Resources
-The "original" cat ear model we used was borrowed from Printables. - Since then, some people started to develop an improved and parametrized version with OpenSCAD.
-See the CCCHH wiki for the latest information on signs, 3D models, etc.
+ + +Archive
++ These are not necessarily the most up-to-date version but we maintain them here in case you have our link saved or found an old kit from us. +
+History
A few people from Hamburg started to 3D-print and wear cat ear headbands at EH20 which lead to some "can I get one, too" reactions. From ed214766f21beaca017e13816d73234fb437228c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: lilly
Addressable LED Catears
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+ Base version
@@ -37,36 +39,36 @@ You will need a chromium based browser for the flashing process (Firefox will no
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- Step 2: Prepare the LED strip
+ +Step 2: Prepare the LED strip
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):
- 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.
+ 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.
Step 3: Attach cable to the ESP
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: -
+
Step 4: Prepare the case
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. - +
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+
Step 6: Assemble the case
Now pack the ESP into the case, place the button and fix the cables with hot glue if necessary. - +
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+
Step 7: Glue the LED strip to the 3D-Printed catears
Now we are finished the hardware @@ -92,7 +94,7 @@ you can configure a AP-Password to secure your catears against those Eggdy Hacke
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.
@@ -127,7 +129,7 @@ you can configure a AP-Password to secure your catears against those Eggdy HackeBuildsteps
Electronics and Case
@@ -136,7 +138,7 @@ you can configure a AP-Password to secure your catears against those Eggdy Hacke- Connect the Microphone to the ESP. + Connect the Microphone to the ESP. See here for the pinout. For my INMP441 I've used the following pins :
I2S SD: 3 @@ -147,14 +149,14 @@ 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 1000µF.
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
@@ -167,7 +169,7 @@ I2S MCLK: N/A
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.
- +
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.
- +
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. -
+