Ghostbox Learn how to make a GhostBox 27 February 2023 4 minute read By Kevin McAleer Share this article on Table of Contents Ghostbox OverviewFeaturesProgrammingLviving Flame LEDsDisplayBill of MaterialsAssemblyGallery Tags: Raspberry Pi Pico Pico Display Pack 2.0 MicroPython Halloween Ghost Spiritbox 3D Printing Difficulty: Advanced Category: micropython pico halloween 3dprinting Code: https://www.github.com/kevinmcaleer/ghostbox Home Blog Ghostbox Ghostbox Learn how to make a GhostBox 27 February 2023 | 4 minute read | By Kevin McAleer | Share this article on Page last updated 22 November 2024 Video For every project I create, I often make a corresponding YouTube video. Sometimes, there might be more than one video for a single project. You can find these videos in this section. Explore more through this this dedicated video. Ghostbox Overview Make your own GhostBox - using a Raspberry Pi Pico. The world of electronics and programming is constantly evolving and opening up new opportunities for creative minds to come up with innovative ideas. One such idea is the ghost box project which combines the power of the Raspberry Pi Pico and the versatility of MicroPython to create an interactive and spooky gadget. Features The ghost box project features light-up living flame LEDs, a random word generator, and an ouijaboard display. The device is powered by the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, a low-cost, high-performance microcontroller board that is perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike. Programming The project is programmed in MicroPython, a lightweight version of the popular Python programming language that is designed for microcontrollers. This makes it easy to develop code for the project, even for those who have limited experience with programming. Lviving Flame LEDs The living flame LEDs are one of the most striking features of the ghost box project. These LEDs simulate a flickering flame, adding to the spooky atmosphere of the device. The random word generator is another fascinating feature of the ghost box project. It uses a list of pre-defined words, which are randomly chosen and displayed on the ouijaboard display. The display is also controlled using the Raspberry Pi Pico and is designed to resemble a traditional ouijaboard. Display The ouijaboard display is made using an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen, which provides high contrast and clear visibility even in low light conditions. The OLED display is connected to the Raspberry Pi Pico by simply pushing the Pimoroni display pack onto the header pins of the Pico. The ghost box project is a great example of how creativity and technology can be combined to create something unique and exciting. The Raspberry Pi Pico and MicroPython provide an excellent platform for hobbyists and professionals alike to explore the possibilities of electronics and programming. If you’re interested in building your own ghost box project, this article will provide the resources you need to help you get started. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, you’re sure to find something that will inspire you and help you to create something truly amazing. Bill of Materials Total cost around £44 (plus shipping) Item Description Qty Price Pico H Raspberry Pi Pico with headers 1 £4.50 Battery 9v Battery 1 £2.00 Switch Rocker Switch 1 £0.50 Display Pico Display Pack 2.0 1 £18.90 Power board Buckconvertor 1 £6.00 LED Living Flame Lights LED Lights by Verne Industries 2 £9.00 M2 Screws M2x8mm 8 £2.00 Wire Red and Black wire 15-20cm of each 2 £1.00 Assembly Print out the STL files Cut the power 9v Battery connector off the the LED Living Flame lights, leaving about 5-10cm of cable remaining on the connector Thread the Living Flame LED lights into the two holes at the top section of the Ghostbox Push fit the Living Flame LED lights onto the ghostbox, they should fit snugly. If they are loose, add a spot of super glue to secure Solder a red wire from the VBUS Pin (Pin 40) to the 5v on the buck convertor Solder a blackwire from the GND Pin (Pin 38) to the GND on the buck convertor Mount the Pico onto the Bottom section using 4 of the M2 screws, with the headerpins pointing up Solder the Battery Connector to the Switch and the Switch to the buck convertor. Load the Micropython code from the repository below Check the buck convertor is set to output 5v using a multi-meter and adjust using output voltage using the little potentiometer Add the battery to the connector Place the top section over the bottom section and carefully arrange the wires so they are not trapped Screw the bottom section to the top section using the remaining 4 M2 screws Carefully push the Display Pack onto the header pins Switch on and enjoy! Gallery Code View Code Repository on GitHub - https://www.github.com/kevinmcaleer/ghostbox 3D Models Here are the 3D printable STL files: STL List Top Bottom Top The top section of the Ghostbox Download top.stl Bottom The bottom section of the Ghostbox Download bottom.stl Liked this article? You might like these too. Chicken Nugget Piano Making touch sensors is easier than you'd think. 10 Projects for your Raspberry Pi Pico If you've just got a new Raspberry Pi Pico and you're looking for some inspiration, then you've come to the right place. Here is a collection of projects that you can build with your Raspberry Pi Pico. Picotamachibi I’ve always love the 90s Tamagotchi toys and wanted to build and program my own, using MicroPython and a Raspberry Pi Pico. Pico Birthday Card How to Make an Ultimate DIY Birthday Card with Raspberry Pi Pico Power up your robot projects Selecting the right energy source is crucial, and we've got you covered. 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Ghostbox Learn how to make a GhostBox 27 February 2023 4 minute read By Kevin McAleer Share this article on Table of Contents Ghostbox OverviewFeaturesProgrammingLviving Flame LEDsDisplayBill of MaterialsAssemblyGallery Tags: Raspberry Pi Pico Pico Display Pack 2.0 MicroPython Halloween Ghost Spiritbox 3D Printing Difficulty: Advanced Category: micropython pico halloween 3dprinting Code: https://www.github.com/kevinmcaleer/ghostbox
Ghostbox Overview Make your own GhostBox - using a Raspberry Pi Pico. The world of electronics and programming is constantly evolving and opening up new opportunities for creative minds to come up with innovative ideas. One such idea is the ghost box project which combines the power of the Raspberry Pi Pico and the versatility of MicroPython to create an interactive and spooky gadget. Features The ghost box project features light-up living flame LEDs, a random word generator, and an ouijaboard display. The device is powered by the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, a low-cost, high-performance microcontroller board that is perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike. Programming The project is programmed in MicroPython, a lightweight version of the popular Python programming language that is designed for microcontrollers. This makes it easy to develop code for the project, even for those who have limited experience with programming. Lviving Flame LEDs The living flame LEDs are one of the most striking features of the ghost box project. These LEDs simulate a flickering flame, adding to the spooky atmosphere of the device. The random word generator is another fascinating feature of the ghost box project. It uses a list of pre-defined words, which are randomly chosen and displayed on the ouijaboard display. The display is also controlled using the Raspberry Pi Pico and is designed to resemble a traditional ouijaboard. Display The ouijaboard display is made using an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen, which provides high contrast and clear visibility even in low light conditions. The OLED display is connected to the Raspberry Pi Pico by simply pushing the Pimoroni display pack onto the header pins of the Pico. The ghost box project is a great example of how creativity and technology can be combined to create something unique and exciting. The Raspberry Pi Pico and MicroPython provide an excellent platform for hobbyists and professionals alike to explore the possibilities of electronics and programming. If you’re interested in building your own ghost box project, this article will provide the resources you need to help you get started. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, you’re sure to find something that will inspire you and help you to create something truly amazing. Bill of Materials Total cost around £44 (plus shipping) Item Description Qty Price Pico H Raspberry Pi Pico with headers 1 £4.50 Battery 9v Battery 1 £2.00 Switch Rocker Switch 1 £0.50 Display Pico Display Pack 2.0 1 £18.90 Power board Buckconvertor 1 £6.00 LED Living Flame Lights LED Lights by Verne Industries 2 £9.00 M2 Screws M2x8mm 8 £2.00 Wire Red and Black wire 15-20cm of each 2 £1.00 Assembly Print out the STL files Cut the power 9v Battery connector off the the LED Living Flame lights, leaving about 5-10cm of cable remaining on the connector Thread the Living Flame LED lights into the two holes at the top section of the Ghostbox Push fit the Living Flame LED lights onto the ghostbox, they should fit snugly. If they are loose, add a spot of super glue to secure Solder a red wire from the VBUS Pin (Pin 40) to the 5v on the buck convertor Solder a blackwire from the GND Pin (Pin 38) to the GND on the buck convertor Mount the Pico onto the Bottom section using 4 of the M2 screws, with the headerpins pointing up Solder the Battery Connector to the Switch and the Switch to the buck convertor. Load the Micropython code from the repository below Check the buck convertor is set to output 5v using a multi-meter and adjust using output voltage using the little potentiometer Add the battery to the connector Place the top section over the bottom section and carefully arrange the wires so they are not trapped Screw the bottom section to the top section using the remaining 4 M2 screws Carefully push the Display Pack onto the header pins Switch on and enjoy! Gallery