last modified: October 23, 2025
Posted on 2019-12-07— Projects
I’ll walk you through creating custom patterns for your snowflake decoration, covering double-buffering, frame-sync, non-linear PWM, fixed-point math and the scene interface in C++. If you can solder and use an SWD programmer, read on for practical examples and a ready-to-edit User scene template.
Posted on 2019-11-30— Projects
I walk you through flashing custom firmware to your Pimoroni snowflake decoration using an SWD J-Link and Atmel Studio. I cover hardware, wiring, software setup, and step-by-step build and flash instructions so you can safely program your boards. Read the full guide for tips and troubleshooting.
Posted on 2019-11-23— Projects
I walk through creating custom wiring for the snowflake decoration, covering layouts, cable choices, current and voltage-drop math, and a simple power supply board for Pimoroni kits. If you want practical tips and diagrams to wire your own design, please read the full guide.
Posted on 2019-11-22— Projects
I walk you through the Snowflake v1.2 firmware's button-based configuration: short vs long presses, auto and single modes, LED indicators, and pattern durations. I explain the six-second timeout and that settings aren't saved after power loss—please read the full post for step-by-step usage and tips.
Posted on 2019-11-18— Projects
I wanted to capture the tiny, spiky corona of light from a snowflake decoration on video and found it challenging. After experiments I developed a simple effect that better conveys the sparkling as seen by the eye. Read on to see my approach, results, and how you can try it yourself.
Posted on 2019-11-15— Projects
I've been making videos of my LED snowflake decorations, but they still fall short of the live sparkle and diffraction I see. I explain the problems—blinding LED peaks and weak diffraction spikes—and invite you to read the post to watch the clips and see my plan to add digital effects.
Posted on 2019-11-13— Common
I'm happy to share you can now buy an assembled Snowflake Decoration from Pimoroni with worldwide shipping. The panels arrive pre-soldered, use 5V power and flat cables so no soldering is needed. If you'd like details on the updates and compatibility, please read the full post.
Posted on 2018-12-10— Projects
I wrote a concise page about my Snowflake project from late 2017, sharing open-source hardware designs and base firmware. If you have some electronics experience, you can build your own boards — it's a rewarding decoration. Read the full project page for files, repo links, and leave any feedback or questions.
Posted on 2018-01-11— Projects
I built a simple USB-to-3.3V power converter for my snowflake decoration using a Traco TSR2-2433 and a laser-cut acrylic case with glow-in-the-dark engravings. I'll walk through the board, Fusion360/Eagle workflow, laser cutting and painting - read on if you want the files and build notes.
Posted on 2017-11-14— Projects
I walk through assembling the component side of my snowflake panel, showing stencil-applied solder paste, placement of 105 resistors, capacitors, headers and chips, and sped-up hot-air soldering. I test the LEDs at the end — please read/watch the full post if you'd like the complete build and tips.
Posted on 2017-11-12— Common
I share a quick video of the snowflake assembly, showing the LED-side assembly with hot-air soldering. The build went smoothly overall, though some excess solder left a few LEDs slightly raised. If you're curious about the process and tips, I invite you to watch the full post and video.
Posted on 2017-11-01— Common
I received five-snowflake PCB panels from Eurocircuits and was quietly impressed by their quality. The tiny 0.15 mm decorative lines, white solder mask, precise milling and tented 0.25 mm vias created real production challenges. I’m pleased with the result — please read the full post for photos and details.
Posted on 2017-10-02— Projects
I received prototype boards from Eurocircuits and was impressed by their outstanding build quality—sharp solder-mask edges, precise alignment, and a subtle shine on the traces. I share close-up photos and brief thoughts about vias and finishes; read on if you appreciate careful PCB craftsmanship.