This year we changed the format of CASA0014 - the introductory module to our Connected Environments programme - which required a new workshop project. In previous years the students built their own plant monitor this year they are building controllers to interact with a light installation in the lab called Chrono Lumina.

The goal is to understand all the component parts of an IoT system through building an end to system. To support this process (and make it possible to build a prototype in 4 weeks!) we provide the students with a “light” to control via MQTT. Their task is to build an arduino based controller to send messages to Chrono Lumina, a light installation of 52 autonomous 12 pixel neopixel rings that are controlled via an ESP32. The devices are controlled by sending messages over MQTT - details are documented on the Chrono Lumina GitHub page.

The process of developing the installation has morphed and developed over the past 4 months - from individual light units to light installation in the lab. Below are some of the highlights - the full build process is documented on Flickr. Looking forward to seeing how the students light this up!

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The final installation:

Lovely detail by Simon on the enclosure for the PSU’s / stand for the lights - amazing use of car body filler:

A 2x size model of the ESP32 and Neopixel ring by Simon:

Batch production - if you are going to build 52 of them, think about how easy the assembly is!

Component parts:

Testing diffusion and current draw:

Proto 1: