The Problem
I have been exploring the use of Hive media servers for a single venue with a diverse mix of immersive video canva and LED tape installations. I found myself asking if it was better to separate the system design solutions or was it possible to create complex LED mapping configurations at speed and so make the Hive viable as a one box solution in the unique system design requirements of each area. I wanted to use an old LED mapping process learned from my days working in TV and export LED positions from Blender using planes arrayed along splines, then calculate Art-Net universe and channel assignments from the OBJ export, convert 3D coordinates into normalised 2D mapping space, and then export JSON configurations which would work when loaded into the Hive media server. Each manual iteration alternative meant switching between 3D modelling software, spreadsheets for address calculations, text editors for JSON generation, and the Hive media server itself just to verify a single change. When considering an installations that would scale to 1000’s of individually addressed RGB LEDs across multiple physical arrays and numerous Hive clusters, it was time to think about how I could streamline this with some software development.
My Solution
The ‘Unofficial Hive LED Mapping Generator’ is a Python-based desktop application that streamlines the entire LED mapping pipeline. Load 1 or multiple 3D OBJ files exported from a 3D modelling software project containing the spline arrayed planes, and the tool automatically extracts LED positions, projects them into normalised 2D space, configures Art-Net addressing with universe rollover, and generates Hive-compatible JSON mapping files. The embedded visualiser provides real-time preview of the mapping with test patterns, allowing immediate verification before deploying to hardware.
Key Features
OBJ to JSON Pipeline: Parses 3D models and generates production ready Hive pixel mapping files with proper coordinate normalisation and Art-Net configuration.
Intelligent Addressing: Automatic Art-Net universe/channel assignment with configurable start addresses and live end-address calculation showing universe rollover.
Embedded Visualiser: Real-time 2D preview of LED positions with test patterns (Rainbow Chase, Array Isolation, Sequence Test, Colour Wheel, Sparkle) running at 30+ FPS.
Transform Tools: Rotate, flip, scale, and position LED arrays with live visual feedback and multi-layer support for complex installations.
Live Verification: Art-Net listener mode receives DMX data from Hive media server, displaying actual output colours to verify addressing before going on-site.
It’s currently in active development, with ongoing refinements as testing progresses.
Best,
Simon Graham
