Making a 1U blinky light panel for server racks (Blinkenlights!)
Got extra space in your server rack? Why use a blanking panel when you can put in more blinking lights?
Here's all the parts you'll need:
| Part | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 1U Blinky STL file (will upload soon) | 1 |
| Raspberry Pi Pico | 1 |
| Adafruit Neopixel (~19 LEDs approximately from a 60 LED/meter strand) | 1(ish) |
| 22 gauge wire | N/A |
| M2 screws | 4 |
| M3 screws | 3 |
To assemble, print two parts of the blinky unit and screw them together with the M3 screws. You'll be able to attach the Pi Pico with the M2 screws on either side - I had the USB face outwards. Soldering, I know I could've done better, but my hands are quite possibly one of the most unsteady hands you'll see.
I used GPIO pins GND, VBUS, and 28. If you're familiar with the Pico's pinouts, you can use any GPIO to your preference. Power-wise, make sure you're using VBUS and NOT VSYS. With the little amount of LEDs we're using in the Neopixel strand, the 5V supplied from a USB port is more than enough. I turned down the brightness on the strand to draw less amperage just to be safe.
