https://github.com/ankitkk/cosmic-unicorn
LED Transit Tracker + Weather.
https://github.com/ankitkk/cosmic-unicorn
chicago led micropython pimoroni trains
Last synced: 21 days ago
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LED Transit Tracker + Weather.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/ankitkk/cosmic-unicorn
- Owner: ankitkk
- Created: 2025-08-30T20:26:48.000Z (about 1 month ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-08-30T22:23:52.000Z (about 1 month ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-08-31T00:18:24.487Z (about 1 month ago)
- Topics: chicago, led, micropython, pimoroni, trains
- Language: Python
- Homepage:
- Size: 19.5 KB
- Stars: 1
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
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README
# Chicago Transit Authority Tracker + Weather LED Display
A MicroPython app for [Pimoroni Cosmic Unicorn](https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/space-unicorns?variant=40842626596947) (32x32 LED) that rotates between a weather screen and CTA bus arrival countdowns. It themes colors by day/night, syncs time via NTP, and handles Wi-Fi setup with a minimal on-device status UI.
## Features
- Weather: local time, current temp (°F, colorized), hi/lo or condition
- Transit: three configurable CTA rows with 3-char rotating tokens
- Theme: smooth day/night blending and per-mode brightness
- Transitions: brightness crossfade + sliding animation between screens
- Networking: resilient Wi-Fi connect flow with NTP sync
- Morning preference: between 08:00–10:00 local, shows the CTA screen longer
## Hardware
- Pimoroni Cosmic Unicorn (RP2040 + 32x32 RGB LED matrix)
- Runs on MicroPython (Pico W firmware)
## Setup
1. Dependencies on device (typical):
- `cosmic`, `picographics` (from Pimoroni MicroPython build)
- `urequests` (HTTP client; usually bundled in the build)
2. Secrets:
- Create `lib/secrets.py` with: `WIFI_SSID`, `WIFI_PASSWORD`, `CTA_API_KEY`
3. Configure routes/weather in `config.py`:
- Update `ROWS` for stop/route/direction/color.
- Set `LAT`, `LON`, and `TZ` for your location.
- Tune screen timings, brightness, and themes as needed.
## Running
- Entrypoint: `main.py` runs `app.main()`. On boot, the app:
- Connects Wi-Fi and forces an initial NTP sync
- Fetches weather and CTA data
- Enters the main loop, rotating between screens with transitions
## Configuration Highlights
- Morning CTA preference in `config.py`:
- `MORNING_CTA_START_HOUR = 8`
- `MORNING_CTA_END_HOUR = 10`
- `MORNING_CTA_MULTIPLIER = 2.5` (CTA duration multiplier during morning window)
- Base durations in `config.py`:
- `WEATHER_SCREEN_SECONDS`, `CTA_SCREEN_SECONDS`
- Theme presets and dusk blending:
- `THEMES`, `DUSK_WINDOW_MIN`, `THEME_CHECK_MS`
## Notes
- WIFI credentials/CTA API key are loaded from `lib/secrets.py` (not in repo).
- Weather API: Open-Meteo (no key needed).
- Pens are memoized to reduce GC churn and improve performance.
## Troubleshooting
- If Wi-Fi repeatedly times out, credentials may be wrong; app displays status.
- If time appears wrong at boot, ensure Wi-Fi is reachable for NTP.
- If CTA screen is blank or `NOA`, API may be unreachable or key missing.
## License
This project is licensed under the [](https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT)