Pimoroni Unicorn HAT

The Pimoroni Unicorn HAT is an amazing shield for the Raspberry Pi. It features a matrix of 64 (8x8) addressable RGB LEDs directly powered by the Pi. This device offers a wash of controllable color, perfect for mood lighting, 8x8 pixel art, cool persistence of vision effects, status indications, or simply adding a splash of color to your surroundings. Each Unicorn HAT easily attaches to a Raspberry Pi with a 40 - pin (2x20) GPIO. Pimoroni has put together a GitHub repository with the Unicorn Hat software and useful examples in an easy - to - use Python module. All you need to do is set the color for each pixel. Key features include 64 RGB LEDs (WS2812B), a Python API, compatibility with Raspberry Pi 3, 2, B+, and A+, an EEPROM with Raspberry Pi HAT configuration details, and LED data driven via DMA over PWM. There are also several useful documents like the Python Library, guides on getting started with Unicorn HAT and Unicorn Paint, using it in IDLE, and making rainbows with it.

Using the Pimoroni Unicorn HAT is a breeze. First, attach it to your Raspberry Pi that has a 40 - pin (2x20) GPIO. Just snap it on top and you're good to start. To control the colors of the LEDs, you'll use the Python module from the GitHub repository. It comes with examples to help you get started. Just follow the instructions and set the color you want for each pixel. When using it, make sure your Raspberry Pi is properly powered to avoid any issues with the LEDs. Also, don't expose it to extreme temperatures or moisture. For maintenance, keep it clean and free from dust. If you're not using it for a long time, store it in a dry and safe place. And always refer to the provided documents like the Python Library and getting - started guides for more in - depth help.