Chris Toukmaji | [email protected]
This program is customized for a U-chained two (64 x 32) LED matrix forming a 64 x 64 panel. However, these parameters can be changed by changing the --led-cols and --led-rows flags (or whichever flags you would be changing) in the sudo command to the operating system in the spotif-api.py file.
Once all the required hardware has been assembled, and you have ensured that your Raspberry Pi is running Python 3 (you can check with python3 --version), enter the Spotify Authorization token that is given here. Note: A Spotify account is required to properly run this code.
Then, simply write
$ python3 spotif-api.py
- Gives a retro look to your currently playing Spotify song by displaying the album cover on a 64x64 LED Matrix.
- Displays relevant weather, stocks, and news information (est. March 2020)
- See 'Future Features' for all the other upcoming advancements of this project
- Raspberry Pi Zero WH
- Note: This is different that the Raspberry Pi Zero and the Raspberry Pi Zero W. The WH versions comes with built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, in addition to soldered GPIO headers, which saves the cluttering of a USB Wi-Fi adapter and the connections of each individual GPIO pin to a breadboard.
- Adafruit RGB Matrix Bonnet
- This allows us to connect our Pi to the matrix with just a ribbon cable: a very clean setup.
- 5V Power Supply
- This powers our Pi and the matrix
- LED Boards
- Try to aim for either two 32 x 64 boards, or one 64 x 64 board. Anything smaller board wouldn't have enough pixels to make any distinct images. I used two 32 x 64 boards just so that I had the flexibility to switch to a 32 x 128 setup, but if you are set on the 64 x 64 setup, I would highly recommend going for the single board; it will avoid a lot of the wiring mess.
- 64 x 64 Board
- 64 x 32 Board
- Note: The size of the pitch is up to you. I used a 5 mm pitch since the board is situated far from my eye-level, but if you are aiming for a closer and more high definition image, I would highly recommend something around a 2-3 mm pitch.
This project could not have been done without the help of the Raspberry Pi RGB LED Matrix library by Mr. Henner Zeller.
I am currently working on a voice interface that allows the user to control the matrix remotely. Additionally, I am increasing the project's capabilities to include information such as weather information, daily news, and stock tickers; most of which have already been implemented, but lack a proper method of transition (which is what the voice interface will solve).
- Flickering: This is a hardware issue with the Raspberry Pi 0 being underpowered; this issue could be solved by soldering two of the GPIO pins on the Pi itself. More info can be found on Mr. Henner Zeller's documentation.
This project initially started out as a scrolling news ticker, like something that would be shown at the bottom of your local news channel. I tailored the news to my interests so that I would only be seeing the news that was relevant to me. I then transitioned into making a stock ticker, then a weather ticker, and now, this. I am looking forward to the day when I can incorporate all four projects within one, and develop my own digital assistant.