Software to flash Dotstar/Lumenati array with an Arduino-like controller.
Version: Ahahahaha, sure, ah, let's call it version .9 BETA
The project started as a learning experience and to replace a quickly made, Python/RaspberryPi based flashy thing with a cheaper device, freeing up the RPi for duties more appropriate to a full fledged general computing device.
This code is aimed at the Adafruit® Pro Trinket 5V, but ought to be portable to a number of Arduino® devices. I have actually run versions of it on a plain Trinket, and an ItsyBitsy 5V.
Basically, when this runs, it tells a DotStar array of some kind to do a dance. It's aimed at a Lumenati 8 Pack from SparkFun®, and a little bit hardcoded that way at the moment. It'd be nice to generalize it, when I have time, but at the moment, this is being shipped, and I would like to look at other projects.
Key hardware notes: The ItsyBitsy and Pro Trinket don't supply enough current for max draw on even a small array of these LEDs, so a more direct connect to power is required. I used a Power Boost 500, AdaFruit says you could prolly source a full amp out of it for a time, so you might be fine with 18-20 LEDs, especially if you aren't using it like a flashlight.
I chose the Lumenati due to the form factor, nothing more. I wanted the DotStar speed because the device might be video'ed and I wanted to try and avoid screen flashing. We'll see if it helps. (It seems to, though I haven't tested NeoPixels on camera, so it could be overkill.) That said, this could probably be reconfigured to use a NeoPixel compatible LED as well pretty easily.
The "dance" is controlled by a playlist which details what function to run, and how many times. This makes the creation and timing of dances a lot easier, and more like animation.
For those wanting the info, NeoPixel is the Adafruit term for a WS2812 Integrated Light Source, and Dotstar is their term for an SK9822 LED device. The Lumenati is a Sparkfun design using the SK9822.