This project is a simple visual indicator shaped like the Bolidozor network logo. The blinker activates whenever a bolide is detected by one of the stations within the Bolidozor network.
The blinker provides a real-time visual cue for bolide detections, lighting up in sync with the network's events. It is designed for demonstrations and interactive exhibitions.
The blinker utilizes the rtbolidozor service, which distributes bolide detections in real-time over the internet. Stations across the Bolidozor network detect bolides and send a message when a bolide event is recorded. This message is transmitted to the blinker, which visualizes the event by lighting up.
There may be slight delays in data delivery. Experimentally, the typical delay has been observed to be around 0.5 seconds.
The device supports up to 10 Wi-Fi networks, which can be configured over a serial connection. Configuration is saved persistently after sending write command.
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
conf |
Enter configuration menu |
met |
Simulate a meteor event (manually flash) |
W<X>S=SSID |
Set SSID for network X (0–9) |
W<X>P=PASSWORD |
Set password for network X |
W<X>E=0/1 |
Enable (1) or disable (0) network X |
save |
Save configuration to internal storage |
show |
Print currently configured networks |
reboot |
Reboot the device (currently disabled) |
exit |
Exit configuration mode |
help |
Display help inside configuration mode |
- Connect the device to your computer via USB.
- Open a serial terminal software (see note bellow)
- Type the following command to enter configuration mode:
conf - Set the SSID, password, and enable the network (replace with your own values):
W0S=YourSSID W0P=YourPassword W0E=1 - Save the configuration:
save - View current settings (optional):
show - Exit configuration mode:
exit
You can configure multiple networks (W0–W9). The device will attempt to connect to any enabled network.
Terminal software: To configure the device correctly via the serial interface, it is important to use a terminal program that sends the entire command at once, rather than character-by-character. Recommended one is CuteCom or the Arduino Serial Monitor, which accepts line-based input.
Terminals that operate in Raw Mode, such as picocom, minicom, or other similar tools, are not suitable. These terminals send each character immediately as you type it, which can cause the device to misinterpret commands. If you prefer to use such a terminal anyway, you can still make it work by preparing your full command in advance and pasting it into the terminal (e.g., using Ctrl+V), so that it is transmitted as a single message.
WebSocket connection is made to:
ws://rtbolidozor.astro.cz/ws/
Each message received indicates a detected bolide and triggers a visual response.