64 synchronizing fireflies

Technology

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

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June 25th, 2009 6

64 synchronizing fireflies. It sounds like a line from some overly-clever children’s book or a Christmas carol. But it was instead a little week-long project for Alex at Tinkerlog. He writes:

Last week, I invested some time to solder 64 Firefly boards. Only 2.432 solder joints later, I was ready for some videos.

Every firefly acts completely autonomously, it has its own tiny controller, eye and luminary. They are all connected for power supply only.

And a partridge in a pear tree.

64 Synchronizing Fireflies