LaunchpadLEDs

A modular Python toolkit for controlling a Novation Launchpad MK2 via MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) messages.
Includes an interactive shell, lighting/text/effect scripts, and a REST API for remote or programmatic control.

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Features

• Interactive Shell: Live control of lights, text, effects, and modes (sysex_shell.py).
• Lighting Effects: Set solid colors, pulse, flash, and clear pads.
• Text Display: Scroll custom text across the Launchpad.
• Tempo Control: Send MIDI clock messages to adjust effect tempo.
• Raw SysEx: Send custom SysEx messages for advanced use.
• Mode Switching: Emulate Ableton-style mode switching with visual feedback.
• Input Listener: Monitor and display incoming MIDI messages.
• REST API: Control the Launchpad remotely via HTTP (api/api.py).

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Requirements

• Python 3.7+
• python-rtmidi
• FastAPI (for API)
• Uvicorn (for API server)

Install dependencies:

pip install python-rtmidi fastapi uvicorn

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Usage

1. Interactive Shell

Start the shell:

python sysex_shell.py

Type help for a list of commands.

2. Example Scripts

• Lighting pads:

  python misc/lights.py

• Lighting with BPM/tempo:

  python misc/lights_bpm.py

• Scrolling text:

  python misc/text.py

3. REST API

Start the API server (from the project root):

uvicorn api.api:app --reload

Example: Send a Command via HTTP

curl -X POST "http://127.0.0.1:8000/command" -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d "{\"command\": \"solid\", \"args\": [63,0,63]}"

List available commands:

curl http://127.0.0.1:8000/commands

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SysEx Reference

The Launchpad MK2 uses SysEx messages with the following header:

0xF0, 0x00, 0x20, 0x29, 0x02, 0x18,  # Header
# ...message...
0xF7  # End of SysEx

Common lighting commands:

0x0A, LED, Colour             # Palette color (0-127)
0x0B, LED, R, G, B            # RGB color (0-63 each)
0x0E, Colour                  # All LEDs
0x23, 0, LED, Colour          # Flash effect
0x28, 0, LED, Colour          # Pulse effect
0x14, Colour, Loop, Speed, ...Text...  # Scroll text

See Novation Launchpad MK2 Programmer's Reference for more.

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Example Shell Commands

• solid 63 0 63 — Set all pads to magenta (RGB)
• solid 5 — Set all pads to palette color 5
• pulse 10 — Pulse all pads with palette color 10
• flash 20 — Flash all pads with palette color 20
• text 15 3 Hello! — Scroll "Hello!" in color 15 at speed 3
• clear — Turn off all pads
• mode user1 — Switch to User 1 mode
• tempo 120 — Send MIDI clock at 120 BPM

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API Endpoints

• POST /command — Execute a shell command.
  Body:

  {
    "command": "solid",
    "args": [63, 0, 63]
  }

• GET /commands — List all available commands.

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Screenshots

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License

This project is provided as-is for hobby and educational use.

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Credits

• Novation Launchpad MK2 Programmer's Reference Manual
• Inspired by the Ableton workflow and Launchpad community.

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