LittleBits Projects: Halloween Hack-o-Lantern

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Hack your pumpkin into a sound-triggered jack-o-lantern! It’s the perfect way to keep trick-or-treaters on their toes.

Need your pumpkin’s light to turn on and stay on? Simple, just remove the sound trigger and you’re good to go!

Make this project with littleBits
littleBits is the easiest and most extensive way to learn and prototype with electronics. We are making hardware limitless with our award-winning, ever-growing library of electronic modules, ranging from the very simple (power, sensors, LED) to the very complex (wireless, programmable).

This project uses the Limited Edition Hack-o-lantern Pack we introduced for Halloween.

Bits You Will Need:

Battery + Cable x 1

Power x 1

Sound Trigger x 1

Bright LED x 1

Shoes x 1

Other Materials Used:

Pumpkin

Tools:

Pumpkin carving tools

Files:

The BitGuy

First, you will need a medium-sized plump pumpkin. We recommend not using those GINORMOUS, man-eating ones, otherwise the LED won't shine through.

Next, you need to trace your design onto your pumpkin.

We used a Dracula-ed version of our icon aka BitGuy. Download the PDF or use one of your own designs! Carve your pumpkin and remove all the guts.

PRO TIP: spray the inside of your pumpkin with bleach to fend off mold.

Attach your battery to power + sound trigger + bright LED.

You'll need to calibrate the sound trigger so that it triggers the LED at the volume you think is right. Use the teeny, purple screwdriver to adjust the sensitivity.

Use the shoes to lock your circuit into place. Attach them to the bottom of your circuit.

We placed our circuit in the bottom of the pumpkin, but you can put yours anywhere! Use the adhesive shoes, stick the circuit to cardboard, and pin the cardboard to the pumpkin lid or side. Use whatever combination works for you. Now sit back, relax, and trick out your guests!