https://github.com/guyradford/pi-py-clock
Raspberry Pi 1 LED Matrix Clock
https://github.com/guyradford/pi-py-clock
Last synced: 2 months ago
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Raspberry Pi 1 LED Matrix Clock
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/guyradford/pi-py-clock
- Owner: guyradford
- Created: 2022-10-29T11:57:01.000Z (over 2 years ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2022-10-29T12:55:54.000Z (over 2 years ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-02-04T16:50:34.845Z (4 months ago)
- Language: Python
- Size: 2.93 KB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 2
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
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README
# Pi Py Clock
I did this project as I needed a new clock and I had an only Raspberry Pi lying around unused and I also wanted to use my new 3D Printer.
The idea was simple, buy an LED matrix, connect it to the RPi, then using python write a very simple clock application that would auto-start on boot.
The LED Matrix uses a MAX7219 Chip driving 4 8x8 LED Matrix boards. This easily connects to the Raspberry Pi via the SPI interface.
Then a quick google search revealed the Python [Luma LED Matrix](https://pypi.org/project/luma.led-matrix/) Library. This library nicely wraps the SPI interface and abstracts the display to an easy to use "Canvas".
It even allows you to set different fonts :)
After playing with the library for a bit I discovered the [silly-clock.py](https://github.com/rm-hull/luma.led_matrix/blob/master/examples/silly_clock.py) example.
I used this as a base, removed some of the "silly" bits, changed the font. This gave me the perfect clock for my project.
## Connecting up Display to RPi1
https://raspi.tv/2013/8-x-8-led-array-driven-by-max7219-on-the-raspberry-pi-via-python
## Python 3
Installing pip:
```commandline
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3-pip
```
## Copying the files
`pip3 install luma.led-matrix==1.6.1`
`sudo apt-get install libopenjp2-7`
`sudo apt install libtiff5`
## Setting up the Service
https://medium.com/codex/setup-a-python-script-as-a-service-through-systemctl-systemd-f0cc55a42267
Copy `service/clock.service` to `/etc/systemd/system/clock.service`
```commandline
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable clock.service
sudo systemctl start clock.service
```