Holiday Dreidel Light Display for Roof using Arduino

This Instructable details how to build a holiday dreidel display for your roof. It uses coat hanger wire, rope light, and an Arduino controller to control a fading demo mode and a “spin” mode. In the demo mode, the symbols fade in and out, going from one to another. In “spin” mode, the symbols flash in sequence with an increasing delay between symbols until the dreidel “stops” on one and flashes. The spin function is activated by a remote push button.
Arduino Dreidel Light Display
NOTE: This project involves the use of 120V AC line voltage outside and in possibly bad weather. THERE IS A DANGER OF ELECTROCUTION AND DEATH if you are not careful. If you are not comfortable with this, either do not attempt this or seek professional advice from an electrician or other adequately trained person. I expressly disavow any guarantees, promises, warranties, or claims regarding the safety of this project. You undertake it at your own risk.

If you’ve decided to continue on, great! This project can be adapted to something besides a dreidel; it could be any interactive light display you want.

The project consists of the following major steps:

1) Constructing the symbols from coat hanger wire and attaching rope lights.
2) Constructing the Arduino controller box along with wiring for the lights.
3) Programming the Arduino.
4) Putting it all together.

This Instructable includes the schematics (Eagle files) and code for this project. I assume that you have the ability/knowledge/comfort to do the following:

1) Etch your own circuit board and solder components.
2) Conduct basic wiring (connect an extension cord cable to a plug, strip wire, etc.)
3) Work with basic hand tools.

If you’re new to working with circuit boards, there are numerous tutorials out there on Instructables and at places like YouTube.

Check out the video below to see it in action. (And, yes, I know, shin means put one in the pot, not lose

Step 1: Construct the Symbols with Rope Lights

First, you’ll need to obtain some coat hangers and electrical tape and some dreidel symbols. You’ll also need a way to size/image the symbols.

Coat Hangers

Obtain some extra coat hangers. If you have your clothes dry cleaned with any regular frequency, you probably have about 7 million of them hanging around. You’ll need about 4-5 per symbol. Cut the hook off the top so that you have a majority of the hanger below.

While you can use wire cutters, I find that tin snips or other heavy duty cutters work best. Hold the wire because it will fly away when you cut it. Wear safety glasses and use gloves to protect yourself.

Note: Use the “full” coat hangers that typically hold shirts. The ones for pants with the cardboard roll to avoid lines in your pants do not have a wire that runs through the cardboard. This will work, but you’ll be piecing together lots of little wires.

Next, straighten out the hangers. I use a vice which works great for both straightening and putting bends in the wire. You don’t need to be super straight. You just want a somewhat straight piece to start from.

Make the Symbols

To make the symbols, I used some graph paper to layout things. Design the outer symbol first, since it involves mostly straight lines. You can adjust the inner symbols (nun, gimmel, etc.) to fit.

Take some straight wire and start bending it at the proper angles and lengths to make the shape. When you run out of wire, tape another to it using electrical tape. Overlap about 4-5 inches. Start at one end, wrap to the other, and then wrap back. It’ll make a strong joint.

Obtain Rope Wire and Attach
Schematic Arduino Dreidel Light Display
You’ll need to buy 120V rope light. There are many vendors. I got mine from http://www.noveltylights.com because they will sell 120V rope light by the foot with a plug at a decent price. To determine your required length, use a string to trace out the symbol. Add 5-10% to be safe. (Though this was more than enough for me.) Keep in mind that rope light can only be cut in 1 – 2′ sections, so you can’t plan on something like 10.5′.

If you can, get 3/8″ 2 wire rope light. It’s easier to bend and shape. If you can’t, 1/2″ 2 wire will do but you’ll have to use more zip ties. My symbols are 1/2″ and the green dreidel shapes are 3/8″. (I had a good portion of a spool left over from another project.)

Attach your rope light to your symbols with zip ties. Put a zip tie immediately before and after each turn to closely follow the wire. Use electrical tape to cover up any transitions, as with “hay”.

Congratulations! You’ve made dreidel symbols. If you just want to put them on your roof, you can stop here. But why stop here when we can make this thing interactive and all flashy-fady-neato to make people ooh and aah?

[box color=”#985D00″ bg=”#FFF8CB” font=”verdana” fontsize=”14 ” radius=”20 ” border=”#985D12″ float=”right” head=”Major Components in Project” headbg=”#FFEB70″ headcolor=”#985D00″]Arduino[/box]

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About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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