Project Overview
This is a creative IoT-based Valentine's Day project that brings romantic LED light displays to life through wireless communication. Jack's system uses a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller with 12 addressable NeoPixel LEDs to create an interactive, networked light show that can be triggered locally via a button press or remotely through MQTT messaging.
How It Works
💡 Local Trigger
When Jack presses a physical button on his device, it triggers one of seven beautiful light patterns: heartbeat, pulse, sparkle, rainbow, love_wave, rose_garden, and romance_album.
📡 Remote Communication
Simultaneously, the system broadcasts this moment to a partner via MQTT over the internet using HiveMQ Cloud as the broker. Both devices are connected to a secure, cloud-based messaging system.
💕 Mutual Moment Detection
The truly special feature: if both Jack and partner press their buttons within 2 seconds of each other, both devices light up with a synchronized pattern, creating a magical shared experience despite physical distance.
Technical Stack
Hardware
- Raspberry Pi Pico W
- 12x WS2812B NeoPixel LEDs
- Push Button
- Jumper Wires & Breadboard
Software & Services
- MicroPython
- MQTT Protocol
- HiveMQ Cloud Broker
- WiFi Connectivity
Key Features
- ✨ Seven unique light patterns for romantic ambiance
- 🌐 Cloud-connected via MQTT for real-time communication
- 🔒 Secure authentication with HiveMQ Cloud
- ⚡ Low-power MicroPython implementation
- ❤️ Synchronized light shows for mutual moments
- 📱 Remote triggering capability
Get the Code
Download the complete project files. You will need a Raspberry Pi Pico and other equipment to run this project.
💾 Download Project FilesThis project elegantly demonstrates how IoT technology can bridge gaps and create meaningful connections between people, making it a particularly fitting use of embedded systems for expressing connection and affection during Valentine's Day.