Glow Cuboid

I wanted to make something artistic and dynamic using the GlowBit 8x8 matrix that I’ve been playing around with.  It’s just an RP2040 programmed in Python to produce random patterns on a GlowBit 8x8 RGB LED matrix. I just played around with numbers and algorithms until I liked the look of them. It seems that people all have very differing favorites and some that I didn’t like, others love.  So to that end, I created 4 different algorithms which create distinctive patterns over time. I didn’t want to use any switches so an accelerometer determines the orientation of the cube which sets the mode.  The unit resets itself when put on its back.  

Basically, you just plug it into a USB power source and it does its thing.  Two of the modes take some time to initialize.

The size of the unit was determined by a piece of sample frosted acrylic lying around that measured 100 x 100 x 10mm. 

Two 3D printed parts complete the assembly.

Parts

• RP2040-Zero, a Pico-like MCU Board Based on Raspberry Pi RP2040
• GlowBit™ Matrix - 8x8
• MPU-6050 Module 3 Axis Gyroscope + Accelerometer
• USB-C cable

• 3D printed front and back pieces
• Acrylic frosted slab, 100x100x10, or anything that is opaque 
• Electric tape
• Hot glue

Schematic

Enclosure - 3D printed

• Design files in FreeCAD format + 3D models in step format + 3mf Prusa format
• Nothing special about prints, but need support for front piece rebate
• My printer is a Prusa i3 and I use generic branded filaments

Acrylic 100 x 100 x 10 mm

Assembly

• Cover back of LED matrix with electrical tape
• Hot glue MCU, USB plug and MPU to electrical tape on back of matrix
• Solder up
• Test

• Drop module into  enclosure

• Back cover just snaps on.  I don’t glue the module or back cover in place, but you could.

• Front then looks like above
• Push acrylic piece into front rebate .  Mine fits tight, so no glue needed and a tap to get it out if required.

Files 

• All files are in repository:  https://github.com/MarkMakies/Glow-Cube
• FreeCAD design (.FCStd)
• 3D Models (.step)
• Prusa Project (.3mf)
• Python Code (main.py)
• Driver (mpu6050.py) - not sure where I got this from

Videos of different random modes:

It is difficult to get a good picture or video of the device in operation using a smartphone.  However, I have managed to capture the 4 different patterns using my SLR instead.

The videos were so popular amongst friends that I filmed them in 4K UHD, so if you get a chance check them out on a big screen in UHD.  They can be quite mesmerizing.  In these videos I just mirrored the edge pixels on both sides to fill the screen.