8 Illuminating NeoPixel Projects for Arduino and Raspberry Pi

Jan 01, 2024

Light up your electronics projects with super-bright NeoPixels. Check out these project ideas for inspiration.

The Adafruit NeoPixel ecosystem has long been one of the most popular options for makers who want to use LEDs in their projects. But how do you get started with NeoPixel hardware and the class library for the code that controls them? Let’s find out.

The NeoPixel brand can be a little confusing. This name is given to Adafruit’s range of individually addressable WS2812, WS2811, and SK6812 LEDs, as well as the class libraries that power them in the code. This doesn’t mean that you need to use official Adafruit components to use the NeoPixel class libraries, though.

In theory, any WS2812, WS2811, and SK6812 LEDs should work with the NeoPixel class libraries for devices like Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Adafruit already offers NeoPixel LED strips, bars, rings, and more, but you can use third-party LEDs for your project, too.

Everyone has to start somewhere when they first start working with NeoPixels. The Make It Glow starter project on the Adafruit website is a great place to begin your NeoPixel journey, with all the information you need to create and control your first LED project.

This guide covers the types of LEDs on offer, as well as how to power them and wire them together, with code samples to make it even easier. The guide itself is for the Circuit Playground Express board, programmed with the web-based MakeCode system in this case, but the skills you learn will also apply to Arduinos and other microcontroller boards.

This next project is one for those who like to find their creative inspiration online. While maker Joshua Krosebrink hasn’t released the full source code, take a look at his Hackaday project page to get an overview of how it works.

The World of Light map of the world has an LED matrix behind it, controlled by a Raspberry Pi. The color and brightness of each RGB LED is based on how many users are visiting the creator’s website at any given time, and it always reflects the person’s location.

Safety is incredibly important when you’re riding a bike, but this doesn’t just come down to your skills. You also need some kit to make sure that other road users can see you properly, and this 3D printable NeoPixel bike light project from the Adafruit website is a great place to start.

This simple LED light is made with 3D-printed parts and an Adafruit Feather M4 Express, with software written in the CircuitPython variant of Python for microcontrollers.

The finished LED light can produce normal white light, as well as RGB light to make your bike more exciting. There are loads of different Arduino microcontroller boards on the market, and it's always worth researching them before you pick the board for you next project.

Tech projects don’t always need techy solutions, as proven by this Ping Pong Ball Clock project on Electromaker. Made by pyrohmstr, it uses an array of table tennis balls with an LED behind each one to create a digital clock face display.

Thanks to the NeoPixels, controlled by an Arduino Uno, loads of color options are available with this clock. You will need access to a 3D printer and a laser cutter to complete this project, but you can find loads of customs parts services online.

Learning how to make your Arduino interface with a device like an iPhone is a great way to understand the component integration process. This Team Punch Through Hackster project uses the tiny Arduino-powered LightBlue Bean as its brain, enabling it to connect to an iPhone with Bluetooth—since the LightBlue Bean is no longer sold, you could replace it with a different Arduino microcontroller with Bluetooth connectivity, such as the Nano 33 IoT.

Once built, you can draw on the screen of your iPhone and watch your NeoPixel matrix react to the shapes you create with your hands. Not only is this project loads of fun, but it will also teach you a range of valuable skills to apply to future Arduino and NeoPixel projects.

VU meters used to be all the rage when analog hi-fi systems were the best way to listen to music. Old-school tech like this is becoming increasingly popular once again, but it is hard to find physical audio visualization tools without buying something secondhand.

This stereo NeoPixel ring VU meter project on the Arduino Project Hub solves this problem, enabling you to turn an Arduino and a set of LEDs into a VU meter that works with just about any audio source. Not only will this teach you about DIY tech, but it will also give you a better understanding of music and sound production.

LEDs have long been one of the key components in digital displays, but you don’t need to build a full-blown monitor to use LEDs to display information. This Arduino Uno LED Thermometer Hackster project by Jonathan Eskow turns a strip of LEDs into a digital thermometer that displays temperature much like an old-school thermometer.

The project uses a physical temperature sensor, rather than online data, to measure temperature. This makes it simple and affordable to make for yourself, but it’s also easy to take with you as it doesn’t require an internet connection to work.

As one of the smallest Arduino options around, the Gemma is ideal for creating costumes and other wearables, as well as projects that have strict space limitations. This makes it ideal for bekathwia's wearable infinity mirror project on Instructables.

Infinity mirrors give the illusion of an endless tunnel with lights around its edges. Moving the mirror produces a unique 3D effect, offering an excellent tool for costume makers who want to push the boat out, but you can also explore other beginner LED costume projects. This type of mirror can also look great on your wall.

Nixie tubes have been uncommon for quite some time, but this doesn’t mean that they’re unpopular. In fact, videos of these old-school displays often go viral. Rather than tubes, this Lixie clock on Hackaday uses laser-cut pieces of acrylic with LEDs beneath them to create a glowing number effect. You can use an Arduino (or any suitable microcontroller or SBC) to control the Lixie clock.

You will need access to a laser cutter for this project, but there are loads of services available online for this. Aside from that, the project is super easy and affordable, and this means that just about anyone can give it a try.

Whether you want to make a clock, a costume, or anything in between, NeoPixel LEDs provide an excellent way to illuminate your project and bring it life. While the examples listed above are fun and easy to follow, it’s always worth thinking about your own project ideas. There’s plenty of inspiration available online.

Samuel is a UK-based technology writer with a passion for all things DIY. Having started businesses in the fields of web development and 3D printing, along with working as a writer for many years, Samuel offers a unique insight into the world of technology. Focusing mainly on DIY tech projects, he loves nothing more than sharing fun and exciting ideas that you can try at home. Outside of work, Samuel can usually be found cycling, playing PC video games, or desperately attempting to communicate with his pet crab.