Pixelblaze is an ESP32 based Programmable LED Controller with High Computing Power and Web-based Live Editor

Pixelblaze V3 from Hencke Technologies is the newly introduced Wi-Fi-enabled, live-codable LED controller with a web-based development environment. This is the latest iteration of Pixelblaze with added features that allow users to quickly write new LED patterns with its web-based live editor and expression engine.

Pixelblaze V3, one user-friendly controller and pattern development engine, is designed to make it simpler to write LED patterns and give users an intuitive feel for how code and math impact those patterns. It comes with various patterns and is useable with over 100 community-created patterns.

The new form factor option and the added power of the ESP32 processor are what makes the new version of Pixelblaze stand apart from the crowd.  When compared to ones already up on the market shelves,

Pixelblaze V3 new Pico form-factor is the smallest LED controller and measures 11 mm x 33.3 mm. The compact size, power as large as ESP32, adds to the features of the V3. Besides, it also incorporates several usability enhancements like faster Wi-Fi, easier setup, and improved documentation on new patterns that all together pave the way for more advanced patterns and features. Both the Standard and Pico form factors of Pixelblaze V3 support the same ESP32 processor and pattern rendering capabilities and have the same LED driving capabilities.

The Pico design of V3 supports the same processor and pattern rendering capabilities. Other than this, it has the same LED driving capabilities, but it doesn’t have analog and touch sensor input pins and the eight-pin expansion header. However, it features six programming pads that carry GND, EN, 3.3v, RX0, TX0, and IO0 for factory programming and can be hacked to support the sensor expansion board.

With Pixelblaze V3, all users have to do is simply write a generative map in Javascript or use real-world coordinates in any unit. Besides, adding UI to enable sliders or color pickers to a pattern is also an easy task.

Features and Technical Specification of Pixelblaze

• Processor: ESP32 dual-core, 240 MHz
• Pattern storage (1.4 MB): 100 patterns with previews, preloaded with dozens of patterns and annotated examples
• Available memory per pattern: 256 global variables, 256 stack variables (recursive functions supported), and 10,240 arrays/elements – plenty of room for complex patterns
• LED compatibility: APA102, SK9822, DotStar, WS2811, WS2812 (up to 2,500 LEDs), WS2813, WS2815, NeoPixel, and WS2801 actively driven at 5 V with 100 Ω resistors for long-distance signal wiring; also works with 12 V LEDs with a separate power supply
• Direct connection: output can be connected directly to LEDs, with support for any RGB color order and RGBW/GRBW
• Adjustable refresh rate: up to 5,000 APA102/WS2801 LEDs can be driven from 250 kHz to 20 MHz
• User button: press to change LED patterns or enter Wi-Fi setup mode (additional external button can be connected via solder pads on the underside of the board)
• Status LED: indicates a connection, setup, and power states.
• Current draw: 72-145 mA in client mode, 150-172 mA in AP mode

The Pixelblaze Standard and Pico boards, along with the complete kits, are now available on Crowd Supply.

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