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Chromatron is an open source Wifi pixel controller designed to make LED pixel projects easy and fun.

Hi, I’m Jeremy! I’ve designed a toolkit for making art with LED pixel strips, and I’d like to share it with you! Chromatron takes custom designed hardware and feature-packed firmware, sprinkles it with some Python, and serves up a delicious new platform to help you transform your world into a psychedelic dreamscape.

Why use Chromatron?

Chromatron is packed with features that make LED projects awesome:

– Control up to 300 pixels per Chromatron

– Stream pixel data over Wifi with the Python API

– Run graphics code directly on hardware with the built in FX scripting engine

– Take control with the command line interface: built in device discovery, dimmer controls, pixel setup, and more

– Easy LED wiring via screw terminals

How do you use it?

There’s two main ways: remote control with Python, or local control with FX Script.

Remote Streaming over Wifi

You can stream raw RGB data over Wifi with the Python module. It handles all of the network details, so you don’t need to worry about IP addresses or network ports.

You can also use HSV as well, if that’s your preference. I also plan on implementing Art-Net while the hardware build is ongoing. (I haven’t yet because I don’t personally use it.)

The Python library also gives you an easy interface into device commands, such as loading FX scripts, changing dimmer settings, discovering devices, loading firmware updates, etc. The Python code is what powers the command line interface.

Local Control with FX Script

FX Script is a language based on a simplified Python syntax designed specifically for making LED pixel graphics. It runs directly on Chromatron hardware, so you don’t need to use C or C++. You can set up the compiler to run automatically when you save your script and have it reload your Chromatrons instantly. The ability to get instant feedback is easily 90% of the reason I created FX Script.

Once you’ve loaded your FX program, you don’t need a Wifi connection to run it. It will just start up automatically every time you power on your project. You only need Wifi if you want to change something.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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