LED Invader

While scrolling through Instagram Reels, I came across the RGB Guardian. I found the idea so brilliant that I had to recreate it in my own way…

Materials used:

• Wooden board 120×30 cm
• 60 pcs WS2812 RGB LEDs 60/m
• RP2040 Zero
• SSD1306 display
• PAM8302 + mini speaker
• 3 arcade buttons, 60 mm dome-shaped
• 3D printed parts (Makerworld)

Wiring diagram:

Code: via CircuitePython Version 10.0.3

Installation & Flash Guide (CircuitPython – RP2040 Zero)

This project runs on any RP2040 Zero compatible board (e.g., Waveshare RP2040-Zero, Maker Pi RP2040, Xiao RP2040, etc.) using CircuitPython. This guide shows how to install CircuitPython and deploy code.py from this repository.

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🔧 Requirements

• RP2040 Zero board
• USB cable
• Files from this repository (especially code.py)
• Hardware:
  • SSD1306 128×64 OLED (I2C)
  • PAM8302 amplifier + speaker
  • WS2812 / WS2812E LED strip (60 LEDs)
  • 3 arcade-style buttons (red/green/blue)

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🟪 1. Install CircuitPython on the RP2040 Zero

1. Enter BOOT mode
   Hold the BOOT button on the RP2040 Zero while plugging it into USB.
   → A USB drive named RPI-RP2 appears.

2. Download CircuitPython UF2
   Visit: https://circuitpython.org/downloads

   • Choose RP2040 or the exact RP2040 Zero variant
   • Download the latest .uf2

3. Flash CircuitPython
   Drag the .uf2 file onto the RPI-RP2 drive.
   → The board reboots and a CIRCUITPY drive appears.

CircuitPython is now installed!

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📁 2. Install Required Libraries

Your CIRCUITPY drive must contain:

CIRCUITPY/
 ├─ code.py
 ├─ lib/

Required libraries

Copy these from the CircuitPython library bundle into lib/:

adafruit_display_text/
adafruit_displayio_ssd1306.mpy
i2cdisplaybus/

Libraries already included with CircuitPython (no need to copy):

• neopixel_write
• audiopwmio
• synthio
• digitalio
• busio
• displayio

Download Library Bundle

1. Go to https://circuitpython.org/libraries
2. Download and unzip the latest bundle
3. Copy the required libraries to the RP2040's lib/ folder

Final layout should look like:

CIRCUITPY/
 ├── code.py
 ├── lib/
 │    ├── adafruit_display_text/
 │    ├── adafruit_displayio_ssd1306.mpy
 │    ├── i2cdisplaybus/

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▶️ 3. Upload the Game

Copy code.py from this repository directly to the CIRCUITPY drive.

The board automatically restarts every time code.py changes.

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🎮 4. Start Playing

After reboot:

• OLED shows: "Press any button to start"
• LED strip initializes
• Sound system activates
• First button press starts the game

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🧰 Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
CIRCUITPY becomes read-only	Try a different USB cable or port
OLED stays black	Check I2C pins (most RP2040 Zero boards: GP4 SDA, GP5 SCL)
No LED output	Confirm WS2812 data is on GP0
No sound	Verify PAM8302 wiring to GP15
Highscore not saved	Ensure CIRCUITPY isn't write-protected

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✔️ Enjoy LED Invader!