The idea for the pxlDigit_PCB came to me while building the pxlDigit (build article here: https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-elektronik-sieben-segment-ziffer-pxldigit-aus-ws2812-leds-bauen/).

There the pxlDigit is built up from individual WS2812 LED segments. To do this, the LEDs must first be glued into the 3D printed housing and then soldered together in there. This step in particular is not that easy due to the lack of space. :/

That's why I designed the pxlDigit_PCB. The LEDs, the ESP8285 and the other necessary electronics can be installed on it. So you can first assemble, test and program the entire circuit board and then insert it into the 3D printed housing of the pxlDigit.

Thanks to the integrated USB-C connection, the Digit can also be supplied directly with power and, if necessary, the firmware can be programmed.

In addition, the following (optional) components can be installed on the PCB:

• BME280 climate sensor
• TSL2591 brightness sensor
• MPR121 touch sensor for up to 12 touch electrodes

On Nerdiy.de you can see a few pictures of the fully assembled circuit board and (almost) all possible components. Unfortunately, due to the current shortage of chips, some sensors such as the BME280 are very expensive or poorly available, which is why I did not install it.

Programming firmware

I’m currently still working on a simple Arduino library to control the digits. Until this is finished you can also use the pxlBlck Firmware . This already supports the LED matrix form of the pxlDigit and also offers useful functions for automation and control via WiFi or the serial interface. General information about the pxlBlck plugin can also be found here:

• https://nerdiy.de/en/howto-pxlblck-das-pxlblck-plugin-installieren-und-konfigurieren/