LumiCube is the definitive kit for the Raspberry Pi or that’s what, at least, its creators say. Although if we are honest, they may be right. Because this box will not only allow you to store one of these popular development boards inside, thanks to its panels with a total of 192 RGB LEDs plus the use of different sensors and other elements, it can be an ideal product for the smart home.
The Ultimate Raspberry Pi Kit
We already know that for the Raspberry Pi there are a multitude of accessories of all kinds. And if they don’t exist, the most enthusiastic about this development board are able to create them through 3D printing. Although sometimes you do not have to complicate much because there are already those who have created that ideal case to create your retro console or to use as a desktop computer, NAS, etc.
However, proposals like this one that we are going to talk to you about with a little more calm are not usually so common. You could do something similar because there are already components to do it, but if they give you everything done it is much easier. In addition, the finish and aesthetics seem great to us. But let’s talk well about what it is and what it offers.
What is LumiCube
This you see is LumiCube , an accessory designed to be used together with the Raspberry Pi. What’s more, inside is where the plate is placed and it would look like one more box if it weren’t for the rest of the elements that really give it value.
To begin we have three panels that with a total of 192 programmable RGB LEDs can give a lot of play to all those users with some programming knowledge. Although if you do not have them it will not be a problem either, because it would not take long for numerous headlines to come out to see how to use them even dynamically.
Along with these panels that are the large keyboard, LumiCube also even has a small IPS screen so that you can interact with its options without having to connect the Raspberry Pi to an external screen. It also includes buttons to control its options, a microphone, speakers and various sensors, including an accelerometer, light sensor and gestures .
What can LumiCube do
To the question of what this accessory or device can do for the Raspberry Pi, the answer would be practically everything. From the start, the user could recognize the voice to allow him to interact, also recognize his position thanks to the different sensors and, of course, the most striking of all: use its three LED panels for anything you can think of with them.
For example, thanks to these LED panels you could create a device that simulates sunrise and helps you wake up with a progressive increase in light. Also create dynamic patterns with which to show all kinds of drawings in them (with the limitation of the number of LEDs available in each panel) to give a different touch to your workspace, living room or bedroom if you decide to use it on the bedside table.
The possible uses are many and varied, because even to make use of it as a notification to apply productivity techniques such as Pomodoro’s or know when they knock on the door of the house, etc. Anything you can do with your Raspberry Pi you can see how to give it a different point with the LumiCube.
- Pomodoro Technique Timer
- Alarm lamp
- Digital lava lamp
- Vusalizer of musical equalization
- Binary clock
These are some examples that its creators propose , but surely many more are already going through your head. Especially if several of these LumiCube are combined.
When can it be purchased
LumiCube is launched as a Kickstarter campaign , but it is clear that without this campaign, once launched on the market, it would have been a sales success as this type of product is very popular. However, for now it is the way to get it and if you want to get one you would only have to support with about 105 euros.
If you do so, according to the roadmap of its managers, in September 2021 the first units would be sent to anyone who has paid the minimum they are asking for right now. If you prefer to wait for its launch in the store, because you do not trust or another reason, the only thing you should know is that its price will probably go up a bit. However, if you’re a fan of the Raspberry Pi, it’s worth keeping a close eye on it.