metaPixel

thingiverse

metaBlock is an easy, scalable WS2812 LED-stick base display panel. Each module holds 20 LEDs arranged in a 5x4 grid behind a printed diffuser. The modules connect through D-SUB high power ports. Magnetic stabilizers on the side ensure secure connection. Black ABS was used for the housing while clear ColorFabb XT is the diffusor material. CAD models are available in the downloadable zip archive as STEP and Fusion files. A Teensy 3.1 chip controls each metaBlock panel using FastLED software library code. For visuals, check videos featuring panels and components online. The repository on github offers resources such as schematics and further technical details needed for setup. Assembly steps: Each metaBlock unit requires: - Diffusor + Grid (full transparent or a separate foil applied to the grid) - One Box (of five distinct designs each differing from others based on D-SUB ports location) - Three High Power, high quality jack - Four round magnetic disks measuring 3x3 inches in size - Sixteen WS2812 LEDs harvested from strips with sixty LED units per meter. Additionally required items are various glue and wiring for connecting different components like holding the translucent diffuser to the opaque grid with small amount of wire needed. A display setup also calls for five-volt power source along side programmer set according custom configuration, as standard commercial product won't deliver results that is desired, mainly because varying metaBlock layout across display. Steps For Constructing Housing: Locate each magnet with specific marker ensuring every disk on a similar face before beginning work to avoid unnecessary errors due the fact some removal is just not possible in those circumstances. In assembling metaBlocks housing it's useful reference point is metaLayout.pdf.