“Hello folks, let me introduce you to the Pumpkin Pi. Simply put it is an I/O controller for the Raspberry Pi with twelve programmable outputs, but with a little hocus-pocus (or Python code to you and me) it becomes a digital decoration controller that offers two video outputs with audio, and lighting FX synced to video.
The BackgroundLast Halloween I decided to create a Witching themed window display, having recently discovered AtmosFX’s Digital Decorations I felt inspired to make good use of them and incorporate them into my display.
I needed a way of playing back two video playlists alternately on two different displays (a TV and a projector) without the videos accidentally overlapping each other. I also wanted to integrate lighting FX to add to the atmospherics.
More about the ControllerAs it was inspired by a Halloween project I felt the name Pumpkin Pi was very appropriate. It is intended to do the following:
Control up to 12x individual LEDs (or 4x RGB strips) via 12x programmable outputs Operate at 12v via its own external power supply 3x quad NPN transistor arrays to support 1 Amp output current per connection Include the option of PIR / motion sensor triggering of playback and actions Video and Audio playback using the video capabilities of the Raspberry Pi Two videos can be played back simultaneously or alternately thanks to both Pis being linked via their GPIOs to trigger programmable actions and prevent unwanted video overlap Sync lighting FX to the video playback Built-in LEDs to indicate individual output statusAlternative UseYou can also use the Pumpkin Pi as a breakout board with a single Raspberry Pi and still have 12x programmable outputs to control LEDs, motors, relays etc.
Note: Want to see how I used the Pumpkin Pi in my Halloween display? Check out my Witching Hour Halloween Display Instructable.”