Guides

Plain-language help. If you've never used a terminal, that's fine: you won't need one.

Set up a new box

You need: a Raspberry Pi 5, a memory card, your projector, and a Windows PC, Mac or Chromebook to prepare the card.

Get Raspberry Pi Imager (free).
Download the GlowStage card image from the downloads page (opening soon for testers).
In Imager: Choose OS → Use custom, pick the file, choose the memory card, then Write.
Put the card in the Pi, connect the projector (HDMI) and plug in the power.
After about 2 minutes, the projector shows Scan to set up. Point your phone camera at the code and follow the steps.

No screen on your box? A box with no screen can't show its setup Wi-Fi password, so you make a setup file on the download page first and copy it onto the memory card (the drive called bootfs).

Make your first show

Tap Make a show.
Point your camera at the whole house and hold still for about a minute. Answer Does the blue area match your house?
Pick a look, then Make my show.
Tap Play now, or choose Tonight, Every evening or Weekends.

"Not secure" warning on your phone

The first time, your phone may warn about the address. That's expected: your box makes its own security certificate.

iPhone (Safari): tap Show Details, then visit this website.
Android (Chrome): tap Advanced, then Proceed.

Updates

Boxes update themselves. To check now: ☰ Menu → Settings → Updates & backups → Check online for updates.

Flashing lights

If anyone watching is sensitive to flashing, turn on ☰ → Reduce flashing.