Show HN: Ledonardo, my light painting hardware project (stavros.io)

Article summary

The author created a light painting hardware project called Ledonardo, which uses a strip of individually-addressable LEDs to display images in mid-air. The project combines photography and electronics, and the author shares their development process, including initial failures and eventual successes. The final result is a device that can create impressive light paintings, but the author notes that abstract patterns and colors make for more interesting photographs than photorealistic images. The project's code and details are shared, and the author is open to feedback and suggestions.

Main themes

• light painting
• electronics
• photography
• DIY projects
• LED technology
• image display

What commenters say

• The project is not entirely original, as similar ideas have been implemented before, but it is still a notable achievement.
• The use of a steady-cam type rig could help minimize wobble and improve image quality.
• Adding depth support to the project could allow for more complex and interesting images.
• The project's focus on photorealistic images may not be the most effective use of the technology, as abstract patterns and colors can be more visually striking.
• The author's approach to the project, including their problem-solving and debugging process, is a key aspect of the story.
• The project has the potential to be developed into a more sophisticated tool, such as a phone light brush app, but this would require addressing challenges like latency and user-friendliness.
• The value of the project lies not in its originality, but in the enjoyment and learning that come from creating something, regardless of whether others have done it before.
• The project's use of LED technology and image display could be applied to other areas, such as light painting with WiFi signal strength or long exposure drone imagery.