The Raspberry Pi has become a popular tool for creating unique and interactive Halloween decorations. One creative project by Computing Mongoose showcases how a Raspberry Pi Pico can be used to control string lights and add special effects. The project features two sets of string lights – one resembling skeleton hands and the other resembling spiders.
With a single Pico microcontroller, Computing Mongoose has implemented various flash and flicker patterns to bring the lights to life. The lights are powered by two 1.5V batteries, and a button connected to the Pico allows users to switch between different effects. Although the string lights are not individually addressable, Computing Mongoose has found innovative ways to animate them, including flashing, continuous illumination, and alternating patterns.
The project setup consists of the Pico connected to a breadboard, a button to change effects, and a seven-segment display to indicate the selected effect. Computing Mongoose has shared the code driving the project, written in C, in a video on their channel. This provides a detailed look at the project and instructions for creating a similar setup at home.
By using a Raspberry Pi Pico and some creativity, Computing Mongoose has transformed ordinary Halloween string lights into an engaging and interactive display.
Pi-controlled spooky Halloween decorations
This project demonstrates how the Raspberry Pi can be used to add a unique twist to traditional holiday decorations.
In another Halloween project, a Reddit user known as Poke08 has created a mesmerizing and slightly unnerving Raspberry-Pi-powered eye that follows you around the room. The eye is designed to move on its own, but once it spots someone, it maintains its focus and can even talk. Poke08 describes the project as a “design and build as you go” process, using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and a 3D-printed eye created with a Reality Ender 3 Pro.
The project uses various components, including lighting to power the stepper motor driver and specific wiring for the motors using GPIO pins. Face detection is performed using the USB Coral Accelerator, which helps the device recognize faces in each frame and move to them, regardless of motion. Setting up the USB Coral Accelerator can be tricky, but following Bullseye OS procedures worked best for Poke08.
The eye also features face recognition using CodeProject.AI, allowing it to interact with family members by calling them by name. While Poke08 expressed a desire for higher quality stepper motors for smoother motion, the project turned out great overall. This AI-powered eye opens up a realm of possibilities for creepy Halloween decorations.
Poke08’s project demonstrates how the Raspberry Pi and AI technology can be combined to create unique and interactive experiences that are sure to impress and spook visitors during the Halloween season.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
