pxlBlck is a basis for a smartHome indication system. Several software and Hardware options are available. Thanks to the EspEasy interface the devices can be automated wihtout the need of external automation-software. In combination with external automation-software (e.g. NodeRed, MQTT server) it is also possible to display several notifications like doorbell, social media notifications (e.g whatsapp, facebook, ...), call notifications on mobile and landline, etc.
Every pxlBlck can be eqipped with several sensors. So it is also possible to measure different environment data, forward this data via wifi and/or react to this measured data.
Short overview:
- System for displaying notifications in the SmartHome
- Software is based on an ESPEasy plugin
- Runs on an ESP8266 or ESP32
- Display of notifications via an LED matrix and/or sound module
- Various LED matrices supported
- Different animations can be displayed
- Can also be used as a basis for various sensors in the SmartHome
- Display of user-defined icons possible
- Display of time is possible during "standBy"
More detailed overview here: https://nerdiy.de/en/pxlblck/
History:
Initially, the pxlBlck consisted of an 8x8 WS2812 aka Neopixel LED matrix (looks like a block of pixels. Hence the name :)), powered by an ESP8266 and related software.
The purpose of this was to create a simple way of keeping me up to date on the events in my SmartHome.
It kind of bothered me that I collect all kinds of data with my SmartHome, but that I rarely see this data.
For example, I was informed on my smartphone when the doorbell rang. But what if I don't have my cell phone with me (directly) at the moment (which can happen at home)?
(Granted: A little luxury problem for me, but for people with hearing impairments this is a real problem.)
So I was looking for an easy way to get information about current events in the SmartHome.
In the ideal case, this type of "SmartHome event indicator" would also be so cheap and discreet that I can equip every room with it.
Practical side effect: You are notified of (eg.) the doorbell or a WhatsApp message even if you are listening to music, playing the guitar or using headphones. :)
In the meantime I have integrated the software component into an ESPEasy plugin. With the help of this "pxlBlck-Plugin" it is now possible to control not only the 8x8 LED matrix used at the beginning.
Over time, new matrix types have been developed and added to be supported by the pxlBlck-plugin.
Here is a list of the WS2812 aka Neoopixel LED matrices that are supported so far:
- 10x10
- 8x8 (https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-pxlblck_8x8-aufbauen/)
- 16x16
- 24x8
- 32x8 (pxlBlck_Pot: https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-pxlblck_pot-aufbauen/)
- 1x60 (=ringClock (https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-die-pxlblck_ringclock-aufbauen/), ringClockMini, slotClock (https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-pxlblck_slotclock-aufbauen/))
- digitClock
- pot (https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-pxlblck_pot-aufbauen/)
- pipeLamp
- FibonacciClock
- wordClock
Quick overview of some members of the pxlBlck family:
Each displayed pxlBlck-type is powered by the same ESPEasy Plugin. The pxlBlck-type can be set in the web-overview of Espeasy. Scroll down for more details and a small overviiew of the web configuration interface.
Other features:
- Several clock faces and screensavers can be enabled. Infos here: https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-ziffernblaetter-und-bildschirmschoner-konfigurieren/
- Display running text. Infos here: https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-befehle-zur-konfiguration-des-pxlblck/#Command_Display_scrolling_text
- Display of (up to five) relative values in "BarGraph"-Sytle is possible. Infos here: https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-relative-werte-als-bargraph-darstellen/
- FakeTV simulation. Infos here: https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-befehle-zur-konfiguration-des-pxlblck/#Command_FakeTV_simulation
Animation types:
An overview about the possible animations and how to trigger them...
Read more »
Thank you so much for the different suggestions and tips. Personally, I used the soldering tips during an install at a customers location. We added some fancy lights to their project and it made all the difference. Thanks!
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