I'm going back to extending the original hat project.  Among other things I will be using an LED Matrix (8x32) rather than try to wrap a Neopixel strip around the hat.

Modficiations/extensions to the original project: 

  • RaspberryPI 3+ or maybe a Pi Zero as the core processor as both support Bluetooth AND WiFi.
  • Plastic cowboy hat that is lighter and more comfortable (temperature wise)
  • Inverted lampshade as the base for the matrix.

Possibly also: 

  • Camera (front- or back-facing or both)
  • Speakers
  • Microphone

See BOM for some of the materials.