Whether in a matrix, ring, or “other” format, addressable LEDs shine in a wide range of colors to add something extra special to any project. The LumosRing, by Bradán Lane STUDIO uses 240 LEDs to form a 4-band ring, along with another 70 LEDs for two 5×7 blocks in the middle–a total of 310 individual lights. As shown in the video, the ring can be used as a clock, a chess timer, metronome, or just about anything else you can picture.
The device is programmed in CircuitPython, and runs on an ESP32-S2 with a handy USB-C port for power and programming. Since it’s using CircuitPython, reprogramming is a matter of modifying code on a text editor and saving it in memory, and several examples are available on the project’s GitLab page. The ESP32-S2 also means it’s WiFi-capable, opening up a wide range of control possibilities.
Despite the hundreds of LEDs onboard, the square device is small enough to hold between your thumb and index finger. Options include a black acrylic faceplate that LEDs can shine thought, along with arcade buttons for fast and furious timing action. It looks like a lot of fun, and something that’s bound to produce all kinds of ideas for how to use it!