This is a longgoing project, and more or less a prototype. So i don't remember every single setting ;)
It is basically a Raspi used as hotspot with fadecandy server running on it. So one can connect to this hotspot, and let there be light ;)
Steps I've done:
- Set up the raspi as a hotspot: http://raspberry-at-home.com/hotspot-wifi-access-point/ more or less. I didn't took care of all this routing stuff, because I just want to have a hotspot, without internet connectivity, to send my data to.
- Set up all the fadecandy stuff: https://learn.adafruit.com/1500-neopixel-led-curtain-with-raspberry-pi-fadecandy/raspberry-pi-setup and https://learn.adafruit.com/1500-neopixel-led-curtain-with-raspberry-pi-fadecandy/fadecandy-server-setup
- Took and old powered USB hub to power the Raspi and have enough power for my wifi USB dongle.
- Etched a pcb to connect the 8x8 WS2812B panels to the fadecandy. So it has three headers for GND, 5V and SIG, for every of the 8 matrices. I then connected this powerboard and the matrices with servo cables. There is also a GND, 5V rail on the board, as well as the powerjack. Also connected the USB hub to this board. So this is where all the power comes from.
- Lasercuted three layers, one for the raspi and the USB hub, one which holds the powerboard and the matrices and a difusing one.
- The matrices i mounted using velcro, so i can remove it.
I think that's it, more or less.
Remarks
- There is a OpenWRT build for fadecandy. So you may use this. I just had a Raspi and a USB Hub laying round. You may know that.
- RGB-123 sell a board with all those 512 pixels on it, compatible with fadecandy, comes with a pricetag of round 165 bucks though.