NeoPixel Mini VU Meter

Created by Ruiz Brothers

https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-mini-vu-meter

Last updated on 2024-06-03 03:33:13 PM EDT

©Adafruit Industries Page 1 of 30

 Table of Contents

Overview 5
• Parts

Circuit Diagram 8
• Adafruit Library for Fritzing
• Wiring Connections

CircuitPython 9
• CircuitPython Quickstart
• Safe Mode
• Flash Resetting UF2

Coding the NeoPixel Mini VU Meter 13

• Upload the Code and Libraries to the QT Py RP2040
• How the CircuitPython Code Works
• PDM Mic Setup
• Defining the NeoPixel Colors
• The Loop
• Updating the NeoPixels

CAD files 18
• CAD Parts List
• Build Volume
• Acrylic Template
• SVG File for Laser cutter or CNC Mill
• CAD Assembly
• Design Source Files

Wiring 20
• 4-pin Cable
• Wire Mic Cable to QT Py
• Connect Mic Wires to QT Py
• Connect & Check Wiring
• Cut NeoPixel Strip
• Wire for NeoPixel Strip
• Solder Cable to NeoPixel Strip
• Wired NeoPixel Strip
• Connect NeoPixel to QT Py
• Final Wire Check

Assembly 24
• Hardware for PDM Mic
• Secure PDM mic
• Connect PDM Mic Cable
• Installing QT Py
• Install QT Py
• Install LED Acrylic to Case
• Install Grid into Case
• Prep NeoPixel Strip
• Install NeoPixel Strip
• Install Strip Cover to Case

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 • Install Back Cover
• USB C Port
• Final Build

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 Overview

Build a mini VU meter inspired project using NeoPixels and CircuitPython! Powered by
the QT Py RP2040, use a PDM microphone to turn audio data into a dazzling display
with NeoPixels!

3D print a snap fit case to house the

electronics with the mic exposed in the
back cover. The grid isolates the 16x
NeoPixels and a piece of Black LED acrylic
diffuses the LEDs.

©Adafruit Industries Page 5 of 30

 Parts
List of parts from the Adafruit shop.

QT Py RP2040 (http://adafru.it/4900)
PDM Mic (http://adafru.it/4346)
Mini Skinny NeoPixel Strip 144/
meter (http://adafru.it/2969)
Black LED Acrylic - Sheet (http://adafru.it/
4594)
10-wire ribbon cable (http://adafru.it/3890)
Stemma QT Cable (http://adafru.it/4209)
M2.5 Hardware Kit (http://adafru.it/3299)

Adafruit QT Py RP2040
What a cutie pie! Or is it... a QT Py? This
diminutive dev board comes with one of
our new favorite chip, the RP2040. It's
been made famous in the new
https://www.adafruit.com/product/4900

Adafruit PDM Microphone Breakout with

JST SH Connector
An exotic new microphone has arrived in
the Adafruit shop, a PDM MEMS
Microphone! PDM is the 'third' kind of
microphone you can integrate with
electronics,...
https://www.adafruit.com/product/4346

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 Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12"
- 0.1" / 2.6mm thick
A nice whoppin' slab of some lovely black
acrylic to add some extra diffusion to your
LED Matrix project. This material is 2.6mm
(0.1") thick and is made of special cast...
https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594

Adafruit Mini Skinny NeoPixel Digital RGB

LED Strip - 144 LED/m
So thin. So mini. So teeeeeeny-tiny. It's
the 'skinny' version of our classic NeoPixel
strips!These NeoPixel strips have 144
digitally-addressable pixel Mini LEDs...
https://www.adafruit.com/product/2969

Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon

Cable - 10 Wire 1 Meter Long
For those who are fans of our silicone-
covered wires, but are always looking to
up their wiring game. We now have
Silicone Cover Ribbon cables! These may
look...
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3890

1 x STEMMA QT / Qwiic Cable https://www.adafruit.com/product/

JST SH 4-pin to Premium Male Headers Cable - 150mm 4209
Long

1 x Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set https://www.adafruit.com/product/

M2.5 Thread 3299

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 Circuit Diagram
The diagram below provides a visual reference for wiring of the components. This
diagram was created using the software package Fritzing (https://adafru.it/oEP).

Adafruit Library for Fritzing

Use Adafruit's Fritzing parts library to create circuit diagrams for your projects.
Download the library or just grab individual parts. Get the library and parts from
GitHub - Adafruit Fritzing Parts (https://adafru.it/AYZ).

Wiring Connections
NeoPixels

• NeoPixel GND to QT Py RP2040 GND

• NeoPixel 5V to QT Py RP2040 5V
• NeoPixel DIN to QT Py RP2040 A0

PDM Mic

• PDM Mic GND to QT Py RP2040 GND

• PDM Mic 3V to QT Py RP2040 3V
• PDM Mic CLK to QT Py RP2040 TX

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 • PDM Mic DAT to QT Py RP2040 A1

CircuitPython
CircuitPython (https://adafru.it/tB7) is a derivative of MicroPython (https://adafru.it/BeZ)
designed to simplify experimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It
makes it easier than ever to get prototyping by requiring no upfront desktop software
downloads. Simply copy and edit files on the CIRCUITPY drive to iterate.

CircuitPython Quickstart
Follow this step-by-step to quickly get CircuitPython running on your board.

Download the latest version of

CircuitPython for this board via
circuitpython.org
https://adafru.it/RLD

Click the link above to download the

latest CircuitPython UF2 file.

Save it wherever is convenient for you.

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 To enter the bootloader, hold down the BOOT/BOOTSEL button (highlighted in red
above), and while continuing to hold it (don't let go!), press and release the reset
button (highlighted in blue above). Continue to hold the BOOT/BOOTSEL button until
the RPI-RP2 drive appears!

If the drive does not appear, release all the buttons, and then repeat the process
above.

You can also start with your board unplugged from USB, press and hold the BOOTSEL
button (highlighted in red above), continue to hold it while plugging it into USB, and
wait for the drive to appear before releasing the button.

A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! Make
sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.

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 You will see a new disk drive appear called
RPI-RP2.

Drag the adafruit_circuitpython_etc.uf2

file to RPI-RP2.

The RPI-RP2 drive will disappear and a

new disk drive called CIRCUITPY will
appear.

That's it, you're done! :)

Safe Mode
You want to edit your code.py or modify the files on your CIRCUITPY drive, but find
that you can't. Perhaps your board has gotten into a state where CIRCUITPY is read-
only. You may have turned off the CIRCUITPY drive altogether. Whatever the reason,
safe mode can help.

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 Safe mode in CircuitPython does not run any user code on startup, and disables auto-
reload. This means a few things. First, safe mode bypasses any code in boot.py
(where you can set CIRCUITPY read-only or turn it off completely). Second, it does
not run the code in code.py. And finally, it does not automatically soft-reload when
data is written to the CIRCUITPY drive.

Therefore, whatever you may have done to put your board in a non-interactive state,
safe mode gives you the opportunity to correct it without losing all of the data on the
CIRCUITPY drive.

Entering Safe Mode

To enter safe mode when using CircuitPython, plug in your board or hit reset
(highlighted in red above). Immediately after the board starts up or resets, it waits
1000ms. On some boards, the onboard status LED (highlighted in green above) will
blink yellow during that time. If you press reset during that 1000ms, the board will
start up in safe mode. It can be difficult to react to the yellow LED, so you may want to
think of it simply as a slow double click of the reset button. (Remember, a fast double
click of reset enters the bootloader.)

In Safe Mode

If you successfully enter safe mode on CircuitPython, the LED will intermittently blink
yellow three times.

If you connect to the serial console, you'll find the following message.

Auto-reload is off.
Running in safe mode! Not running saved code.

CircuitPython is in safe mode because you pressed the reset button during boot.
Press again to exit safe mode.

Press any key to enter the REPL. Use CTRL-D to reload.

You can now edit the contents of the CIRCUITPY drive. Remember, your code will not
run until you press the reset button, or unplug and plug in your board, to get out of
safe mode.

Flash Resetting UF2

If your board ever gets into a really weird state and CIRCUITPY doesn't show up as a
disk drive after installing CircuitPython, try loading this 'nuke' UF2 to RPI-RP2. which

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 will do a 'deep clean' on your Flash Memory. You will lose all the files on the board,
but at least you'll be able to revive it! After loading this UF2, follow the steps above to
re-install CircuitPython.

Download flash erasing "nuke" UF2

https://adafru.it/RLE

Coding the NeoPixel Mini VU Meter

Once you've finished setting up your QT Py RP2040 with CircuitPython, you can
access the code and necessary libraries by downloading the Project Bundle.

To do this, click on the Download Project Bundle button in the window below. It will
download as a zipped folder.

# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2022 Liz Clark for Adafruit Industries

# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

import time
import array
import math
import board
import audiobusio
import simpleio
import neopixel

# neopixel setup
pixel_pin = board.A0

pixel_num = 16

pixels = neopixel.NeoPixel(pixel_pin, pixel_num, brightness=0.1, auto_write=False)

# function to average mic levels

def mean(values):
return sum(values) / len(values)

# function to return mic level

def normalized_rms(values):

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 minbuf = int(mean(values))
samples_sum = sum(
float(sample - minbuf) * (sample - minbuf)
for sample in values
)

return math.sqrt(samples_sum / len(values))

# mic setup
mic = audiobusio.PDMIn(board.TX,
board.A1, sample_rate=16000, bit_depth=16)
samples = array.array('H', [0] * 160)

# variable to hold previous mic level

last_input = 0

# neopixel colors
GREEN = (0, 127, 0)
RED = (127, 0, 0)
YELLOW = (127, 127, 0)
OFF = (0, 0, 0)

# array of colors for VU meter

colors = [GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN,
GREEN, YELLOW, YELLOW, YELLOW, YELLOW, YELLOW, RED, RED]

# begin with pixels off

pixels.fill(OFF)
pixels.show()

while True:
# take in audio
mic.record(samples, len(samples))
# magnitude holds the value of the mic level
magnitude = normalized_rms(samples)
# uncomment to see the levels in the REPL
# print((magnitude,))

# mapping the volume range (125-500) to the 16 neopixels

# volume range is optimized for music. you may want to adjust the range
# based on the type of audio that you're trying to show
mapped_value = simpleio.map_range(magnitude, 125, 500, 0, 16)
# converting the mapped range to an integer
input_val = int(mapped_value)

# if the mic input has changed from the last input value...
if last_input != input_val:
for i in range(input_val):
# if the level is lower...
if last_input > input_val:
for z in range(last_input):
# turn those pixels off
pixels[z] = (OFF)
# turn on pixels using the colors array
pixels[i] = (colors[i])
pixels.show()
# update last_input
last_input = input_val

time.sleep(0.01)

Upload the Code and Libraries to the QT Py RP2040

After downloading the Project Bundle, plug your QT Py RP2040 into the computer's
USB port. You should see a new flash drive appear in the computer's File Explorer or

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 Finder (depending on your operating system) called CIRCUITPY. Unzip the folder and
copy the following items to the QT Py RP2040's CIRCUITPY drive.

• lib folder
• code.py

Your QT Py RP2040 CIRCUITPY drive should look like this after copying the lib folder
and the code.py file.

How the CircuitPython Code Works

First, the strip of 16 NeoPixels are setup.

# neopixel setup
pixel_pin = board.A0

pixel_num = 16

pixels = neopixel.NeoPixel(pixel_pin, pixel_num, brightness=0.1, auto_write=False)

PDM Mic Setup

Then the PDM mic is setup, along with two functions that assist with returning usable
data from the PDM mic.

# function to average mic levels

def mean(values):
return sum(values) / len(values)

# function to return mic level

def normalized_rms(values):
minbuf = int(mean(values))

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 samples_sum = sum(
float(sample - minbuf) * (sample - minbuf)
for sample in values
)

return math.sqrt(samples_sum / len(values))

# mic setup
mic = audiobusio.PDMIn(board.TX,
board.A1, sample_rate=16000, bit_depth=16)
samples = array.array('H', [0] * 160)

Defining the NeoPixel Colors

Four colors for the NeoPixels are setup. The colors array holds the colors in the
order that they will appear on the VU meter.

# neopixel colors
GREEN = (0, 127, 0)
RED = (127, 0, 0)
YELLOW = (127, 127, 0)
OFF = (0, 0, 0)

# array of colors for VU meter

colors = [GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, GREEN,
GREEN, YELLOW, YELLOW, YELLOW, YELLOW, YELLOW, RED, RED]

# begin with pixels off

pixels.fill(OFF)
pixels.show()

The Loop
In the loop, data is received by the PDM mic and is held in the variable magnitude .
magnitude is scaled to fit into the range of 0 to 16 using map_range() . This
allows the 16 NeoPixels to represent the range of data coming from the PDM mic.

# take in audio
mic.record(samples, len(samples))
# magnitude holds the value of the mic level
magnitude = normalized_rms(samples)
# uncomment to see the levels in the REPL
# print((magnitude,))

# mapping the volume range (125-500) to the 16 neopixels

# volume range is optimized for music. you may want to adjust the range
# based on the type of audio that you're trying to show
mapped_value = simpleio.map_range(magnitude, 125, 500, 0, 16)
# converting the mapped range to an integer
input_val = int(mapped_value)

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 Updating the NeoPixels
The NeoPixels are updated if the data from the PDM mic changes. This is checked by
comparing last_input and input_val .

A for statement is used to iterate through the range of the current input data from
the PDM mic. The index, represented with i , is used to turn on the correct number of
pixels and the defined colors from the colors array.

# if the mic input has changed from the last input value...
if last_input != input_val:
for i in range(input_val):
# if the level is lower...
if last_input > input_val:
for z in range(last_input):
# turn those pixels off
pixels[z] = (OFF)
# turn on pixels using the colors array
pixels[i] = (colors[i])
pixels.show()
# update last_input
last_input = input_val

time.sleep(0.01)

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 CAD files
CAD Parts List
STL files for 3D printing are oriented to
print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Parts
are designed to 3D print without any
support material. Original design source
may be downloaded using the links below:

case
grid
strip-cover
back-cover

Download CAD source

https://adafru.it/Yee

Download STLs.zip
https://adafru.it/Yef

©Adafruit Industries Page 18 of 30

 Build Volume
The parts require a 3D printer with a
minimum build volume.

120mm (X) x 30mm (Y) x 50mm (Z)

Acrylic Template
Use the template to cut out the piece of
black LED acrylic. The dimensions are
listed in the template. Print the PDF and do
not scale.

Cut inside the purple outline. The light

gray color resembles the actual piece of
acrylic needed.

acrylic-template.pdf
https://adafru.it/Yeg

SVG File for Laser cutter or CNC Mill

acrylic-piece.svg
https://adafru.it/Yeh

©Adafruit Industries Page 19 of 30

 CAD Assembly
The QT Py snap fits into the built-in holder
on the strip-cover. The PDM mic is secured
to the strip cover using M2.5 screws and
hex nuts. The NeoPixel strip is placed over
the grip into the recess. The piece of black
LED acrylic is press fitted into the case.
The grid is fitted into the case. The strip
cover is press fitted into the case.

Design Source Files

The project assembly was designed in
Fusion 360. This can be downloaded in
different formats like STEP, STL and more.
Electronic components like Adafruit's
board, displays, connectors and more can
be downloaded from the Adafruit CAD
parts GitHub Repo (https://adafru.it/AW8).

Wiring

4-pin Cable
Use the 4-pin cable to connect the PDM
mic to the QT Py. This cable features
header pins that are not needed.

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 Wire Mic Cable to QT Py
Cut the header pins from the wires so the
cable has a length of about 114mm (4.5in).

Using wire stripper, remove a bit of

insulation from the tips of each wire. Tin
the tips of the wires by adding a bit of
solder. This helps prevent the strands of
wire from fraying.

Connect Mic Wires to QT Py

Solder the four wires from the cable to the
pins on the QT Py. Follow the list to
reference which wires go where.

Red Wire – 3V pin on QT Py

Black Wire – GND pin on QT Py
Yellow Wire – TX pin on QT Py
Blue Wire – A1 pin on QT Py

Connect & Check Wiring

Plug in the JST connector from the cable
to the JST port on the PDM mic. Double
check the wires are properly soldered to
the pins on the QT Py.

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 Cut NeoPixel Strip
Locate the end of the strip with the Data In
arrow marking.

Count 16 LEDs from the Mini Skinny

NeoPixel strip and cut in between the
marked pads.

Double check the strip has the correct

number of NeoPixels.

Wire for NeoPixel Strip

Use the 10-wire ribbon cable to create a 3-
wire cable for connecting the NeoPixel
strip to the QT Py.

Measure and cut a piece of ribbon cable

so it's about the length of the strip of
NeoPixels.

Using wire stripper, remove a bit of

insulation from the tips of each wire. Tin
the tips of the wires by adding a bit of
solder.

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 Solder Cable to NeoPixel
Strip
Locate the end of the NeoPixel strip with
the DATA IN pad.

Solder the wires from the cable to the

three pads on the back of the NeoPixel
flexible PCB.

Reference the labels for soldering the

wires to the correct pads.

Wired NeoPixel Strip

Double check the cable has been properly
soldered to the pads on the NeoPixel strip.

Get the QT PY ready to solder the

NeoPixel three wired connections.

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 Connect NeoPixel to QT Py
Solder the three wires from the NeoPixel
strip to the pins on the QT Py.

5V from NeoPixel – 5V on QT Py
GND from NeoPixel – GND on QT Py
DIN from NeoPixel – A0 on QT Py

Final Wire Check

Double check the wires from the NeoPixel
strip has been properly soldered to the QT
Py.

Test the circuit by plugging a USB cable to

a 5V power source.

Assembly

Hardware for PDM Mic

Use the following hardware to secure the
PDM mic to the 3d printed strip cover.

2x M2.5 x 6mm screws

2x M2.5 hex nuts

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 Secure PDM mic
Insert the M2.5 screws through the two
holes on the strip cover. Place the PDM
mic over so the screws fit through the two
mounting holes. Insert and fasten the two
hex nuts to secure the PDM mic to the
strip cover.

Connect PDM Mic Cable

Ensure the 4-pin cable is connected to the
PDM microphone.

Installing QT Py
Get the QT Py ready to install onto the
strip cover. Orient the strip cover so the
built-in holder is lined up with the USB port
on the QT Py.

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 Install QT Py
Insert the QT Py into the built-in holder at
an angle with the corners of the PCB fitting
under the clips.

Double check the USB-C port is facing the

correct orientation.

Slightly flex the strip cover to allow the QT

Py PCB to fit into the corners of the built-in
holder.

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 Install LED Acrylic to Case
The black LED acrylic is press fitted into
the case with the shinny side facing up
and the matte side facing down.

Press the acrylic so it's flush with the

bottom surface of the case.

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 Install Grid into Case
Place the grid into the case with the
closed bottom frame going in first and the
recesses facing up.

Firmly press the grid into the case so it sits

flush with the LED acrylic.

Prep NeoPixel Strip

Place the NeoPixel strip over the back of
the strip cover.

The cable should be tucked under the

PDM mic for a nice installation.

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 Install NeoPixel Strip
Begin to lay the NeoPixel strip over the
recesses on the grid.

The NeoPixel strip should be placed with

the LEDs fitting into the slots.

The strip cover will be placed over the

NeoPixel strip and press fits into the case.

Install Strip Cover to Case

Double check the USB C port from the QT
Py is orientated correctly with the case.

Firmly press the strip cover into the case

with the QT Py and PDM mic facing up.

Install Back Cover

Get the back cover ready to install over
the case.

Orient the back cover so the notch end is

lined up with the USB C port on the QT Py.

Firmly press fit the back cover over the

case and snap fit to close it shut.

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 USB C Port
Double check the USB C Port from the QT
Py is accessible.

Final Build
Congratulations on your build! It's ready
for some audio input.

Use a USB cable and a 5V power source

to power the VU meter.

©Adafruit Industries Page 30 of 30