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Life & fun · December 2, 2022

Mini Christmas Trees with addressable LEDs and RP2040-based controller

Hello HN, these Mini Trees have a custom circuit board with WS2812 addressable LEDs on one side and a controller using an RP2040 microcontroller on the other, all inside a CNC'd Foamex PVC case. They stand around 23cm (9") tall. The firmware is written in MicroPython, which can be modified or replaced. Power is provided via USB-C, which is also used for programming. There is also a web-based animation sequencer to create lighting sequences in time to arbitrary audio, examples of which are on the linked page. This is similar to xLights (https://xlights.org/), but much less…

Mini Christmas Trees with addressable LEDs and RP2040-based controller launched on December 2, 2022 with 44 votes, #1,047 of 3,688 launches that month and more than 75% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 3 years on.

Visit pixo.lighting ↗Alternatives

In plain words

Mini Christmas Trees are 23cm-tall decorative devices featuring WS2812 addressable LEDs controlled by an RP2040 microcontroller running MicroPython firmware. Users can create custom lighting animations synchronized to audio using a web-based sequencer, similar to xLights but simpler. The trees are housed in CNC-machined cases, powered and programmed via USB-C, and designed for hobbyists and makers who want customizable LED light displays. The firmware is modifiable for advanced users.

written from the facts on this page · September 2026

From the sources

Pixo

The design and layout of the LEDs, the controller circuitry, the clamshell case, and the software powering the Mini Trees are all custom designed by us in the UK. The LEDs used in the Mini Trees are bright enough for daytime, and dim enough for nighttime. The LEDs don't require much power, and can be powered by USB batteries for days. Create animated light effects synchronised to music with the free Pixo sequencer. Select any audio file, then use our custom sequencer to light up your trees to your favourite tracks! Based on the RP2040 chip from Raspberry Pi, the built-in Pixo LED controller is open for customisation by developers of all skill levels. Take a look at some of out favourite…from pixo.lighting

In the maker’s words, at launch

Hello HN, these Mini Trees have a custom circuit board with WS2812 addressable LEDs on one side and a controller using an RP2040 microcontroller on the other, all inside a CNC'd Foamex PVC case. They stand around 23cm (9") tall. The firmware is written in MicroPython, which can be modified or replaced. Power is…

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