Fireflies / Lightning Bugs in My Garden (yeah They're Fake! - and How to Make Them)

Fireflies, or lightning bugs, one of natures miracles, but not so common in the UK, especially in my garden. In this instructable I'll show you how to make realistic solar powered fireflies (lightning bugs) for your garden!

• TP4056 Based Charge/Boost Converter: https://amzn.to/3sYHXyx or https://amzn.to/3sWtLGt
• 18650 Battery Compartment: https://amzn.to/3GgvOdI
• Arduino Pro Mini (16Mhz, 5V): 
•  Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IE4ZBq or https://amzn.to/3Rymxmq
•  SparkFun: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11113
• Assorted Resistors: https://amzn.to/3MRX6th
• Assorted Variable Resistors: https://amzn.to/3Pj5u66
• M3 10mm Countersunk Screws: https://amzn.to/3MejVqM
• M3 Metal Threadded Screw Inserts: https://amzn.to/3rgwhqB
• Solar Panel 2W 6V:
• (or use a more powerful one like https://amzn.to/3PJ8VD6)
• https://amzn.to/3RwS08L
• https://amzn.to/3caD0NA
• https://amzn.to/3vbFP7V
• https://amzn.to/3yEIzv9
• FTDI Breakout Board: https://amzn.to/3F3LHlC
• LED Strings: Search Ebay For: 
•  WS2812B LED Pixel Copper String Light Individually Addressable 5V 20M
•  Listing I Purchased From: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324330389894

First step is to cut off the WS2812B LED string lights from the controller they come with, we don't need that

Assemble the components as shown in the schematic. I chose to solder them directly to the Arduino board.

Now that you have assembled the circuit you need to program the Arduino. There's two versions for different speeds of fire flies, and also for different levels of darkness before they turn on.You can download the source code HERE.

3D Print the enclosure for the parts. I recommend using PET-G as this is outdoor.

Designs for the box are available on TinkerCAD and Thingiverse

Assemble everything in the case. I used a glue gun to stick everything down. The Variable resistor should fit through the little hole, but be sure to cover it up so water doesn't get in.

The solar panel needs to stand up, so print a stand to keep it up-right.

The post design is included in the same TinkerCAD and Thingiverse links as before

Now put it in the trees, and watch the magic...