Printed rocket engine exhaust flames with Pi Pico W modulated LEDs that function as stand.
This microPython application runs on a Raspberry Pi Pico W (RP2040) and modulates LEDs in a set of 3D printed rocket exhaust flames that act as a stand for the Lego Saturn V rocket. The code consists of a threaded application, which runs a simple webservice on core0, and LED modulation on core1. LEDs can be switched on and off on the simple webpage that is served up by this webservice.
This module is the top-level module that starts both threads on core0 and core1.
This module manages the class for modulating the 5 LEDs via randomized PWM control.
Relevant 3D printing files are on https://www.printables.com/
- Pi Pico case: https://www.printables.com/model/226610-raspberry-pi-pico-case
- Flames, LED holder and Pi Pico Case Wire Feed-through: https://www.printables.com/model/459757-lego-saturn-v-rocket-flames-stand
Wiring as in schematic.pdf
- For wiring I used 30 AWG enameled copper wire to keep the wire as invisible as possible.
- White LEDs (5) because they have a forward voltage drop of 3-4 volts; hence don't need a current limiting resistor when driven by 3.3V PWM.
- For instruction on how to download microPython on the Pi Pico W, see: https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/projects/getting-started-with-the-pico/2
- U2F bootloader available here: https://micropython.org/download/rp2-pico-w/