Raspberry Pi RGB Box

Three knobs, one each for red, green, and blue, mix the color of a NeoPixel strip inside a clear project box.

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

Features

• How to read a potentiometer with an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).
• How to control NeoPixel LED colors with RGB values.
• How to map a sensor reading to a color value.
• How to build a fun, interactive hardware project.

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.
• Instant feedback: students see their code's results on lights or a display.
• Budget: about $15 (under $10 when parts are bought in batches of ten).

Parts

• Raspberry Pi Pico ($4) — Microcontroller
• 10K Potentiometer — Input knob
• Single-Color and RGB LEDs — LEDs
• WS2812B NeoPixels — LEDs
• 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
• Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable