Periscope Logic Lights

The Periscope Logics are a custom PCB kit for Matt Zwarts Domelift Periscope – but should fit almost all Periscopes.
It needs 5V and can run standalone or be controlled via serial command or I2C.
Firmware is still not final but running the needed sequences.
(we just want more sequences and full integration into the Benduino/Marcduino system)

Revisions:

Current version:

ESP32 Lolin C3 Mini (easy programmable via USB)

Old versions:

ESP32 (programmable via serial pins)
ATmega328P (programmable via serial pins)

ESP32 C3 Mini Version:

C3 Mini Enhanced Sketch v2.1 +

Quick Start Guide

What You Need

• R2D2 Periscope with LED controller installed
• USB cable (USB-C for Lolin C3 Mini)
• Computer with Arduino IDE or Serial Terminal
• 5V power supply (3A or more)

First Time Setup

1. Connect USB cable to your computer
2. Open Serial Monitor (Arduino IDE: Tools → Serial Monitor)
3. Set Baud Rate to 9600
4. Set Line Ending to “Newline” or “Carriage Return”
5. Type ON and press Enter – LEDs should start!

Basic Commands

Power Control

Pre-Made Light Shows (Sequences)

Just type the command and press Enter:

LED Groups Explained

         [TOP - 7 LEDs]
              ↑
    [LEFT]  [MAIN]  [RIGHT]
   9 LEDs   9 LEDs   9 LEDs
              ↓
        [BOTTOM - 8 LEDs]
              ↓
         [BACK - 3 LEDs]

LED Group Codes

• M = Main (center, 9 LEDs)
• T = Top (7 LEDs)
• B = Bottom (8 LEDs)
• S = Sides (both left & right)
• L = Left only (9 LEDs)
• R = Right only (9 LEDs)
• K = Back (3 LEDs)
• A = All LEDs at once

Custom Effects

Basic Format

[Group][Effect][Color][Speed]

Example Commands

Simple Examples

• M185 = Main LEDs, Effect 1, White, Speed 5
• T200 = Top LEDs, Effect 2, Red, Speed 0 (slow)
• A199 = All LEDs, Effect 1, Pink, Speed 9 (fast)

Step by Step Example

Let’s make the top LEDs do a blue chase effect:

1. T = Top LEDs
2. 6 = Chase effect
3. 4 = Blue color
4. 7 = Fast speed

Command: T647

Available Colors:

Speed Settings

• 0 = Slowest
• 5 = Medium
• 9 = Fastest

Popular Effect Numbers

Main LEDs (M)

• 0 = Off
• 1 = Pulsing
• 2-5 = Spinning effects
• 9 = Strobe
• 12 = Rainbow

Top LEDs (T)

• 1 = Left to right
• 5 = Comet
• 11 = Knight Rider scanner

Sides (S/L/R)

• 1 = Pulse
• 5 = Strobe
• 7 = Fire effect

Tips & Tricks

1. Start Simple

Begin with sequences (Q0-Q20) before trying custom commands

2. Demo Mode

Type Q20 to see all effects automatically (15 seconds each)

3. Emergency Off

Type X or OFF to quickly turn everything off

4. Combine Effects

You can send multiple commands:

M185
T647
B209

This creates a custom combination!

5. Save Power

Lower speed numbers use less power and create calmer effects

Troubleshooting

LEDs won’t turn on?

1. Check USB connection
2. Try ON command
3. Check power supply
4. Try Q0 for default sequence

Commands not working?

1. Check baud rate is 9600
2. Press Enter after each command
3. Commands are CASE SENSITIVE (use capitals)
4. Try the ? command for help

LEDs flickering?

• Power supply might be too weak
• Try reducing brightness in the code
• Check all connections

Status LED

The small LED on the controller blinks every second to show the system is running. This is normal!

Have Fun!

Experiment with different combinations and find your favorite effects. The periscope is designed to be eye-catching and fun!

Remember:

• Q20 shows all effects in sequence
• Q7 is great for getting attention
• Q11 is perfect for calm ambiance
• OFF or X turns everything off

ESP32 Version:

The advantages are that WiFi and bluetooth are available as additional connection options.

Mimir created a sketch to make the periscope board compatible with the Uppity Spinner:
https://github.com/rimim/R2D2_Periscope_esp32

Programming the ESP32 Version:

You need an FTDI programmer.
Connect 5V and GND as usual.
Cross connect RX and TX (RX goes to TX and vice versa)

Start the upload in the Arduino IDE and wait till you see this in the output:
…..——…..—–…..—–

Then press and hold the flash button
Press the reset button briefly (reset is still pressed)
Release the reset button

The upload should now start.

EPS32 Pinout:

Arduino 328P Version:

Same functions (except wifi & bluetooth) like the newer Esp32 version.

Pinout corresponding to the sketch:

Pin 5 – Main Lights
Pin 10 – Right Side
Pin 3 – Left Side
Pin 2 – Bottom Leds
Pin 6 – Top Leds
Pin 9 – Rear Leds

Available at shop.printed-droid.com