RGB Magic Lantern

For this project, I created a paper lantern that can change color. The frame of the lantern, the base, and the base plate are all 3D printed components made from black PLA. The board used was the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express, with 6 additional alligator cords, potentiometer, switch, and battery which was also supplied by Adafruit. In order to assemble the lantern, I first fastened the switch and potentiometer within the two holes of the base plate. I then installed the board/wires into the base of the lantern and sealed the base plate with hot glue. I then cut out 32 pieces of lantern paper to hot glue on the inside of the lantern frame, which then slides onto the base. The switch and potentiometer are accessible in the bottom of the base.

The lantern uses a code written in Microsoft MakeCode. When plugged into a power source, the board's LEDs turn on to full brightness. The color of all of the LEDs are controlled by the potentiometer dial value. When the potentiometer is turned to a value of 30 or lower, all of the LEDs turn off. Flipping the switch on activates a rainbow LED pinwheel animation. While the switch is turned on, the potentiometer has no effect on the lights. Flipping the switch off stops the rainbow animation, allowing control over the color based on the potentiometer once again.