Overview¶
What you're doing¶
The Pocket Scion has onboard NeoPixels that respond to bioelectric input. This guide shows how to tap that same data signal and drive an external 9-LED strip, so the light show is bigger and visible from a distance.
Parts¶
| Part | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Scion | 1 | Provided |
| Individually-addressable NeoPixel LED | 9 | Any of these form factors: • NeoPixel Diffused 8mm Through-Hole (#1734) • NeoPixel Diffused 5mm Through-Hole (#1938) • Flora RGB Smart NeoPixel v3, sheet of 20 (#1559) |
| 1N4001 silicon diode | 1 | Adafruit #755. Any 1N400x works. |
| 22 AWG solid-core wire | ~2m | Adafruit #290 |
| USB-A cable (sacrificial, will be cut) | 1 | Must be USB-A. To use USB-C instead, see the Adafruit USB-C Breakout #4090 alternative. |
| USB-C cable | 1 | For powering the Scion |
| Dual-port USB wall charger or power bank | 1 | Must be a single unit with two ports |
Tools¶
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| Soldering iron (25-40W, fine tip) | Required |
| Solder (0.6-0.8mm, rosin core) | Required |
| Wire strippers | Required |
| Wire cutters (flush cutters ideal) | Required |
| Small flat-head screwdriver or hobby knife | For scraping conformal coating |
| Multimeter (continuity + DC voltage modes) | Required |
| Electrical tape | Required |
| Helping hands / third-hand clamp | Strongly recommended |
| Needle-nose pliers | Recommended |
New to soldering? Read Adafruit's Guide to Excellent Soldering before starting.