Stanko / retro-frame

Retro Frame

DIY pixel art frame, inspired by Game Frame.

Check a few more images and videos here.

There is a similar project you might want to check out:

• https://github.com/hanneslinder/esp-pixel-matrix

Intro

The brain is Adafruit MatrixPortal M4, ESP32 based controller. You'll need to follow Adafruit's documentation to install Circuit Python. Then you can copy the code (don't forget to create src/settings.py).

Files you'll need to copy to your MatrixPortal are:

Rename src/settings_example.py to src/settings.py. If you want frame to connect to internet in order to fetch the correct time add your network name, password, and skip_connection=False.

Then copy the following files and folders:

• code.py and src/*.py (see copy.bat|sh)
• firmware/[current_version]/lib to lib
• assets (which includes splash screen and digital clock sprite)
• gif (pick and choose animations you like)

Apps

There are four apps:

• Gif player (runs each animation for 5 minutes then switches to the next one)
• Digital clock (needs internet connection to get time)
• Analogue clock (needs internet connection to get time)
• Blank - used to preserve power during the night

By default, display will switch to the digital clock at 23:30, to blank at midnight and to gif player at 8:30 in the morning. Check src/settings_example.py and copy it src/settings.py. Then update it to your preferences.

Controls

Tilting the display left and right will cycle between the apps (button up will do the same).

Tilting the display back and forward will (button down will do the same):

• Gif app - switch between gifs
• Digital clock - switch between 12 and 24 hours clock modes

List of parts

This is a list of all of the main parts with the links to the ones I used.

• Adafruit MatrixPortal M4 https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745
• 64x64 RGB LED Matrix - 2.5mm Pitch - 1/32 Scan - https://www.adafruit.com/product/3649 or https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32816409052.html
• LED diffuser - https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594
• USB C charger - I had one lying around
• The display fits into the IKEA SANNAHED picture frame. But check frame-1.png for a custom frame blueprints.
• USB C cable - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002105030431.html
• You can control the display by tilting it, but if you want to add buttons, I used these in the first version - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000043687021.html

Art credits

If I included your art and you want it removed, I'm sorry, just open an issue and I'll take care of it. The only reason I included your work in the first place, is because it is awesome and it makes me happy.

Other people:

• Bear
• Dog
• Dota emojis (diretide, giff, es)
• Earth and Moon - generated using wonderful PixelPlanets
• Ember Spirit
• Firepit
• Fox
• Hollow Knight
• Jim
• Link
• Madeline
• Mario chase
• Mario jumping
• Mega Man
• Nyan cat
• Ori
• Rafael
• Robin
• Spinning skull
• The One Ring
• WC2 Footman

Myself

• Splash screen
• Clock digits
• Pulsar animations
• Totoro - heavily inspired by this one
• Tutur, in loving a memory of Artur <3