FlipDot v2.0

Lightweight driver + content server for flipdot displays.

The architecture consists of a Rust-based driver running on a Raspberry Pi and a Convex (TypeScript/React) backend for content generation and management.

Project Structure

• driver-rs/: Rust driver that subscribes to Convex and drives the hardware via serial.
• server/: Convex backend + React virtual display.

Architecture

[Convex Backend]  ──real-time subscription──>  [Rust Driver]  ──serial──>  [FlipDot Hardware]
       │                                              │
   cron: clock                                   ConvexClient
   rendering pipeline                            Driver
   displays table                                SerialConnection
       │
[React Virtual Display]  (dev/testing UI, subscribes to same query)

Getting Started

Driver (Rust)

The driver runs on a Raspberry Pi and communicates with the flipdot modules over serial.

cd driver-rs
cargo build --release
./target/release/flipdot --config config.json

See driver-rs/config.example.json for configuration options.

Server (Convex + React)

The server manages display state and provides a virtual preview.

cd server
npm install
npm run dev

Features

• Real-time updates: Subscribes to Convex for instant content changes.
• Minimal footprint: Rust driver is efficient and has minimal dependencies.
• Virtual Display: Web-based preview for development without hardware.
• Flexible Layout: Supports multiple modules in various configurations.

License

MIT