add rgb-ears

2024-BLINKnd-ears/BLINKnd-ears-v1.md

@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+# BLINKnd Ears - Version 1
+
+![01-nd-gpn22.jpg](.attachments.20628352/01-nd-gpn22.jpg)
+
+Some people started distributing 3d printed cat ears on a large scale a while ago. At the last congress, people started adding LEDs to them. But so far all variants I've seen only had a static color. Well, I wanted something blinking and useable for dancing and it should react to the beat.
+
+So of course I built just that.
+
+![02-ears-controller-on-stand.jpg](.attachments.20628352/02-ears-controller-on-stand.jpg)
+
+I wore them for the first time at gpn22 and tested them during the party there. Worked well, looked great and quite some people asked me how to built them. So here are instructions on how to build your own.
+
+![06-case-closed.jpg](.attachments.20628352/06-case-closed.jpg)
+
+I opted to use prefabricated modules instead of creating my own PCB to get faster results and lower the entry barrier for clones. Using a custom PCB would probably result in a smaller size.
+
+## How Does it Work?
+
+I carry an ESP32 running the [WLED MoonModules Project](https://mm.kno.wled.ge/) fork of [WLED](https://kno.wled.ge/). Connected to it is an I2S module. The sound input is used to run a [FFT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Fourier_transform) and beat detection on the ESP. Those are then used in light effects. As lights I use a ws2812 stripe glued to 3d printed cat ears. A cable is running from the ears behind my back under my shirt to the bum bag. All together is powered via an USB power bank.
+
+## Partlist
+
+- ESP32\[-S3\] (I used an [ESP32-S3 Mini](https://www.waveshare.com/esp32-s3-zero.htm). There are cheaper alternatives on Aliexpress. Do not use the single core variantes. Size matters)
+- I2S microphone (I used an INMP441 module)
+- A Case (You could 3d print this, I used some [cheap junction box from obi](https://www.obi.de/p/1820240/abzweigdose-ip54-75-mm-x-37-mm-x-40-mm-10-stueck))
+- USBC socket (for example [this one](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CPLS1X29))
+- WS2812 COB LED Strip (200 LEDs /m in my case, resulting in 60 LEDs on a 31cm stripe)
+- Capacitors. \~1000uf in total. Used to stabilize the power supply.
+- USB Power bank
+- 3d printed cat ears (I used [this model provided by c3cat](https://wiki.hamburg.ccc.de/club:c3cat:start)). I'd recommend not to use PLA because of it's melting point. 
+- transparent glue
+- black paint
+- transparent plastic string
+- some cables
+- shrink tubing
+- connectors
+- small bolts and  nuts (I used m2)
+
+## Buildsteps
+
+### Electronics and Case
+
+![07-pcb-closeup.jpg](.attachments.20628352/07-pcb-closeup.jpg)
+
+Connect the Microphone to the ESP.  See [here](https://mm.kno.wled.ge/WLEDSR/Digital-Microphone-Hookup/) for the pinout. For my INMP441 I've used the following pins :
+
+```
+I2S SD: 3
+I2S WS: 2
+I2S SCK: 1
+I2S MCLK: N/A
+```
+
+But you can pick any supported microphone and are quite flexible in choosing those pins.
+
+The ws2812 data pin from the stripe on the ears is connected to `GPIO 4`. See [here](https://mm.kno.wled.ge/basics/getting-started/#quick-start-guide) on general info on howto connect those LEDs. I've picked a 100 Ohm resistor and skipped the level shifter.
+
+My board has another ws2812 LED on `GPIO 21` connected. I use this one as status LED. It's visible evenfrom outside the case.
+
+For power I've connected an USB C socket. It's secured with a cable tie. I picked this option over using the port on the devboard because the traces do not like the \~3A peak current I'd like to draw. It's recommended to add some random amount of capacitors as well. Considering I plan to support a 15W LED strob mode as it's probably not a bad idea. WLED recommends 1000uF.
+
+I've used m2 screws to connect board and case. To protect against stress I'd recommend to secure all external cables and sockets to the case and not only to the PCB.
+
+### Ears
+
+![03-ears-powered-off.jpg](.attachments.20628352/03-ears-powered-off.jpg)
+
+Get 3d printed cat ears. You should be able to find them in most hackspaces and chaos events. Or print your own with this [model from c3cat](https://wiki.hamburg.ccc.de/club:c3cat:start). I'd recommend HIPS or ABS as printing material since the LEDs get hot enought to bend PLA. Don't worry if you only have PLA ones, you just might have to heat and bend them back sometimes. I painted them black to keep moisture out permanently and have a smooth surface.
+
+You need a thin LED stripe for this build. I picked up a 4mm wide one from Aliexpress which came in a silicone tube. I'd recommend a high pixel density, like 200/m, for maximum blink. For the linked 3d model this results in the need for 31cm or 60 LEDs of 200 LEDs/m stripe. I'd recommend to power on the stripe, turn on 60 LEDs, mark them, turn the stripe off and then cut it to length.
+
+![04-ears-powered-on-side.jpg](.attachments.20628352/04-ears-powered-on-side.jpg)
+
+At areas of high stress (narrow bends) I've reinforced the stripe with transparent string and glue. This keeps the stripe and ears from seperating.
+
+![05-ears-reinforcement-closeup.jpg](.attachments.20628352/05-ears-reinforcement-closeup.jpg)
+
+On the lower half the string was painted black so it's not as visible.
+
+Use shrink tubing to fix the cable to the ears. You can substitute it for tape, but you have to build some kind of stress relive if you want your ears to last. Solder the cable to the backside of the stripe.
+
+**WARNING**: using the wrong polarity will result in a fried ESP. You should use a reverse secure connector unlike me. Ask me how I know...
+
+**WARNING 2**: I learned not all cables are  skin-friendly. Random ones from Aliexpress especially might not be... maybe add a silicone tube or use less shitty cables.
+
+## Software and Configuration
+
+See [here](https://mm.kno.wled.ge/basics/install-binary/) how to flash the wled fork. The web installer didn't work for me so I went a different way:
+
+- flash tasmota via the [web installer](https://tasmota.github.io/install/)
+- connect to the wifi and go to the tasmota web terminal -> console -> [SetOption78 on](https://tasmota.github.io/docs/Commands/#setoption78)
+- install wled via the tasmota ota update function
+
+It's probably easier to flash via CLI directly but I only had a phone with me at that moment. Yes we are in a future where you can flash a microcontroller via your phones browser.  I love it!
+
+Now you should be able to connect to the WLED AP via wifi and it's standard password ( `wled1234` ).
+
+Configure your GPIOs via the webinterface. To get nicer effects, configure segments for parts like the ears and sides separately. Setup presets for effects and colors.
+
+Most importantly: experiment! Find out what looks you like. Try out what effects to use to what kind of music. [Script your own effects](https://mm.kno.wled.ge/moonmodules/arti-fx/). The documentation of WLED is quite a good help with that.
+
+## Observed Problems and Ideas
+
+### PLA melts
+
+Yes realy. \~3A at 5V is generates enough heat to soften PLA. My next version is made using [HIPS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graft_polymer#High_impact_polystyrene). ABS would work as well.
+
+### Connector reversing kills the ESP
+
+Use a different connector as I did
+
+### No USB power delivery support
+
+The USB C breakout I used doesn't support USB PD. Use a different module or USB A -> C cables.
+
+### Too much bass (lol)
+
+If it gets too loud the microphone clips out even on minimal gain settings. Either use a line in or add sound isolation. A different microphone could help as well. Or ignore the problem, it still blinks good enough.
+
+### More Documentation
+
+I took way too few pictures of the ears in action. I'd realy love to have more pictures of them and some other wearables I plan to build. Hopefully fixable on the next event.
+
+### Hardware Controlls and Buttons
+
+Looking at a phone screen is annoying. I'd love a button to cycle presets.
+
+### Sync
+
+WLED has the option to sync multiple devices via wifi... I've some plans.

manuals/eh22-rgb-ears

@@ -0,0 +1,252 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta charset="utf-8">
+    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
+    <link rel="stylesheet" href="assets/css/style.css" />
+    <title>c3cat</title>
+  </head>
+  <body class="container">
+    <main>
+      <h1>Addressable LED Catears</h1>
+
+      <picture>
+        <source srcset="assets/img/c3cat-c3sign-cccamp23-transparent-for-dark.webp" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"/>
+        <img src="assets/img/c3cat-c3sign-cccamp23-transparent.webp" alt="C3CAT with a cat ear headband around the 'A'" class="hero-img"/>
+      </picture>
+
+      We started distributing 3D printed cat ears on a large scale a while ago.
+      At the 37C3 we started adding LEDs to some of them in static colors - you can find the needed parts for that <a href="https://wiki.hamburg.ccc.de/club:c3cat:start">over here</a>.
+      Over the year some us wanted to build addressable ligth-up catears, with different functions.
+      We decided to provide one guide for a more basic version and below some modifications to improve it. 
+
+      <h2>Base version</h2>
+
+      <h3>Step 1: Flashing the microcontroller</h3>
+      In order to make those fancy catears light up we need to falsh some firmware first.
+      Go to http://wled-install.github.io and choose the "Standard Version" - "ESP32-C3 (4MB Flash)".
+      Now take the ESP32 out of its package, connect it via USB-C to your computer and click the install button. You will be promted to choose a port. The flashing process will take a while. Please do not disconnect the ESP32 - this may brick the device. After flashing finished you will be prompted to choose a wifi, you can skip this step.
+You will need a chromium based browser for the flashing process (Firefox will not work).
+
+
+      <h3>Step 2: Prepare long cable</h3>
+      Strip about 1 cm of insulation from one end of the cable and about 2 cm from the other end.
+      Pull a 1 cm piece of 4 mm heat-shrink tubing over the three cables of the female LED connector. Pull a 3 cm piece of 7 mm heat-shrink tubing over the long cable. Now solder the cables of the connector to the 2cm end of the long cable and then pull the pieces of heat-shrink tubing over the soldered joints. Heat the heat shrink until it is firmly attached. Then pull the 7mm heat shrink over the area and shrink again.
+
+
+      <img src="assets/img/b1.jpeg" alt="Picture of soldered cable" class="hero-img"/> </br>
+      <img src="assets/img/b2.jpeg" alt="Picture of shrinked tubed cables " class="hero-img"/> </br>
+      <img src="assets/img/b3.jpeg" alt="Fully shrinked tubed cable" class="hero-img"/> </br>
+      
+
+      <h3>Step 2: Prepare the LED strip</h3> 
+      Pull a 1cm piece of the 7mm heat shrink over the long cable.
+      We now solder the 1cm end to the LED strip. To do this, we first need to find the correct end of the strip. Our strip had the following labeling on the back - we need the end with an INPUT pin (marked IN here):
+
+      <img src="assets/img/b4.jpeg" alt="Backside of LED strip" class="hero-img"/> </br>
+      <img src="assets/img/b5.jpeg" alt="Fully assambled LED strip" class="hero-img"/> </br>
+
+      Now solder the cable to the LED strip according to the inputs (we have chosen red=5V, black=GND and yellow/green=data). Then protect the soldered joint with the piece of shrink tubing that we put on the cable. 
+
+      <h3>Step 3: Attach cable to the ESP</h3>
+      We now solder the other connector to the ESP. The red cable to the 5V pin, the black cable to GND and we have chosen pin 3 for the green data cable:
+
+      <img src="assets/img/b6.jpeg" alt="Picture with Pins" class="hero-img"/> </br> 
+      <img src="assets/img/b7.jpeg" alt="Soldered cables (back)" class="hero-img"/> </br>
+      <img src="assets/img/b8.jpeg" alt="Soldered cables (front)" class="hero-img"/> </br>
+
+      <h3>Step 4: Prepare the case</h3>
+      As we want to close the case with a screw, we use a heat insert with an M3 thread. Of course, a modified version of the case can also be used, in which the screw is held directly in the 3D print - this is not suitable for frequent opening, as the plastic thread wears out quickly.
+      So: If applicable, heat it according to the instructions of the heat inserts and place it in the 3D print.
+  
+      <img src="assets/img/b9.jpeg" alt="heat set insert" class="hero-img"/>
+      
+      <h3>Step 6: Assemble the case</h3>
+      Now pack the ESP into the case, place the button and fix the cables with hot glue if necessary.
+     
+
+      <img src="assets/img/b10.jpeg" alt="finished case" class="hero-img"/>
+      
+      <h3>Step 7: Glue the LED strip to the 3D-Printed catears</h3>
+      Now we are finished the hardware
+
+     <h3>Step 8: Software Settings</h3>
+     Now connect your catears to your Smartphone or Laptop. When powered up there will be an Access Point you can connect to. Its named "WLED-AP".
+     In the settings (To the controls -> Config (top right corner)) go to LED Preferences you will need to configure the amount of LEDs the strip has unter "Hardware setup" -> "LED outputs" -> Lenght. Its around 40. Chose 3 for DATA GPIO!
+     Back in the config Menue you can configure your WLED-AP under "WiFi Setup". Unter "Access Point"
+you can configure a AP-Password to secure your catears against those Eggdy Hackers.
+
+
+      </br> </br>
+      <h2>Advanced Catears</h2>
+
+      <h3>nd's party ears</h3>
+      <picture>
+        <img src="assets/img/party-1.webp" alt="A person wearing colorful lit-up catears. All faces in the image are blured." class="blog-img"/>
+      </picture>
+      <p>
+        Well, I wanted something blinking and useable for dancing and it should react to the beat.<br>
+        So of course I built just that.
+      </p>
+
+      <picture>
+        <img src="assets/img/party-2.webp" alt="Lit-up catears balanced on a glass bottle as a stand. In front of the bottle there is a white plastic box, connected to the catears and a black powerbank next to it." class="blog-img"/>
+      </picture>
+      
+      <p>
+        I wore them for the first time at gpn22 and tested them during the party there. Worked well, looked great and quite some people asked me how to built them. So here are instructions on how to build your own.
+      </p>
+
+      <picture>
+        <img src="assets/img/party-3.webp" alt="A white plastic box with a black label saying: 'BLINKnd Ears build by nd' and below that: 'dc8aac'. A cable with a plug comes out of the box, but isn#t attached to anything else." class="blog-img"/>
+      </picture>
+
+      <p>
+        I opted to use prefabricated modules instead of creating my own PCB to get faster results and lower the entry barrier for clones. Using a custom PCB would probably result in a smaller size.
+      </p>
+
+      <h4>How Does it Work?</h4>
+      <p>
+      I carry an ESP32 running the <a href="https://mm.kno.wled.ge/">WLED MoonModules Project</a> fork of <a href="https://kno.wled.ge/">WLED]</a>. Connected to it is an I2S module. The sound input is used to run a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Fourier_transform">FFT</a> and beat detection on the ESP. Those are then used in light effects. As lights I use a ws2812 stripe glued to 3d printed cat ears. A cable is running from the ears behind my back under my shirt to the bum bag. All together is powered via an USB power bank.
+
+      <h4>Partlist</h4>
+      <ul>
+       <li>ESP32[-S3] (I used an <a href="https://www.waveshare.com/esp32-s3-zero.htm">ESP32-S3 Mini</a>. There are cheaper alternatives on Aliexpress. Do not use the single core variantes. Size matters)</li>
+       <li>I2S microphone (I used an INMP441 module)</li>
+       <li>A Case (You could 3d print this, I used some <a href="https://www.obi.de/p/1820240/abzweigdose-ip54-75-mm-x-37-mm-x-40-mm-10-stueck">cheap junction box from obi</a>)</li>
+       <li>USBC socket (for example <a href="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CPLS1X29">this one</a>)</li>
+       <li>WS2812 COB LED Strip (200 LEDs /m in my case, resulting in 60 LEDs on a 31cm stripe)</li>
+       <li>Capacitors. ~1000µf in total. Used to stabilize the power supply.</li>
+       <li>USB Power bank</li>
+       <li>3d printed cat ears (I used [this model provided by c3cat](https://wiki.hamburg.ccc.de/club:c3cat:start)). I'd recommend not to use PLA because of it's melting point. </li>
+       <li>transparent glue</li>
+       <li>black paint</li>
+       <li>transparent plastic string</li>
+       <li>some cables</li>
+       <li>shrink tubing</li>
+       <li>connectors</li>
+       <li>small bolts and  nuts (I used m2)</li>
+     </ul>
+    
+     <h4>Buildsteps</h4>
+
+     <h5>Electronics and Case</h5>
+      <picture>
+        <img src="assets/img/party-4.webp" alt="" class="blog-img"/>
+      </picture>
+
+     <p>
+      Connect the Microphone to the ESP. 
+    See <a href="https://mm.kno.wled.ge/WLEDSR/Digital-Microphone-Hookup/">here</a> for the pinout. For my INMP441 I've used the following pins :
+     </p>
+     <pre>I2S SD: 3
+I2S WS: 2
+I2S SCK: 1
+I2S MCLK: N/A</pre>
+
+     <p>
+      But you can pick any supported microphone and are quite flexible in choosing those pins.
+     </p>
+    
+     <p>
+       The ws2812 data pin from the stripe on the ears is connected to `GPIO 4`. See [here](https://mm.kno.wled.ge/basics/getting-started/#quick-start-guide) on general info on howto connect those LEDs. I've picked a 100 Ohm resistor and skipped the level shifter.<br>
+       My board has another ws2812 LED on `GPIO 21` connected. I use this one as status LED. It's visible evenfrom outside the case.<br>
+       For power I've connected an USB C socket. It's secured with a cable tie. I picked this option over using the port on the devboard because the traces do not like the \~3A peak current I'd like to draw. It's recommended to add some random amount of capacitors as well. Considering I plan to support a 15W LED strob mode as it's probably not a bad idea. WLED recommends 1000µF.<br>
+       I've used m2 screws to connect board and case. To protect against stress I'd recommend to secure all external cables and sockets to the case and not only to the PCB.
+    </p>
+    
+    <h5>Ears</h5>
+      <picture>
+        <img src="assets/img/party-5.webp" alt="Catears with a powered off led strip glued to it. At the end of the cable coming from the catears is a plug with three exposed pins." class="blog-img"/>
+      </picture>
+
+    <p>
+      Get 3d printed cat ears. You should be able to find them in most hackspaces and chaos events. Or print your own with this [model from c3cat](https://wiki.hamburg.ccc.de/club:c3cat:start). I'd recommend HIPS or ABS as printing material since the LEDs get hot enought to bend PLA. Don't worry if you only have PLA ones, you just might have to heat and bend them back sometimes. I painted them black to keep moisture out permanently and have a smooth surface.
+    </p>
+
+    <p>
+      You need a thin LED stripe for this build. I picked up a 4mm wide one from Aliexpress which came in a silicone tube. I'd recommend a high pixel density, like 200/m, for maximum blink. For the linked 3d model this results in the need for 31cm or 60 LEDs of 200 LEDs/m stripe. I'd recommend to power on the stripe, turn on 60 LEDs, mark them, turn the stripe off and then cut it to length.
+    </p>
+      
+    <picture>
+      <img src="assets/img/party-6.webp" alt="" class="blog-img"/>
+    </picture>
+
+    <p>
+      At areas of high stress (narrow bends) I've reinforced the stripe with transparent string and glue. This keeps the stripe and ears from seperating.
+    </p>
+    
+    <picture>
+      <img src="assets/img/party-7.webp" alt="" class="blog-img"/>
+    </picture>
+
+    <p>
+      On the lower half the string was painted black so it's not as visible.<br>
+    Use shrink tubing to fix the cable to the ears. You can substitute it for tape, but you have to build some kind of stress relive if you want your ears to last. Solder the cable to the backside of the stripe.<br>
+
+      <b>WARNING</b>: using the wrong polarity will result in a fried ESP. You should use a reverse secure connector unlike me. Ask me how I know...<br>
+      <b>WARNING 2</b>: I learned not all cables are  skin-friendly. Random ones from Aliexpress especially might not be... maybe add a silicone tube or use less shitty cables.
+
+    <h4>Software and Configuration</h4>
+    <p>
+      See <a href="https://mm.kno.wled.ge/basics/install-binary/">here</a> how to flash the wled fork. The web installer didn't work for me so I went a different way:
+    </p>
+
+    <ul>
+      <li>flash tasmota via the <a href="https://tasmota.github.io/install/">web installer</a>)
+      <li>connect to the wifi and go to the tasmota web terminal -> console -> <a href="https://tasmota.github.io/docs/Commands/#setoption78">SetOption78 on</a>
+      <li>install wled via the tasmota ota update function
+    </ul>
+
+    <p>
+      It's probably easier to flash via CLI directly but I only had a phone with me at that moment. Yes we are in a future where you can flash a microcontroller via your phones browser.  I love it!
+Now you should be able to connect to the WLED AP via wifi and it's standard password (<code>wled1234</code>).
+Configure your GPIOs via the webinterface. To get nicer effects, configure segments for parts like the ears and sides separately. Setup presets for effects and colors.
+Most importantly: experiment! Find out what looks you like. Try out what effects to use to what kind of music. <a href="https://mm.kno.wled.ge/moonmodules/arti-fx/">Script your own effects</a>. The documentation of WLED is quite a good help with that.
+
+    <h4>Observed Problems and Ideas</h4>
+    <h5>PLA melts</h5>
+    <p>
+      Yes realy. \~3A at 5V is generates enough heat to soften PLA. My next version is made using [HIPS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graft_polymer#High_impact_polystyrene). ABS would work as well.
+    </p>
+    <h5>Connector reversing kills the ESP</h5>
+    <p>
+      Use a different connector as I did
+    </p>
+    
+    <h5>No USB power delivery support</h5>
+    <p>
+      The USB C breakout I used doesn't support USB PD. Use a different module or USB A -> C cables.
+    </p>
+    
+    <h5>Too much bass (lol)</h5>
+    <p>
+      If it gets too loud the microphone clips out even on minimal gain settings. Either use a line in or add sound isolation. A different microphone could help as well. Or ignore the problem, it still blinks good enough.
+    </p>
+    
+    <h5>More Documentation</h5>
+    <p>
+      I took way too few pictures of the ears in action. I'd realy love to have more pictures of them and some other wearables I plan to build. Hopefully fixable on the next event.
+    </p>
+    
+    <h5>Hardware Controlls and Buttons</h5>
+    <p>
+      Looking at a phone screen is annoying. I'd love a button to cycle presets.
+    </p>
+    
+    <h5>Sync</h5>
+    <p>
+      WLED has the option to sync multiple devices via wifi... I've some plans.
+    </p>            
+    </main>
+    <footer>
+      <p>
+        Don't feel pressured to wear cat ears &ndash; you're perfectly fine without them.<br>
+        And remember: Trans rights are human rights.
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        Find us in the fediverse at <a href="https://chaos.social/@c3cat">c3cat@chaos.social</a>.
+      </p>
+    </footer>
+  </body>
+</html>