DIY 8x32 RGB status display with appdaemon "PixelIt"

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6

Are these led modules sold as a unit or are do you have to buy the leds and assemble them yourself?

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7

try this one
https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/4000345863424.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.dd6cea314rfmRs&algo_pvid=64aa4a6b-4c1f-4062-8b5b-b96d00427397&algo_expid=64aa4a6b-4c1f-4062-8b5b-b96d00427397-0&btsid=0f21aedc-73a1-4de4-b96f-729fa24bb6ee&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_10,searchweb201603_55

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8

Hi @lubeda

Is it possible to just use MQTT to control the display?

9

I’m not the developer of the matrix so i’m not the right contact person. But, yes: There is a
MQTT-API.
There is another Matrix called Awtrix which has also got a MQTT API.

After some tests i swiched my focus to Awtrix, i am working on another appdaemon for Awtrix right now.

10

How come you switched to Awtrix?
Do you mind sharing your appdaemon config when you have developed it please?

The reason why I asked about MQTT its because the two software do not give you full MQTT control of the panel.

11

The PixelIt is cool for display-only purpose.

But the awtrix approach is more flexible, because of the gesture sensor and the attached dfplayer.

The dfplayer is the main reason for switching to awtrix.
The main downside of awtrix is the in server rendering with the java server.

If you only need a display, stick with PixelIt

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12

@lubeda I have seen you enquire in the Awtrix forum about running a docker image? Is it possible to run a docker container from say a NUC which will act as a server and have the esp8266 the receiver? that will eliminate the need for the server to be connected to the esp8266 via a cable in the Awtrix ?

The other thing I noticed about Pixellt was that the integration especially with MQTT was just to control the display and not send messages e.g. from HA. Hence why I am looking into Awtrix.

13

Yes, you can run the awtrix-server in docker and connect the esp only via wifi. But i have sometimes problems with a stuttering display, so a serial connection to the awtrix-server isn’t that bad.

Here is a repo https://github.com/lubeda/repository for a hassio-addon with for a awtrix-server. This should work with the offical awtrix server.

The developer of pixelit is also looking for an integration of the dfplayer for audio playback: https://forum.bastelbunker.de/d/79-support-f-r-dfplayer-mini-mp3-player/7
I’m looking forward to test this too.

Pixelit has a REST-API also: https://wiki.dietru.de/books/pixel-it/chapter/http-json-api
My appdaemon https://github.com/lubeda/appdaemon_pixelt
is using only the REST API from pixelit.

I will test both solutions Awtrix and PixelIt.
Both need some kind of a server or appdaemon.
If the soundmodule is working in PixelIt i will stick with that, because every thing stays in my house, e.g. i can draw my own icons with ease.
Awtrix is more easy to use, because it can work completly without HA.

So, wich is the best way: It depends

14

I am running HA on a docker container, I don’t use Hassio. Can I still use your awtrix server?

I saw the rest api for pixellt but it doesn’t show how to send or display a random message via the rest api. When I say randome message I mean just any message like “Good Morning” on the display. Is this possible?

15

Awtrix: I think my docker file is valid even for “normal” docker.

PixelIt: “Good morning” via REST => no problem Wiki

POST http://IP/api/screen
{
	"brightness":100,
        "text":{ 
        "textString":"Good morning",
        "position":{
            "x":8,
            "y":1
        },
        "color":{
            "r":255,
            "g":0,
            "b":0
        }
    }   
}
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16

Ah nice thanks a lot now I will look into Pixellt as well.

17

You got any pics of your matrix? Can you share please?

18

Take a look at the Awtrix Forum, there are a lot of pictures https://forum.blueforcer.de/d/22-show-your-awtrix an of course also on the pixelIt forum https://forum.bastelbunker.de/d/56-pixe-it-showroom

Mine is still running on a breadboard.

19

I just uploaded a new version of my appdaemon. This uses the new sound option from the pixelit beta.

With a dfplayer module attached to your ESP you can play prepared mp3s from a sd-card.

Thanks to Shojo from www.bastelbude.de!!!

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20

I released the first version v0.1 for use with HACS. Add https://github.com/lubeda/PixelIt-hacs as repository for HACS

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21

I think it is now usable with the version v0.6, just published as kind off a christmas gift :smiley:

https://github.com/lubeda/PixelIt-hacs

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22

Thanks for the tip i have also made one :slight_smile:
I went to pixelit that was working the best for me.
I am able to send some info from ha to the screen over node red and it works great.

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23

The PixelIt project is still useable and well maintained.

But, for me, the integration into home assistant wasn’t optimal. For this and other reasons i started an esphome based display. Which is working fine for me.

Here is the link to more informations about the display i use now.

24

Hello @lubeda is it possible to use 2x 16x16 panels for your project? ( 16x32 ) instead of 8x32

25

Not really, in my design I always have only one line of text, with a larger display are are more possibilities.