This week we published a total of 6 new guides (and one updated guide). Learn how to create a LED Snowboard with Motion-Reactive Animation, build and use two new kits from ScoutMakes, Improve Brushed DC Motor Performance, and more!
New Feature: The Project Bundle
This week we added a new feature that we are really excited about. When you get to the Circuit Python code part of a guide, things can get kind of complicated. You not only have the code you need to upload to your device, but you likely also need to add some libraries that the code needs to run. The old solution was to download the full folder of libraries, and dig through the long list and find the libraries listed in the guide. Then, copy and paste them one-by-one to your device.
Now, we do this all with one click. We automatically check which libraries are required for the project and magically bundle them up for you. No more digging through a big folder of libraries to find libraries required by the guide. One click and you’re code will just work. No fiddling with looking for other files or managing libraries or dependencies. We wanted to make this the easiest way to get a project working, from a beginner to an expert. Try it out with any Circuit Python guide on the Adafruit Learning System. Just look for the ‘Download Project Bundle’ button on the code page.
Favorite New Guide
This week’s favorite new guide shows you how to create a shoulder-mounted companion robot!
Build your own Guardian Robot, Terrako from Zelda Age of Calamity. This is a shoulder-mounted companion robot! Our companion robot sits on your shoulder with a magnetic plate and metal backing hidden underneath. This little robot is powered by Circuit Python! Connect with a USB cable to update the code and recharge the battery! The ItsyBitsy NRF52480 controls the servo, LEDs and is powered with a rechargeable Lipo battery. A tiny Guardian who has traveled from the future to save Zelda. It was broken in the fight against the Calamity but has now been repair and reactivated thanks to the efforts of Link and the others.
ALS Deep Cut
With so many guides on the Adafruit Learning System, some amazing guides of years past get buried and lost. ALS Deep Cuts brings these guides back up to the surface. This week’s guide is from back in 2016.
Sword & Wand Prop Effects with Circuit Playground
Want to upgrade your prop sword/battle axe/light saber/magic wand with motion reactive light animation and sound effects? You can do just that with this simple project! All you’ll need is a Circuit Playground or Circuit Playground Express, a battery pack, and zip ties to attach it all to any prop or toy.
New Product Guide
It’s half USB Key, half Adafruit Trinket…it’s Neo Trinkey, the circuit board with a Trinket M0 heart and four RGB NeoPixels for customizable glow. We were inspired by some USB key flashlight boards that would turn any battery pack into an LED torch. So we thought, hey what if we made something like that but with fully programmable color NeoPixels? And this is what we came up with!
