Note: you'll need a micro-B USB cable and some wires. Most of this guide should also work for the NeoPixel strips but your wiring will differ a bit.
Get the Arduino IDE
If you don't already have it, get the Arduino IDE. Download the most recent version of the IDE from the Arduino website and follow the installation instructions (links: Linux, Windows, Mac).
Add Flora Support
Follow the steps to add the Adafruit Board Support package, which will let us use the Flora. Then follow Adafruit's OS-specific instructions (links: Linux, Windows, Mac).
I used IDE version 1.8.1 on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. As mentioned in the Linux instructions linked above, I also had to add udev rules to make everything jive.
Add NeoPixel Support
Next, you'll need to add the Adafruit NeoPixel library. This will let us use the Flora's on-board NeoPixel as well as the Ring. The easiest way is via the IDE's Library Manager.
You can do this by navigating to "Sketch," then "Include Library," then "Manage Libraries." Search for "neopixel" and install the "Adafruit NeoPixel" library.
Verify Your Setup Works
Verify your Flora + NeoPixel setup by blinking the Flora's onboard NeoPixel.
Save the linked demo code in your current sketch. Under the "Tools" menu, ensure "Board" is set to "Adafruit Flora" and the correct "Port" is selected (mine was /dev/ttyACM0).
Under the "Sketch" menu, select "Verify/Compile," which should complete without errors. Then select "Upload" to push the code to your Flora.
Once it finishes, your Flora should put on a small light show.
Wire Up Your Ring
Now we're ready to wire the Ring to the Flora. I'm lazy, so I used alligator clips. If you're going to go this route, you'll probably want to solder small leads onto the Ring, as it can be a bit difficult to get a solid connection with the clips.
You'll want to connect the Flora's "3.3V" to the Ring's "PWR," the Flora's "GND" to the Ring's "GND," and the Flora's "#9" to the Ring's "IN."
Light Up The Ring
Now we can modify the demo code to use the Ring. We'll need to tell it that we have more LEDs and we're now using the #9 pin. Change the PIN constant from 8 to 9. Change the first parameter of "Adafruit_NeoPixel" from 1 to 12 (or however many LEDs your Ring contains). That's it.
#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>As before, "Verify/Compile" then "Upload." The light show should be a bit better now.
#define PIN 9
Adafruit_NeoPixel strip = Adafruit_NeoPixel(12, PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);
That Was Too Easy
Check out the NeoPixel library reference.
Here's some neat projects that use these things. Check out their code to get more ideas:
