Parallel (thing) changes

[dherkes]

I have compiled and uploaded the newly updated parallel sketch. I really like the changes made so far, but I have a question. Where do I go about defining the NUM_LEDS variable? I have six strings of 50 LEDS. Thank you for all the hard work and intelligent design

[jasoncoon]

I'm still learning the new config layout as well, but I think this is where you'd change NUM_LEDS for what was previously the parallel branch: https://github.com/jasoncoon/esp8266-fastled-webserver/blob/main/esp8266-fastled-webserver/include/configs/product/esp8266_thing.h#L35

Lower in that same file you'll also find PARALLEL_OUTPUT_CHANNELS, PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_X, and DATA_PIN_X.

If you're using Arduino, you'll also need to comment out #define PRODUCT_DEFAULT, and uncomment #define PRODUCT_ESP8266_THING.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend trying out the new PlatformIO support that @henrygab has worked so hard on adding: #207 (comment)

It really is so much easier and better. I now regret not trying it sooner. 😆

[dherkes]

Thanks, Jason. I worked it out. I will move to the PlatformIO asap. I have outgrown the Arduino (but used it for 12 years!) I can't wait to try my hand at a parallel ESP32 construct.

[henrygab]

Your post made me realize I had not added esp_thing as a build environemt in PlatformIO.ini. I'm fixing that now. :) The instructions below should work even with current platformio.ini in main branch.

Expand either instruction below for details.

---

In Arduino

In the Arduino environment, you simply edit config.h as follows:

esp8266-fastled-webserver/esp8266-fastled-webserver/config.h

Lines 27 to 28 in b1dd8e9

	#if !defined(BUILDING_USING_PLATFORMIO)
	#define PRODUCT_DEFAULT

You would replace line 28 with the following contents:

    #define PRODUCT_ESP8266_THING
    #define NUM_PIXELS 72
    #define PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_1 5
    #define PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_2 7
    #define PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_3 11
    #define PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_4 13
    #define PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_5 17
    #define PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_6 19

---

In PlatformIO

PlatformIO allows you to add build environments via the file platformio_override.ini. Just create it in the root of the depot, with the following contents:

[env:custom_esp_thing_older]
platform = ${common.platform_default}
platform_packages = ${common.platform_packages}
lib_deps = ${esp8266.lib_deps}
board = d1_mini
board_build.ldscript = ${common.ldscript_4m1m}
build_unflags = ${common.build_unflags}
build_flags =
	${common.build_flags_esp8266}
	-D PRODUCT_ESP8266_THING
	-D NUM_PIXELS=72
	-D PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_1=5
	-D PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_2=7
	-D PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_3=11
	-D PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_4=13
	-D PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_5=17
	-D PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_6=19

Then, manually refresh the PlatformIO project list:

That's all. Your custom build environment will appear, and expanding it will give you the same options to build / upload file system / etc.

---

[dherkes]

Thank you so much.

[henrygab]

[update] Not critical, but because the default is six strings of 50 pixels, for your particular situation, you don't even have to define NUM_PIXELS or any of the PIXELS_ON_DATA_PIN_x.