Larson Scanner Pumpkin

The Knight Rider/Cylon "scanner" light effect on a 144-pixel-per-meter LED strip glued into a craft pumpkin.

Source book: Learning MicroPython
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/learning-micropython/kits/larson-scanner/
Printable one-pager: larson-scanner-one-pager.html

Features

• Uses the 10K Potentiometer
• Uses the Cytron Maker Pi RP2040
• Uses the HC-SR501 PIR
• Uses the Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040
• Uses the WS2812B NeoPixels

Benefits

• Free, open lessons: the Learning MicroPython textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
• Classroom friendly: built on a solderless breadboard or no-solder connectors.
• Try before you build: an interactive MicroSim on the kit page runs in the browser.
• Budget: about $24 plus a battery pack (pumpkin $10, Pico $4, breadboard $2, LED strip $8).

Parts

• Raspberry Pi Pico ($4) — Microcontroller
• Cytron Maker Pi RP2040 — Microcontroller
• 10K Potentiometer — Input knob
• HC-SR501 PIR — Sensor
• WS2812B NeoPixels — LEDs
• 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
• Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable