Assistive Tech Project - Merry-go-round With Adaptive Switch

A Raspberry Pi Pico project designed with accessibility at its core: any student can trigger a magical multi-sensory show inspired by the song "Defying Gravity" — music, lights, and motion — using whatever adaptive switch works best for them.

1. Raspberry Pi Pico 2
2. raspberrypi.com
3. Breadboard-Friendly 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Jack
4. https://www.adafruit.com/product/1699
5. Any adaptive switch that can be connected to the stereo headphone jack
6. NeoPixel Strip (120 LEDs)
7. adafruit.com
8. DC Motor (5V hobby motor)
9. adafruit.com
10. L298N Motor Driver Module
11. amazon.com
12. PAM8302 Audio Amplifier
13. adafruit.com
14. Mono Enclosed Speaker (3W 4Ω)
15. adafruit.com
16. 5V Power Supply (4A or higher)
17. adafruit.com
18. Half-size Breadboard
19. adafruit.com
20. Jumper Wires
21. amazon.com
22. Battery Pack for Motor (4×AA holder)
23. adafruit.com
24. 3D printed Parts (You need 3D printer!)
25. (optional) Laser cut parts
26. (optional) beads string (can be any other string)

Button

1. One leg → Pico GP14
2. Other leg → Pico GND

The code uses an internal pull-up resistor, so no extra resistor is needed.

NeoPixel Strip (3 wires)

1. 🔴 Red → 5V external supply (+)
2. ⚪ Middle (data) → Pico GP15
3. ⚫ Black → 5V supply (−) AND Pico GND

PAM8302 Audio Amplifier

1. Vin → Pico VBUS (5V)
2. GND → Pico GND
3. A+ → Pico GP10
4. A− → Pico GND
5. + and − outputs → Speaker terminals

L298N Motor Driver

1. IN1 → Pico GP16
2. IN2 → Pico GP17
3. OUT1, OUT2 → Motor terminals
4. 12V (motor power) → Battery pack (+)
5. GND → Battery pack (−) AND Pico GND

Install CircuitPython

1. Hold the BOOTSEL button while plugging the Pico into your computer.
2. Download CircuitPython from circuitpython.org/board/raspberry_pi_pico/.
3. Drag the UF2 file onto the RPI-RP2 drive.
4. The Pico will reboot as CIRCUITPY.

Install Libraries

Download the CircuitPython Library Bundle and copy these into the lib/ folder on CIRCUITPY:

1. neopixel.mpy
2. adafruit_debouncer.mpy

Add Your Audio File

Save your MP3 to the root of the CIRCUITPY drive. The filename must match the code exactly (case-sensitive).

For the 3D printed parts: refer to the webpage below.

1. Mary poppins 3D print

I have attached laser cutter files for the top and bottom plate.

After testing each component, integrate everything into one piece!

My advice: move the portable battery and battery for motor outside of the body so that you can easily detach and replace/recharge them! 🪫

Enjoy the music, lights, and the tiny flying baskets on the air!