CheerLights is a ThingSpeak “Internet of Things” project created by Hans Scharler that allows people’s lights all across the world to synchronize to one color set by Twitter.  This project shows you how to use a Spark Core Wi-Fi module and a NeoPixel matrix to easily implement CheerLights.

Shopping List

The following parts are needed for this project:

AmountPart TypeProperties 1 8-Line Bi-Directional Level Shifter  http://adafruit.com/products/395 or http://www.adafruit.com/product/1875 with minor changes 1 Capacitor Polarized variant pth4; package cpol-radial-1000uf-25v 1 Power Jack type 5.5mm barrel; variant pth; package power_jack_pth 1 Neopixel 8x8 Matrix  http://www.adafruit.com/product/1487 1 Spark Core (v1.0) variant variant 1; manufacturer Spark Devices; name Spark Core; revision v1.0 1 220Ω Resistor pin spacing 400 mil; bands 4; resistance 220Ω; package THT; tolerance ±5%

Plus a breadboard, hookup wire and a 2A 5VDC power supply.

 

Note that a great alternative to these parts may be to try the Adafruit Spark Neopixel Ring Kit that was not yet available when this project was done.  Changing this line of code:


Adafruit_NeoPixel strip = Adafruit_NeoPixel(64, 6);

 

to the following to accomodate for the change in Neopixel LEDs from 64 to 24:

 

Adafruit_NeoPixel strip = Adafruit_NeoPixel(24, 6);

 

would be the only change needed.

Step 1

Connect your Spark Core to your Wi-Fi network using the instructions provided at the spark.io website.

Step 2

Wire up your breadboard as shown in the CheerLights Fritzing files.

Step 3

Flash your Spark using the cheerlights.ino code. *** update 10/1/15 *** Try this code that is a modification of the CheerLights example using the official ThingSpeak library: newCheerlights.ino

 

Step 4

Send some test tweets and watch your Neopixels matrix change color along with all the other CheerLights projects around the world!