Rave Coffin

No longer must we stop partying once we drop. Rave beyond the grave with the PARTY COFFIN™!

A headstone covered in solar panels powers this Blinky light show*, for a frightfully sustainable eternity of partying.

*Due to logistical constraints at our Halloween hack day, Version 1 does not actually run on the 1.15V of solar power provided by this panel. However, Version 2 is in the works, and it TOTALLY will!

Version 1. DigiSpark + NeoPixels

This is the same type of circuit that runs my Merlin Armor, which is also broken down in this video:

There are 22 LEDs total, wired serially in two groups of 8 and one of 6. I joined the strips with flexible wire and arranged them in a zigzag pattern in the top of a glasses case. The pixels are just running the "strandtest" example, since it rotates through a number of exciting party modes.

Unfortunately, the case is made of metal, so I wasn't able to drill a hole for the wires. I decided this is a feature: the "coffin" doesn't close fully, so it offers a tantalizing glimpse within... into the most exclusive underground rave scene of all.

I covered the bottom of the case in puffed cloth, cut from a blue doo-rag that Alessandra had inexplicably ordered. For the top, I couldn't find anything perfect, but a folded paper towel provided some diffusion.

Sadly, when I put this panel in full sunlight, it registered a meager 1.15 volts. Barely enough to power a single red LED. This design was mocked up using a 5V USB power bank. But with a full headstone's worth, we could really get the party started.

To upgrade this version, I would try mapping the pixels and creating custom animations, like in this amazing NeoPixel LED eyeball.

Version 2. Hacked solar flashlights

My next version is going to involve deconstructing some little flashlights I found that include solar panels and a hand crank. I'm planning to cut the leads to the LEDs, and replace them with a Wee Blinky-esque circuit, so that they automatically "strobe" whenever they have enough charge. After Halloween, I plan to re-purpose them as wall-mounted firefly sculptures. Stay tuned!