the case. 

Install Knob

Orient the 3D printed knob so the flat edge is lined up with the shaft of the rotary encoder.

Press the knob into the shaft of the rotary encoder until the rotary encoder clicks.

Final Build

Congratulations on your build! Rotate the knob to check if everything is lined properly.