A new live train tracker for the Washington Metro has been developed, featuring a framed map that uses a Raspberry Pi Pico W and the WMATA departure API to illuminate 144 LEDs in real-time. This project, created by a user named cadnights as a gift for their younger brother, allows viewers to monitor the location of every train from home.
The device's design incorporates a laser-cut matboard that serves as a mask for the LEDs, enhancing the visual appeal while providing live updates on train positions. Cadnights expressed excitement about the project, noting it was a fun coding challenge that utilized various skills and tools.
Although interested parties have inquired about accessing the project’s coding repository, cadnights indicated they plan to refine the code before sharing it publicly. This initiative highlights the potential for DIY projects using public transit APIs, demonstrating a significant overlap between the single-board computer community and train enthusiasts.