When I connected a microcontroller to a 5V wireless receiver, I did not see any activity. I started troubleshooting with a multimeter and saw a pulsing voltage, which reminded me that sometimes the coils and batteries do not play nicely and can automatically oscillate. I switched to a plug-in supply and measured 5V on the incoming pin, but I still did not see any lights. I accidentally bridged the RST pin to GND, which reset the board into bootloader mode and lit up the red light. The board was receiving power the whole time, but unlike a USB connection to a computer, there was no data, so no need for lights. I tested by toggling the red LED with my iPad.
I ordered some 12-bit LED rings, but I had to make do with an 8-bit bar I had in stock. Adafruit provided an example that controlled NeoPixels wirelessly. I found the data pin and downloaded the example. I was delighted that my wireless power could keep everything running. The heatsink on my transmitting coil became dangerously hot when I ran all eight LEDs at full power, even a single color. I did not try running all the colors simultaneously, nor did I measure the current. I considered implanting the device as-is, but the Adafruit program starts the LEDs at full brightness, which could cause a brownout, and there was no animation. I have a couple of days until Grindfest, so I will write something custom.
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Completed projects from year 11
Completed projects from year 12
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2026-05-17
I ordered some 12-bit LED rings, but I had to make do with an 8-bit bar I had in stock. Adafruit provided an example that controlled NeoPixels wirelessly. I found the data pin and downloaded the example. I was delighted that my wireless power could keep everything running. The heatsink on my transmitting coil became dangerously hot when I ran all eight LEDs at full power, even a single color. I did not try running all the colors simultaneously, nor did I measure the current. I considered implanting the device as-is, but the Adafruit program starts the LEDs at full brightness, which could cause a brownout, and there was no animation. I have a couple of days until Grindfest, so I will write something custom.
 |
| Wireless everything |
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Completed projects from year 11
Completed projects from year 12
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2026-05-17
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