Noel Christmas Light

thingiverse

This year for Christmas, I really wanted to create something special that shines brightly. Last year's Simple Christmas Tree (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1962328) was a great start, but this time I aimed to make something truly eye-catching for the house while still being exciting. The end result is a beautiful and cheerful decoration. You can easily print just the noel portion and it looks stunning as well! The power source consists of 4 high-capacity Eneloop Pro NiMH batteries (1.2V x 4 = 4.8V), which drive a vibrant 10-piece strand of Adafruit Neopixels. I chose an Arduino Micro for the microcontroller, but any other model would work just as well. The program is designed to conserve battery life by running for 4 hours after adding new batteries and then shutting off for 20 minutes before turning back on for another 4 hours. This pattern repeats indefinitely, preventing the need for constant switching and minimizing energy consumption. Plus, all the electronics are discreetly hidden within the base, with no visible switches or buttons. There are four distinct light sequences: Red, Rainbow Cycle, Rainbow, and Green. However, you can easily reprogram it using the included Arduino sketch to suit your preferences. Here's how to assemble this amazing decoration: 1. Print the base 2. Print the noel portion 3. Print the diffused wall 4. Upload the Arduino sketch into your board (Remember to install the necessary Neopixel libraries: https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/the-magic-of-neopixels) 5. Connect the circuit diagram inside the base and glue the 10-piece Neopixel strip in place 6. Press-fit the diffused wall into the base 7. Insert the rechargeable AA batteries (Using regular alkalines will damage the Neopixels, as they are 5V devices or slightly lower). A 5V power supply or a voltage regulator can also be used for alkaline batteries. 8. Enjoy your sparkling creation! The Fusion 360 file is included, allowing you to customize the base according to your preferences or add unique features. If you end up creating something amazing, please link back to this page. Some useful resources: * Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ * Neopixels: https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/the-magic-of-neopixels * 4xAA holder: http://www.taydaelectronics.com/aa-battery-holder-4.html