Maker and hacker projects

These are projects designed for digital makers and hackers wanting to modify existing project. Many involve multiple aspects including electronics, programming and 3D design or construction of an enclosure.

Raspberry Pi Pico

Learn how to program the Raspberry Pi Pico using C/C++ and MicroPython.

Includes a voltmeter project which uses C/C++ or MicroPython on the Pico to talk to a Raspberry Pi using serial uart communications. A Python Pygame Zero program on the Raspberry Pi then displays this on a GUI as a 7-segment display.

Raspberry Pi Pico Voltmeter with UART serial and Pygame Zero GUI

Raspberry Pi PixelStrip and NeoPixel GUI

PixelStrip / NeoPixel Gui for the Raspberry Pi DJ, Disco and parties

Learn how to create a simple circuit to control RGB LEDs / PixelStrips / NeoPixels and control them using a simple Python program.

Although well supported by Raspberry Pi libraries there is no default graphical user interface for the PixelStrips / NeoPixels. This is a project that I first created in 2015 and have since updated to support the latest Python libraries. It provides a graphical user interface designed for use by DJs and for parties controlling strings of NeoPixels / WS2811 / WS2812 / WS281x lights.

Hack an Infrared Light Bulb with a Raspberry Pi

Hack an infrared light using a Raspberry Pi

Control an infrared light bulb using a Raspberry Pi and an infrared receiver and transmitter circuit. Use Python to turn the light on and off, change the colour and brightness

Hack an infrared light bulb with a Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi Outdoor display with RGB LED Matrix and NeoPixel Handrail

Outdoor lighting and sign project using RGB LED Matrix and NeoPixel RGB LEDs. Allows special messages to be displayed along with appropriate colour sequences along the driveway handrail.