# 41: Pink Universes Die Really Quickly

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2014-03-05
- Length: 56m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-05-41-pink-universes-die-really-quickly
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/mes-ep41mp3

## Summary

Micah Elizabeth Scott, creator of Fadecandy, explains how temporal dithering and frame interpolation overcome the limited 8-bit PWM of WS2812 (Adafruit Neopixel) LEDs to achieve high dynamic range and smooth color transitions. She details the open-source hardware and firmware stack, centered on an ARM Cortex-M4, which allows artists to use Processing or Python to drive complex LED sculptures like the 'Triangle' tessellation. Scott discusses her transition from a career at Siftio to focusing on art and community building, using Fadecandy to lower the barrier to entry for LED art. The conversation covers material choices for diffusion, such as HDPE and acrylic, and the importance of creating accessible tools for creative expression.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-05-41-pink-universes-die-really-quickly#t=6) Introduction: Micah Elizabeth Scott and Fadecandy
- [2:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-05-41-pink-universes-die-really-quickly#t=172) The Problem with 8-bit PWM and LED Perception
- [11:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-05-41-pink-universes-die-really-quickly#t=682) Temporal Dithering and Frame Interpolation Algorithms
- [16:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-05-41-pink-universes-die-really-quickly#t=986) Fadecandy Hardware: K20 Processor and Open Source Design
- [18:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-05-41-pink-universes-die-really-quickly#t=1081) The Triangle Sculpture and Particle System Art
- [31:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-05-41-pink-universes-die-really-quickly#t=1908) Material Science: HDPE, Acrylic, and Diffusion Techniques
- [37:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-05-41-pink-universes-die-really-quickly#t=2253) Software Stack: Processing, TCP Sockets, and Open Pixel Control
- [40:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-03-05-41-pink-universes-die-really-quickly#t=2456) Career Transition from Siftio to Art and Community

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Fadecandy (product)
- WS2812 (chip)
- Adafruit (company)
- Neopixel (product)
- Kinetis K20 (chip)
- Processing (tool)
- Siftio (company)
- Burning Man (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [LEDs Everywhere with Tim from Mitxela](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-07-08-leds-everywhere-with-tim-from-mitxela) (The Amp Hour)
- [The Spark Gap - Episode 39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-08-12-the-spark-gap-episode-39) (The Spark Gap)
- [Ep 377: Parallel Pixels, Wiggly Consoles, and Seven Segments](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 366: DOOM on a Toaster, Music in LED Strips, and Old Drives in New Clothes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-04-17-ep-366-doom-on-a-toaster-music-in-led-strips-and-old-drives-in-new-clothes) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep035: LED Cubes Taking Over, Ada Vanquishes C Bugs, Rad Monitoring is Hot, 3D Printing Goes Full 3D](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-09-12-ep035-led-cubes-taking-over-ada-vanquishes-c-bugs-rad-monitoring-is-hot-3d-print) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

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