PROJECTS Squishy Tech
We’re going to make a simple but smart light-
up umbrella that responds to both movement
and the sound of rain. To do it, we’ll use the
Pixelblaze LED controller and its sensor breakout
board, making use of the sensor board’s existing
accelerometer as well as connecting a piezo mic
to the board’s analog input pins.
1. SET UP THE LEDS
Place the LED strip around the umbrella’s edge
(Figure
N
) by sliding them under the umbrella
arms. Secure with double-sided tape if needed.
Point the LEDs inward, toward yourself, so you
get a reflecting effect that illuminates the user.
Make sure you have enough wire on your LEDs
to reach the umbrella handle by wrapping around
the arms, so you can connect your circuit later.
2. ATTACH THE MIC
Solder two leads to the piezo microphone. I use
silicone wire because it is very flexible, and as
you open and close the umbrella you’ll want to be
sure the wire itself doesn’t break.
Attach the piezo to the wall of the umbrella.
I just slid it tightly under an arm (Figure
O
) but
you can glue or tape it in place as well. The only
requirement is that it is flush against the wall of
the umbrella so it can sense vibrations.
3. CONNECT IT UP
Solder the piezo wires to pins A0 and GND on
the sensor board (Figure
P
). Connect that board
to the Pixelblaze header pins, and the LED strip
to the Pixelblaze screw terminals (Figure
Q
).
Finally, connect the battery bank (Figure
R
) and
attach it all to the handle of the umbrella.
Set up your Pixelblaze with your local Wi-Fi
network, and select the correct type of LEDs in
the Settings tab of the browser interface. You’ll
access the Pixelblaze by navigating to the IP
address, or through the device manager screen
that pops up once you’ve connected.
Make a Motion- and
Rain-Responsive
Light-Up Umbrella
With the Pixelblaze
TIME REQUIRED:
1–2 Hours
DIFFICULTY:
Easy
COST:
$100–$120
MATERIALS
» APA102 LED strip with IP65 covering, about
2 meters or other compatible LEDs such as
SK9822, DotStar, etc.
» Pixelblaze V3 Standard LED controller $35
from electromage.com
» Pixelblaze Sensor Expansion Board$29
» USB battery bank, ~1000 mAh
» Umbrella white, black, or clear
» Piezo microphone
» Silicone wire or other stranded-core wire
» Double-sided tape
TOOLS
» Soldering iron and solder
N
O
P
Dushan Milic, Lee Wilkins
74 makezine.com
M83_070-75_SquishyLee_F1.indd 74M83_070-75_SquishyLee_F1.indd 74 10/10/22 3:51 PM10/10/22 3:51 PM
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