# Wireless LED Maracas ## Overview ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/825/medium800thumb/components_00004_7.jpg?1652880692) https://youtube.com/shorts/PQR2EQRyUEw Wireless LEDs look magical but what do they _sound_ like? In this project, you'll build some maracas with the wireless LEDs acting as both the visual and aural component. You can use them as a fun prop at a concert or add them to your experimental, DIY percussion instrument collection. The coil sits in the center of the maraca vertically so that the wireless LEDs are always lit. ![components_edited_P1340184.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/822/medium640/components_edited_P1340184.png?1652879957) There are two options for assembly. The first is to use a plastic bauble with a cardboard tube. Since the plastic is clear, you can see the LEDs perfectly. The battery pack also fits nicely inside the tube. ![components_edited_P1340164.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/823/medium640/components_edited_P1340164.png?1652880027) The second is a 3D printed case that closes with magnets. You can print it with transparent filament for a diffused lighting effect. ![projects_edited_P1340170.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/785/medium640/projects_edited_P1340170.png?1652805296) ## Parts ### Electronics ### Small Inductive Coil and 10 Wireless LED Kit - 5V [Small Inductive Coil and 10 Wireless LED Kit - 5V](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5140) Adding LEDs to anything makes it 5x better -- it's a scientific fact! But when you have LEDs, you've got wires and power supplies and all that stuff is kinda annoying. What if you could have LEDs that light up without any wires or soldering or battery packs? Sounds magical! That's... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5140) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5140/guides) ![Video of a white woman holding ten bare LEDs in her hand. She slides her hand over an inductive charger, lighting up the ten small LEDs.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/5140-05.jpg) ### 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) ![Front shot of JST-PH Battery Extension Cable.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1131-00.jpg) ### 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) ![Front angled shot of 3 x AAA battery holder with on-off switch and 2-pin JST PH connector.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/727-07.jpg) ### Multi-Colored Heat Shrink Pack - 3/32" + 1/8" + 3/16" Diameters [Multi-Colored Heat Shrink Pack - 3/32" + 1/8" + 3/16" Diameters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1649) Heat shrink is the duct tape of electronics which I guess makes this heat shrink the colorful and exciting duct tape they sell at craft stores.  This heat shrink comes in six different colors - red, blue, green, yellow, white and the traditional black. Each pack contains ten... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1649) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1649/guides) ![Array of many colorful heatshrink tubes.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1649-00.jpg) ### Alkaline AAA batteries - 3 pack [Alkaline AAA batteries - 3 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3520) 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 **3 AAA batteries**. These batteries are Alkaline (MnO2) chemistry, with a... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3520) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3520/guides) ![Angled shot of 3 PKcell AAA batteries. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3520-00.jpg) ### Part: Clear heat shrink quantity: 1 Clear heat shrink to protect the LEDs [Clear heat shrink](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VPPJQ1G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) ### Plastic Bauble Build ### Part: Plastic baubles quantity: 1 Plastic baubles for the plastic bauble option [Plastic baubles](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NHGW9SC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) ### Part: Washi tape quantity: 1 Washi tape [Washi tape](https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Bright-Assorted-Patterns-C1017-8-P19/dp/B09HN2PR9K/ref=sr_1_3?crid=X2RSBOQYNWWZ&keywords=washi+tape+scotch&qid=1652803410&sprefix=washi+tape+scotch%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-3) **1 x** Cardboard tube from a paper towel or toilet paper roll for each maraca ### 3D Printed Build ### Part: 5mm x 2mm magnets quantity: 1 small magnets for 3D printed option [5mm x 2mm magnets](https://www.amazon.com/Magnets-Cylinder-Refrigerator-Whiteboard-Storage/dp/B09GW4MJST/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1YU3NTDVFJVZ4&keywords=5mm%2Bx%2B2mm%2Bmagnets&qid=1652803161&sprefix=5mm%2Bx%2B2mm%2B%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSFkxRjREOVNMTzEwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjcyODM3MUo0WEZYMk9OMERaUCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjIxODkwRDE1OUVUN05GTFk4JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1) ### Part: Transparent PLA Filament quantity: 1 Transparent PLA Filament [Transparent PLA Filament](https://www.amazon.com/Magnets-Cylinder-Refrigerator-Whiteboard-Storage/dp/B09GW4MJST/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1YU3NTDVFJVZ4&keywords=5mm%2Bx%2B2mm%2Bmagnets&qid=1652803161&sprefix=5mm%2Bx%2B2mm%2B%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSFkxRjREOVNMTzEwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjcyODM3MUo0WEZYMk9OMERaUCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjIxODkwRDE1OUVUN05GTFk4JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1) # Wireless LED Maracas ## Wiring ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/717/medium800/projects_edited_P1330587.jpg?1652710243) Cut off the socket end of the JST-PT extension cable. Splice and tin the two wires. ![projects_edited_P1330603.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/718/medium640/projects_edited_P1330603.jpg?1652710280) Slide a piece of heat shrink onto the coil's power and ground wires. ![projects_edited_P1330612.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/719/medium640/projects_edited_P1330612.jpg?1652710331) Solder the coil's red power wire to the JST-PH cable's red wire. Solder the coil's black ground wire to the JST-PH cable's black wire. ![projects_edited_P1330615.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/720/medium640/projects_edited_P1330615.jpg?1652710413) Apply heat shrink to the two solder connections. ![projects_edited_P1330623.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/721/medium640/projects_edited_P1330623.jpg?1652710476) That completes the wiring! ![projects_edited_P1330627.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/722/medium640/projects_edited_P1330627.jpg?1652710513) Repeat this process for each maraca you are making. ![projects_edited_P1330640.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/723/medium640/projects_edited_P1330640.jpg?1652710548) # Wireless LED Maracas ## Protect the LEDs ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/756/medium800/projects_edited_P1340051.png?1652792325) You can insert the wireless LEDs into pieces of clear heat shrink to make sure that they are protected while you're shaking them around. This way they're kept safe but their light is still fully visible. Grab one wireless LED and a tube of clear heat shrink. ![projects_edited_P1340067.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/757/medium640/projects_edited_P1340067.png?1652792487) Slide the wireless LED into the tube of heat shrink. Make sure that the LED is against the side of the tube and the coil is facing the opening of the heat shrink. ![projects_edited_P1340073.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/758/medium640/projects_edited_P1340073.png?1652792576) Carefully snip the heat shrink next to the LED. ![projects_edited_P1340081.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/759/medium640/projects_edited_P1340081.png?1652792664) Repeat this process for the rest of your wireless LEDs. ![projects_edited_P1340088.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/760/medium640/projects_edited_P1340088.png?1652792750) # Wireless LED Maracas ## Assembly - Plastic Bauble ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/772/medium800/projects_edited_P1340130.png?1652802357) You can build a version of the maracas using plastic baubles, a cardboard tube and some washi tape. Technically it does not need to be washi tape, but washi tape comes in fun prints and colors that can spice up the build. Wrap the cardboard tube with the washi tape so that it is completely covered. ![projects_edited_P1340132.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/773/medium640/projects_edited_P1340132.png?1652802453) ![projects_edited_P1340135.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/774/medium640/projects_edited_P1340135.png?1652802511) Insert the coil and wireless LEDs into one of the bauble halves. Secure the coil with a small piece of washi tape. ![projects_edited_P1340138.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/775/medium640/projects_edited_P1340138.png?1652802550) Hold the bauble halves closed gently with a small gap for the coil leads. The coil leads will be sticking out from the bauble so it will not close completely. ![projects_edited_P1340141.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/776/medium640/projects_edited_P1340141.png?1652802614) Insert the coil's wires into the cardboard tube. Use two pieces of washi tape on each of the bauble's seams to join the bauble to the tube and keep it closed. ![projects_edited_P1340144.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/777/medium640/projects_edited_P1340144.png?1652802712) ![projects_edited_P1340147.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/778/medium640/projects_edited_P1340147.png?1652802800) Fully secure the bauble to the cardboard tube with pieces of washi tape around the top edge of the tube. ![projects_edited_P1340149.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/779/medium640/projects_edited_P1340149.png?1652802839) Plug the battery pack into the coil's JST-PH socket. ![projects_edited_P1340150.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/780/medium640/projects_edited_P1340150.png?1652802904) Insert the battery pack and wires into the cardboard tube. ![projects_edited_P1340151.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/781/medium640/projects_edited_P1340151.png?1652802975) Now you're ready to make some noise! ![projects_edited_P1340154.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/782/medium640/projects_edited_P1340154.png?1652803022) # Wireless LED Maracas ## 3D Printing ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/754/medium800/projects_edited_P1340035.png?1652791324) The maracas may be created with a 3D printed case, described below. The case consists of one part that is printed twice and held together with magnets. The part does require some supports. The STL files can be downloaded directly here or from Thingiverse. [Thingiverse download](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5387665) [maraca_v1.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/755/original/maraca_v1.zip?1652791402) The maraca can be turned at a 45 degree angle to fit on small to medium-sized build plates. Supports are only required around the brim of the dome and the slot for the battery pack in the handle. You can use support blockers in your slicer software to prevent supports from being added to the dome and entire length of the handle. ![projects_supportBlockers.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/750/medium640/projects_supportBlockers.png?1652790982) ![projects_supportsView.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/751/medium640/projects_supportsView.png?1652791003) There are three slots in each maraca half for 5mm by 2mm magnets. There is also a thin wall at the bottom of the dome to prevent the wireless LEDs from falling in the handle. ![projects_edited_P1340040.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/752/medium640/projects_edited_P1340040.png?1652791150) There is a cutout in the handle that allows for the battery pack to pressure fit in.  ![projects_edited_P1340036.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/753/medium640/projects_edited_P1340036.png?1652791252) # Wireless LED Maracas ## Assembly - 3D Printed Case ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/761/medium800/projects_edited_P1340095.png?1652794057) The 3D printed version of the maracas uses magnets to hold the two halves together. Insert the magnets into the three magnet slots on the maraca half. You may want to add a dab of glue to the slots if your tolerances are loose. ![projects_edited_P1340098.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/762/medium640/projects_edited_P1340098.png?1652794147) To ensure that the other maraca's magnets are a matching polarity, attach magnets to the slotted magnets. Mark the side of the magnet that is facing up with a marker. ![projects_edited_P1340103.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/763/medium640/projects_edited_P1340103.png?1652794214) Warning: Secure the marked magnets into the other half of the maraca. Make sure to insert the marked side of the magnet facing down in the slots. ![projects_edited_P1340105.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/764/medium640/projects_edited_P1340105.png?1652794382) Slide the coil's wires under the maraca's center magnet slot. ![projects_edited_P1340113.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/765/medium640/projects_edited_P1340113.png?1652794532) ![projects_edited_P1340115.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/766/medium640/projects_edited_P1340115.png?1652794571) Press fit the coil into the dome's lip. ![projects_edited_P1340118.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/767/medium640/projects_edited_P1340118.png?1652794639) Plug the battery pack into the coil's JST-PH plug. ![projects_edited_P1340121.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/768/medium640/projects_edited_P1340121.png?1652794691) Slot the battery pack in to the handle's cutout. The wires will fit into the handle. ![projects_edited_P1340125.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/769/medium640/projects_edited_P1340125.png?1652794758) Insert the wireless LEDs into the maraca dome. ![projects_edited_P1340126.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/770/medium640/projects_edited_P1340126.png?1652794839) Attach the other half of the maraca with the magnets and you're ready to shake! ![projects_edited_P1340168.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/783/medium640/projects_edited_P1340168.png?1652805118) # Wireless LED Maracas ## Usage ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/790/medium800thumb/projects_00004_4.jpg?1652806620) Insert some fresh AAA batteries into the battery pack. Then flip the power switch on and you're ready to shake in full color! These can be used as traditional percussive maracas or as a fun live show effect. You can try different materials to protect the wireless LEDs for different sound timbres. ![components_00004_8.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/826/medium640thumb/components_00004_8.jpg?1652880813) This method of mounting and enclosing the coil with the wireless LEDs could be great for props. You could use a different sized coil and more or less LEDs to suit your needs. ![projects_edited_P1340174.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/111/787/medium640/projects_edited_P1340174.png?1652805424) ## Featured Products ### Small Inductive Coil and 10 Wireless LED Kit - 5V [Small Inductive Coil and 10 Wireless LED Kit - 5V](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5140) Adding LEDs to anything makes it 5x better -- it's a scientific fact! But when you have LEDs, you've got wires and power supplies and all that stuff is kinda annoying. What if you could have LEDs that light up without any wires or soldering or battery packs? Sounds magical! That's... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5140) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5140/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) ### 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) ### Alkaline AAA batteries - 3 pack [Alkaline AAA batteries - 3 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3520) 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 **3 AAA batteries**. These batteries are Alkaline (MnO2) chemistry, with a... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3520) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3520/guides) ### Multi-Colored Heat Shrink Pack - 3/32" + 1/8" + 3/16" Diameters [Multi-Colored Heat Shrink Pack - 3/32" + 1/8" + 3/16" Diameters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1649) Heat shrink is the duct tape of electronics which I guess makes this heat shrink the colorful and exciting duct tape they sell at craft stores.  This heat shrink comes in six different colors - red, blue, green, yellow, white and the traditional black. Each pack contains ten... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1649) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1649/guides) ## Related Guides - [NeoPixel LED Cortana Costume](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-led-cortana-costume.md) - [Flesh Phone Charger](https://learn.adafruit.com/flesh-tumor-phone-charger.md) - [Motorized POV LED Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/motorized-pov-led-display.md) - [Solar Boost Bag](https://learn.adafruit.com/solar-boost-bag.md) - [7” Portable Multitouch Raspberry Pi Tablet](https://learn.adafruit.com/7-portable-raspberry-pi-multitouch-tablet.md) - [Flashing LED Strand with MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/flashing-led-strand-with-makecode.md) - [MacroPad Braille Keycaps](https://learn.adafruit.com/macropad-braille-keycaps.md) - [Raspberry Pi 5 3D Printed Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/pi-5-case.md) - [Qualia S3 iOS Photo Display with itsaSNAP](https://learn.adafruit.com/qualia-s3-ios-photo-display-with-itsasnap.md) - [LED Ribbon Shoes](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-ribbon-shoes.md) - [Raspberry Pi LED Matrix Sand Toy](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-led-sand.md) - [Arcade Bonnet Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/arcade-bonnet-controller.md) - [iBook iPad Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/ibook-ipad-case.md) - [Moana Glowing Heart of Te Fiti Necklace](https://learn.adafruit.com/moana-glowing-heart-of-te-fiti-necklace.md) - [MIDI Solenoid Drum Kit](https://learn.adafruit.com/midi-solenoid-drum-kit.md)