create account

Unboxing my first ADABox by themarkymark

View this thread on: hive.blog |  peakd.com |  ecency.com
hive-163521 · @themarkymark ·
$8.01
Unboxing my first ADABox
![IMG3207.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/tegZ7whX-IMG-3207.jpg)

# What is ADABox?

ADABox is a subscription service similar to LootCrate for electronic hobbyists.  It goes out once every quarter and costs $60.  This is a service provided by popular electronics distributor Adafruit.

A friend told me about it and I decided to give it a try as I suspected the Christmas box would be pretty cool.  I also liked what he got in the last box which would have been perfect for a project I am working on.

# Unbox ADABox 17

I received the 17th iteration of the ADABox referred to as ADABox17.

![IMG3208.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/5zsRWwt7-IMG-3208.jpg)

Adafruit does a good job with presentation making the package look really nice.  I had some problems with the ADABox sleeve, the D was already broken before I even unboxed it, and some of the corners were already bent.  Not a big deal, but takes a little from the wow factor.

I am not sure if every quarter is wrapped with tissue wrap like this, or this was a nod to Christmas.

![IMG3210.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/ttpsId1N-IMG-3210.jpg)

![IMG3211.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/8qBwlxcw-IMG-3211.jpg)


The **MagTag** is the highlight of this box.  It is a 2.9" 2 Color E-ink display with four neopixel led lights, wifi, speaker, and ports that can control neopixel strips.  One of the interesting things about E-Ink displays is they will display what was last on the display even when the power is removed.  Here you can see the Digi-Key logo, the distributor who supplies the components for ADABoxes.

![IMG3214.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/8id6qp5Q-IMG-3214.jpg)

Being a wireless device, it wouldn't be complete without a good lipo battery for portable use.  This is a relatively small lipo battery and I am not sure how long it would power the device, I can't imagine it requires that much power.

![IMG3215.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/qbOcznut-IMG-3215.jpg)

Also included are three magnetic screw on feet which allow you to mount the screen on your refrigerator or any metal service.  This also holds the plastic back cover (not displayed) in place that prevents the battery from dangling.

![IMG3216.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/5x55ySWc-IMG-3216.jpg)

Also included is a bag with two different plastic face plates for the MagTag, a clear plastic piece used to hold the battery in place, and a USB C adapter so you can use a micro USB cable to power and program the MagTag.

![IMG3212.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/TOFjYvL0-IMG-3212.jpg)

I've been wanting to mess with a neopixel strip for a while now, included is a waterproof enclosed 30 LED Neopixel 1 meter strip.  This is a a very thin strip with 30 individually addressable RGB LED.  These strips typically can be cut and be used individually.

![IMG3217.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/YA5N8gFt-IMG-3217.jpg)

A magnetic whiteboard is included with 3 colored markers that can be used with or without the MagTag.  Also included is a thinner magnetic sheet that can be used to create a magnetic surface or cut and used to make magnetic stickers.

![IMG3213.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/Mq8nq4DP-IMG-3213.jpg)

Finally a designer mask is included, this seems to be a theme they have been doing with recent boxes.  The included one looks like a disco ball type of design and is themed for New Year celebration.

While I am fascinated by E-Ink displays, and love the look of them, they are very slow and only work in a well lit room.  This limits the amount of things I can do with the display, but am trying to think of a good project for it.

For now, I switched the demo code on the device to another project that is used to light up a Christmas wreath and synchronizes the color and animation with everyone using the same code.  Anyone can tweet to the cheerlights Twitter account to change the color for anyone running the code.

https://i.imgur.com/jY9UK8M.gif
[Source](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-animated-holiday-wreath-lights) 
[See it in action](https://imgur.com/jY9UK8M)

Some other example projects from Adafruit:

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/162Z4nJ5-image.png)

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/zvB2OaRX-image.png)

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/iq5mPwPc-image.png)

Posted with [STEMGeeks](https://stemgeeks.net)
πŸ‘  , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 267 others
πŸ‘Ž  , , , ,
properties (23)
authorthemarkymark
permlinkunboxing-my-first-adabox
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["maker","buildit","diy","palnet","neoxian","archon","stem"],"image":["https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/themarkymark/tegZ7whX-IMG-3207.jpg"],"links":["https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-animated-holiday-wreath-lights"],"app":"stemgeeks/0.1","format":"markdown","canonical_url":"https://stemgeeks.net/@themarkymark/unboxing-my-first-adabox"}
created2020-12-19 20:40:15
last_update2020-12-19 20:40:15
depth0
children14
last_payout2020-12-26 20:40:15
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value4.810 HBD
curator_payout_value3.201 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length4,651
author_reputation1,784,142,699,334,222
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,016,097
net_rshares47,769,527,030,671
author_curate_reward""
vote details (336)
@abitcoinskeptic · 
I'd use it to display crypto prices of my favorite market pairs.
πŸ‘  , , , ,
properties (23)
authorabitcoinskeptic
permlinkre-themarkymark-qlmpgo
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-20 08:12:27
last_update2020-12-20 08:12:27
depth1
children1
last_payout2020-12-27 08:12:27
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length64
author_reputation335,387,091,612,941
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,021,363
net_rshares13,018,684,630
author_curate_reward""
vote details (5)
@themarkymark · 
I use my stream deck for that. Although I am working on another project I will post about when I get the parts in. 

https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/07iDJAb6uHb27PUYX6V5yoT-13..1584568863.jpg
πŸ‘  , , , , ,
properties (23)
authorthemarkymark
permlinkre-abitcoinskeptic-qlmt59
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-20 09:31:57
last_update2020-12-20 09:31:57
depth2
children0
last_payout2020-12-27 09:31:57
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length195
author_reputation1,784,142,699,334,222
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,022,004
net_rshares14,781,268,369
author_curate_reward""
vote details (6)
@apshamilton · 
Does 2 colour mean black and white?
πŸ‘  , , , ,
properties (23)
authorapshamilton
permlinkre-themarkymark-qlmmoc
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-20 07:12:12
last_update2020-12-20 07:12:12
depth1
children1
last_payout2020-12-27 07:12:12
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length35
author_reputation214,010,912,760,441
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,020,987
net_rshares13,129,543,371
author_curate_reward""
vote details (5)
@themarkymark · 
Yes.  Plus grey.
properties (22)
authorthemarkymark
permlinkre-apshamilton-qlmrls
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-20 08:58:39
last_update2020-12-20 08:58:39
depth2
children0
last_payout2020-12-27 08:58:39
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length17
author_reputation1,784,142,699,334,222
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,021,721
net_rshares0
@bluengel · 
# λ’ˆμ Έ~!
# κΊΌμ Έ~!
πŸ‘Ž  
properties (23)
authorbluengel
permlinkre-themarkymark-qlmz1e
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-20 11:39:15
last_update2020-12-20 11:39:15
depth1
children0
last_payout2020-12-27 11:39:15
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length13
author_reputation129,269,571,273,945
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,022,973
net_rshares-256,028,698,604
author_curate_reward""
vote details (1)
@brittandjosie · 
Can we have a photo of you wearing the mask, and if it comes with a meme to prevent Covid by own means go for it
πŸ‘  , , , ,
properties (23)
authorbrittandjosie
permlinkqlmr6z
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"app":"hiveblog/0.1"}
created2020-12-20 08:49:48
last_update2020-12-20 08:49:48
depth1
children0
last_payout2020-12-27 08:49:48
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length112
author_reputation525,661,217,955,513
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,021,654
net_rshares13,329,640,109
author_curate_reward""
vote details (5)
@filotasriza3 · 
the paper it is wrapped looks silked :P
πŸ‘  , , , ,
properties (23)
authorfilotasriza3
permlinkqlmbl7
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["stem"],"app":"stemgeeks/0.1","canonical_url":"https://stemgeeks.net/@filotasriza3/qlmbl7"}
created2020-12-20 03:12:45
last_update2020-12-20 03:12:45
depth1
children1
last_payout2020-12-27 03:12:45
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length39
author_reputation194,717,343,834,112
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,019,493
net_rshares12,660,736,656
author_curate_reward""
vote details (5)
@themarkymark · 
It is tissue paper, commonly used to pack presents.
properties (22)
authorthemarkymark
permlinkre-filotasriza3-qlmt6j
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-20 09:32:45
last_update2020-12-20 09:32:45
depth2
children0
last_payout2020-12-27 09:32:45
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length52
author_reputation1,784,142,699,334,222
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,022,011
net_rshares0
@kommienezuspadt ·
$0.05
OMG! This is amazing, @themarkymark. My son is almost 10 and he's really getting in to electronics and building robots. Do you think these crates are too advanced for a kid at that age?
πŸ‘  , , , , ,
properties (23)
authorkommienezuspadt
permlinkqllxal
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"users":["themarkymark"],"app":"hiveblog/0.1"}
created2020-12-19 22:03:57
last_update2020-12-19 22:03:57
depth1
children1
last_payout2020-12-26 22:03:57
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.024 HBD
curator_payout_value0.025 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length185
author_reputation971,763,023,660,990
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,017,012
net_rshares450,618,894,452
author_curate_reward""
vote details (6)
@themarkymark · 
Probably yes, but check out https://www.kiwico.com/

They have multiple crates for that age range.

Also look into "Snap Circuits", one of the coolest electronics gift you can give.
πŸ‘  , , , ,
properties (23)
authorthemarkymark
permlinkre-kommienezuspadt-qllxcn
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-19 22:05:12
last_update2020-12-19 22:05:12
depth2
children0
last_payout2020-12-26 22:05:12
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length181
author_reputation1,784,142,699,334,222
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,017,026
net_rshares13,390,557,733
author_curate_reward""
vote details (5)
@lyubo19 · 
Wow! I didn't know what is ADAbox but now I want to have one ;) Thanks for sharing!
πŸ‘  , , ,
properties (23)
authorlyubo19
permlinkre-themarkymark-20201221t75711763z
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["maker","buildit","diy","palnet","neoxian","archon","stem"],"app":"ecency/3.0.11-vision","format":"markdown+html"}
created2020-12-21 05:57:33
last_update2020-12-21 05:57:33
depth1
children0
last_payout2020-12-28 05:57:33
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length83
author_reputation47,018,372,181,242
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,032,960
net_rshares13,063,607,316
author_curate_reward""
vote details (4)
@manniman · 
Tell us if it'd ever happened to be the case that you wear that 'thing' =)
πŸ‘  , , , ,
properties (23)
authormanniman
permlinkre-themarkymark-qlm0lm
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-19 23:15:24
last_update2020-12-19 23:15:24
depth1
children1
last_payout2020-12-26 23:15:24
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length74
author_reputation77,790,724,868,389
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,017,723
net_rshares13,395,909,503
author_curate_reward""
vote details (5)
@themarkymark · 
My wife wants to give it to her mother.
properties (22)
authorthemarkymark
permlinkre-manniman-qlm47v
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-20 00:33:33
last_update2020-12-20 00:33:33
depth2
children0
last_payout2020-12-27 00:33:33
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.000 HBD
curator_payout_value0.000 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length39
author_reputation1,784,142,699,334,222
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,018,493
net_rshares0
@synrg ·
$0.05
Sweet, I didn't know that's something that Adafruit does. She are genius in all the ways. Thanks for sharing and a happy holidays @themarkymark 😎
πŸ‘  , , , , ,
properties (23)
authorsynrg
permlinkre-themarkymark-qllvnn
categoryhive-163521
json_metadata{"tags":["hive-163521"],"app":"peakd/2020.12.3"}
created2020-12-19 21:28:36
last_update2020-12-19 21:28:36
depth1
children0
last_payout2020-12-26 21:28:36
cashout_time1969-12-31 23:59:59
total_payout_value0.024 HBD
curator_payout_value0.025 HBD
pending_payout_value0.000 HBD
promoted0.000 HBD
body_length145
author_reputation46,560,014,411,246
root_title"Unboxing my first ADABox"
beneficiaries[]
max_accepted_payout1,000,000.000 HBD
percent_hbd10,000
post_id101,016,613
net_rshares451,055,537,497
author_curate_reward""
vote details (6)
Help/Feedback