Change Clock Graphics

[mames13]

This project is so great. The Pixel Matrix has so much potential (and is so physically well built), but the software without a project like this suffers.

Do you have a way yet of adjusting the clock graphics? The only clock I like is the Christmas one because it’s energy efficient and chill/relaxing; however, I want to keep it special and not use it all year long.

Also, are there any videos or blog-like, detailed documentation for people just getting started with Python (I’m guessing there isn’t a GUI built yet)?

I’ve only used Python3 to flash microcontrollers, lol, but I would love learn how to utilize this project. Before finding it, I started to ponder pulling out the PCB and soldering my own led array + ESP32 into it and using WLED (that I could do). 😅

[schorsch3000]

I'm not the Author but i'm positive i can answer your questions:

the idotMatrix ecosystem consists of three parts. the Firmware running on the device itself, the Cloud (for providing firmware updated and content delivery) and the app to control the device.

This project is a replacement for the app.

That said, the app only can choose out of the available clock-styles, the Firmware provides these styles. toi change the clock face (including countdown stopwatch and scoreboard) we need an alternative Firmware.

You don't need any python knowledge to use this project in it's current state.
It's just a cli-command that you invoke to run commands.

You COULD use the library part of this project to build your own project that uses one or more displays, but you'll need to have general python knowledge to do that, not specific to this project in the first place.
Once you get there, using this lib should be quite easy.

[derkalle4]

Hi @schorsch3000

Many thanks for the reply, I couldn't have answered it better :)

@mames13

Many thanks for your interest in my little project. Due to long COVID I have problems with keeping up regular work on this but future plans will involve a separation of the library part (which handles the communication with the device) and the CLI/GUI part. This will allow a better integration for your own projects and allows things like a direct integration in home assistant for example.

What should be possible later on is the permanent connection to these devices via Bluetooth and the ability to send images of your choice to it. This would require a raspberry pi, a NAS or any other Linux / windows device with a Bluetooth stick running.

You could then update the image every minute and create your own watch faces if you're somewhat familiar with python. I am sure there will be some other folks interested as well in implementing new ideas.

However, modifying the firmware would be preferred. But that's another story and nothing I could do before finishing this project. I am no hardware hacker but interested in that kind of stuff.

Kind regards,
Kalle

[TheBigWazz]

Has anyone managed to extract the firmware that we know of? I would also like to customize the clock styles! Though the manual image update would be a nice workaround for now. I took these photos of the chip before I attempted my first ever solder and totally messed up the contact pads :(