Beacon

Recently, I wanted to find some way to signal in a passive way that didn’t require any technology to decode. I found an interesting looking Crystal on Thingiverse that inspired me. Using Adafruit’s CircuitPython HttpServer deployed on a Raspberry Pi Pico, I wired up a series of multicolored LEDs that would interact with a simple API. The outcome is a beacon that can react to actions like pulse, persist, cycle and even morse code. My plan is to have some event stream that can interact with this API, so that I can signal to myself during work hours or simply something in a common area in the house that something needs attention.

Initial ideas like when the sump pump fires off, the internet goes out, or even when our house plant needs water. Still contemplating this one. Results so far can be seen here.