“This is a great, easy little project to build and a lot of fun to code. My boys loved figuring out how to make the lights do what they wanted. We had a blast!”
“Like the non-RGB Xmas tree, a lot of fun and a great way to get into Python programming. Thanks, Rachel Rayns and PiHut! One caveat: this tree is built differently than the other one, and code that works for one won't work for the other. Okay by me, more possibilities and more to learn. I've played with the sample programs on Github, but I think if I knew more I could DO more. For instance, hardware-wise. I've heard hints that the 4 through-holes could let you daisy chain other LEDs - how would that work? And, I think this tree (unlike the other model) is only using a few of the GPIO pins - could I somehow connect the tree via a few jumpers instead of the whole female header and use the other GPIOs for something else? Which are the minimum connections I would need to make? Inquiring minds want to know... (Rachel, are you listening there?)”
“What a great product. The new solder-less design lets you get up and running quickly. The parts can be removed easily (and carefully - don't twist) from the frame and assembled with push-fit action. Take especial care to plug the tree onto the GPIO pins of your Pi the right way round (look at photos to be sure) - this is important as it seems that incorrect orientation may connect voltage to the data pins and damage may ensue.
Once fitted the 'tree.py' file needs to be copied over to your Pi and then you can access the sample code that Pi Hut provide, or start writing your own code. My experiments are at https://github.com/rendzina/XmasTree
I have a couple of code samples and hope to add some more:
- XmasTree_Colours.py - Set all LEDs to same but random colours cycling through using a list of colours, setting the top LED to white
- XmasTree_Sparkle.py - Set random LEDs to random colours, setting the top LED to white
One thought for a future version of the PCB design would be to provide solder points to access the I2C pins on the GPIO bus - that might allow integration of sensors with the tree. For example a PIR sensor could be used to adjust the lights as Santa approaches, or the colours could be related to temperature readings etc!”
“When you are tired of waiting for Win 10 to boot-up,upgrade or recover from a BSOD, you can switch on your Raspberry Pi and within a few seconds enjoy a fullscale Linux environment, silent running and stable. As a bonus you can plug in this Christmas tree and have a variety of flashing LEDs and delve into the exiting world of Python programming at the same time!”
“It's a nice tree. The only fault is missing instructions on the orientation necessary for attachment to the Pi. You can get a pretty good idea of which way round to attach the tree from pictures posted.
Otherwise, the GitHub post has helped learning Python (getting lights to blink on and off) and Bash (getting the tree working on startup).”
