Finally, Lights

Over the course of several weeks, I finally added lights to BrainCar. Except for the back hatch, I drilled 7/16″ holes spaced 2″ apart on the other six shell pieces (including the side doors). Into each hole I strung WS2811 LED pixels, 50 to a string, in whatever pattern seemed to work for the spot. Then I mapped each shell into 1-2 channels on my Arduino control boxes, and wired everything up. That’s the overview. I’ll probably add some technical details later on.

Now, pictures!

Shell piece mounted on a temporary frame, all the holes drilled and reamed
Testing the lights; the Arduino control box can be seen taped to one of the supports
Another angle, showing wiring
Another shell undergoing testing. The Arduino control box is mounted in its final position.
Close up of the box with its temperature gauge
It’s hot on the playa, so the boxes have temperature shut offs

So. Much. Wiring.