The maquette for this week is a demonstration of connecting to the Pixel-Blaze and creating a model of the LED strip to create a pattern on. The pixel-blaze was fully initialized and now creates its own WIFI network when plugged in, which can be connected to. Once a connection with the pixel-blaze is formed, a model can be made of the LED strip, which is shown below. The model is a 1D array that represents the whole LED strip that will be used. This will enable certain areas of the LED strip to be changed by altering the different pixels in the array. This can be done by applying a pattern to the model, which is one of the next steps of this project. Below is a materials list which includes items that have already been purchased.
Materials List
- Pixel-blaze (already purchased)
- 5 meter LED strip (already purchased)
- Bag of sand
- PVC pipe ¾ inch: 3 45 degree elbows
- PVC pipe ¾ inch: 3 equal tees
- PVC pipe ¾ inch: straight pieces
- PVC pipe ¾ inch: end pieces
- PVC pipe ¾ inch: 5 way piece
- Black spray paint
This all seems like an amazing start, I’m excited to see what exact decisions you will be making and see the final project. I honestly love this idea and want to compliment you on it. I hope working with the PVC pipe won’t be too frustrating. Are you considering adding other physical pieces to the project, like leaves? If so, what might you use?
I know everyone knows I am obviously a big Lexan fan, but lazer cut Lexan and then engraved for texture leaves would help disperse the light in beautiful ways.
Thank you so much, that means so much. I’m really excited to see how the final product turns out. Right now I am not planning on adding leaves as I am planning on using the LEDS wrapped around the tree to represent the changing colors. If that doesn’t work out, I will look at adding leaves that are made of Lexan or something.
I’m really glad somebody in the group decided to use Pixelblaze. I thought it looked really cool but I didn’t end up using it for my own project. I’m excited to see how it turns out.
Thank you, I am excited to learn how to use it, and I think it will be really helpful throughout my whole project.
Can you elaborate on the specific patterns or effects you plan to create on the LED strip? What’s the inspiration behind your project?
Specifically, I plan to add patterns to represent each type of season and cycle through those seasons. If I have time I want to add animations to simulate leaves following and rain drizzling down. My inspiration behind this project is the changing seasons.
This looks awesome but I was worried when I saw the pixelblaze interface that it might be a little limited. Do you expect this to be an issue?