On to Neopixels

I was able successfully get the threading part working on one of the esp32 clients.   Which means prop4 software is kind of done.  Since prop4 is going to be my neopixel client, I needed it to do a light show before I ask it to display how many days until Halloween or other things I might like to display, like tune into Halloween radio 101.3FM.  That type of thing.  While it doing a light show, it will listen for commands from my raspberry pi server.  If it hears the command, it stops the light show and displays how many days until Halloween.  Or asks for you to tune into 101.3FM.  That type of thing.  I know its not pretty right now, and I don't have cool Halloween pics up, but the software has to be done first or I am not going to get it to look cool.

Next, I need to dive into the neopixel program to see if I can make a light show.  The light show will be on a matrix of leds.  I don't know what it will look like, but I am getting there.

I threading I go

It is early in the weekend for New Eves but I am working on doing a python script for threading.  I need one of the esp32s to work on displaying lights but then stop when I tell it to, and then do something else.  So far it looks ok.  I think I put too much on my plate.

Neopixel sign

I have an update.  I have been working on a new neopixel sign to replace my older Halloween radio sign.  The Neopixel sign will be controlled by a esp32 client, which is controlled by a raspberry pi server.  I might be able to get it to display what is actually being played on the radio too.  I guess we will see.  I actually had help in producing the letters etc for the neopixels.  I want to give a shoutout to Clayton Darwin.  He actually has been helping with the code.  I actually didn't want to copy from what he sent, but learn from it.  Mainly because I almost need to make my own to get it work with server.  And plus it has a lot of functions that I really don't need.  But thank you Clayton!! 

Couldn't wait

I decided I couldn't wait for the esp32s that were coming from China to play so I got one from Amazon.  Came on Friday.  As you can see here I am connecting it to a RPI and programming it with Python.  The code that I had for the client that I have been messing with worked great on this little unit.  All I had to do was add a wifi connect code in the python code to get it to connect.  It worked great.  This particular esp32 I am going to connect it to a neopixel array and have it do a light show, with saying "Happy Halloween" and listing how many days until Halloween.  I can't wait.   The neopixels come today and then the power supply comes Monday.

Server progam for esp32

As I am waiting for the esp32 boards, I decided to start working on the program.  There is a server and client program.  There will be a server on a raspberry pi and then the clients will go on the esp32 boards.  Those will control each of my props.  Basically, what this does it the server will dictate which program runs etc.  Once a prop is finished, it tells the server its finished and then tells another prop to turn on.  I think it will look cool.

Esp32

Well, it's time to start planning again. I wanted to make a server to control all my props.  So, I bought 4 of these for 4 bucks each. Nice. I will keep it updated. Sorry, I didnt update blog. Girlfriend bought me a beagle pup and he has taken all my time.

The body

I have been thinking for a bit how I am going to connect this eye.  I thought of a wall. I thought of a few things.  Nothing really caught my attention.  Until I saw a photo of a floating demon on one of the Halloween sites.  I think it might be a good idea to go that route.  Also, I think I am going to get rid of the Halloween treat dispenser.   It would take two people to have it work during operation, so I didn't want to force my family to get stuck working it with me.