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README.md
The CharlieBoard
An open-source LED display system for the MBTA that runs on Raspberry Pi Zero 2W with WS2812B LEDs. Features real-time transit data visualization, web control interface, and geographically accurate station mapping. PCBs for the Red, Orange, and Blue line are live! Green line in progress :)
Quick Start
Prerequisites:
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W with Debian Trixie 64-bit Lite
The setup script will prompt for your MBTA API key and various setting inputs. After completion, access the web interface at http://your-hostname.local:8000 on your local network. Settings can be changed from the web interface or from the command line using the charlieboard command. See the CLI reference for details.
Optional enhancement: Set up a reverse proxy to access the web interface at http://hostname.local without the port number. See the nginx reverse proxy setup guide.
Note: The sparse-checkout excludes the hardware/ directory (PCB design files) to speed up cloning. This setting persists across future git pull operations. If you need the hardware files, run: git sparse-checkout disable
Features
Real-time Transit Data: Live vehicle positions, occupancy, and speed data
Geographically Accurate: Stations are marked on a real map
Web Control Interface: Remote control from any device on your network
Customizable Display: Adjustable brightness, colors, and display hours
Reliable Operation: Automatic recovery, health monitoring, and maintenance
Hardware
| Component | Notes |
|-----------|-------|
| Raspberry Pi Zero 2W | Main controller |
| WS2812B LEDs | Custom PCB (~$120 for 5) or LED strips (~$20) |
| 5V 4A Power Supply | Powers Pi and LEDs |
| MicroSD Card (16GB+) | For OS and software |
| Display Enclosure | Picture frame or custom case |
Total Cost: $50–180 depending on LED choice
Complete PCB design files (Gerber + KiCad) are available in hardware/PCB Production/. See the Bill of Materials for detailed pricing and sourcing.
Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
Test on Raspberry Pi Zero 2W hardware
Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add amazing feature')
Push and open a Pull Request
Follow existing code style, update documentation for new features, and add comments for complex logic. Contributions to software are under the MIT License; contributions to hardware/ design files are under CERN-OHL-S, as described in License.
All data is provided "as is" without warranties. This project is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by MBTA, MassDOT, MassGIS, or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
