I really liked the neopixel bracelet project (https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-bracelet) and decided to make one for my son for xmas. Following the instructions, I did get it to work, but I was very frustrated with it in the end and thought it could be made way better with a few tweaks. The main things I didn't like about it were:
1. Mini Skinny Neopixel strips are hard to solder together (mainly my fault because I used thick wire)
2. Battery & Trinket hard to fit into bracelet
3. No charger - have to disconnect battery to charge
4. 3D printed bracelet caps didn't fit well
I made a bunch of changes and really like the end result - I feel like it'll last much longer and it was easier to assemble. Changes I made are:
1. flexible PCBs for soldering neopixel strips together
2. redesign bracelet in openscad - change shape, flat section with holders for electrical components
3. add battery charger board
4. USB access holes for charger and trinket - never have to take it apart
5. code - add bouncing line option (like night rider)
The new shape of the bracelet fits my son's wrist better and keeps the neopixels facing outward. I still need to work on making an adult-size version. If it would be useful to anyone, I could post files for the flexible PCBs, 3D printer files, and arduino code.
Here are some pictures:
improvements to neopixel bracelet
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- adafruit_support_bill
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Re: improvements to neopixel bracelet
Nice work! Thanks for sharing your improvements.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.