Firmware¶
The Lightnet firmware lives in one source tree and compiles into two binaries: one for the ESP-class controller and one for the ATmega-class panels. Pick the section that matches what you're trying to do.
First-time builders, start at the hub
If you haven't flashed Lightnet before, work through the Get Started guide first — it sequences the hardware build, toolchain install, and first flash. The pages below are the deep reference you'll come back to after that.
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Overview
Architecture in one page — controller vs panel, discovery, animation system, external interfaces.
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Build & flash
PlatformIO environments, panel fuses, and the
piocommands you need day-to-day. -
Hardware
Pin assignments for ESP8266 / ESP32 controllers and for ATmega panels; topology rules and fuses.
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Architecture
Library structure, the internal I²C protocol, the animation framework, discovery, and controller boot.
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API Reference
External HTTP and WebSocket APIs — every endpoint, the binary packet format, and the CRC.
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Animations & Scenes
Palettes, groups, scenes, layers, animation types, color references, JSON schema, worked examples.
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OTA & Updates
Panel updates via the twiboot bootloader; serial firmware upload; controller self-update.
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Troubleshooting
Debug macros, common user-facing symptoms, and how to inspect panel state over WebSocket.
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Testing
Native host-side unit tests, what's testable without a device, and how to add a new suite.