EliteLedPlugin

A Covas:Next plugin to control Tuya-compatible LED strips based on Elite Dangerous game events.

Installation

1. Copy the entire plugin folder to the %APPDATA%/com.covas-next.ui/plugins/ directory of Covas:Next.
2. Ensure the deps/ folder contains tinytuya if not installed globally. You can install them using command, inside the plugin folder:

pip install -r requirements.txt --target=./deps --upgrade

3. Restart Covas:Next and enable the plugin via the Plugins UI.

Usage

Configure your Tuya device in the plugin settings UI:

• Device ID

• Device IP

• Local Key

• Device Version (usually 3.3)

• Manual LED Control

  • Use the Set LED Color action in Covas:Next to change the LED color or dynamic scene.

• Automatic Event Mapping

  • Colors and dynamic scenes are configurable per-event in the plugin settings UI:
    • Open the plugin settings (Elite LED Controller) in Covas:Next.
    • Under "Event LED Colors" choose the color or scene for each game event from the dropdowns (e.g. StartJump, DockingGranted, UnderAttack, FuelScoopStart, FuelScoopEnd, Docked, Undocked, etc.).
    • You can also select a speed for dynamic scenes where applicable.
  • Once configured, the plugin will apply the selected color/scene automatically when the corresponding Elite Dangerous event occurs.
  • If you prefer manual control, use the "Set LED Color" action to apply a color/scene immediately.

Notes

• Ensure your LED strip is on the same local network as your PC running Covas:Next.
• The plugin uses tinytuya to communicate directly with the LED device.
• Device Version is usually 3.3; only change if your device requires a different version.

Troubleshooting

• If the LED does not respond:

  1. Check IP address and Device ID.
  2. Ensure the local key is correct.
  3. Verify that no firewall blocks the connection.
  4. Use the test script provided in the plugin folder (test tinytuya.py) to verify connectivity.

• Standalone Device Test

You can test your Tuya LED device directly using the script test tinytuya.py:

python "test tinytuya.py"

The script will prompt for Device ID, IP, Local Key, and Device Version (default 3.3). It will:

• Connect to the device
• Test ON/OFF
• Set the color to RED (if supported)

You can press Enter to use the default values shown in the prompts.

Development

This plugin follows the COVAS:Next Plugin Template.

How to obtain Device ID, IP, and Local Key

1. Tuya Device ID & IP

   • Use a mobile app such as Tuya Smart or Smart Life.
   • Your router may also show connected devices; find the IP of the LED strip.
   • Device ID can sometimes be retrieved from the app’s device info or via packet capture (advanced).

2. Local Key

   • This is required to control the device locally.
   • Method 1: Tuya IoT Platform
     • Register an account at Tuya IoT Platform.
     • Add your device to a project.
     • Retrieve the Local Key from the device details. (check this howto: https://community.home-assistant.io/t/get-local-key-tuya-since-june-2022/436399)
   • Method 2: Use tuya-cli or packet sniffing (for advanced users)
     • Tools like tuya-cli allow you to extract the local key by capturing device setup traffic.
     • See tinytuya documentation for details.

3. Once all values are obtained, enter them in the plugin settings UI in Covas:Next.

License

MIT License

Changelog

v4.0.0 - Pydantic Ocelot

Release name: Pydantic Ocelot

Release link for 4.0.0:

https://github.com/TheDeviceNull/EliteLedPlugin/releases/tag/v.4.0.0

v3.3.0 - Signal Nexus

Release name: Signal Nexus

Release link for v3.3.0:

https://github.com/TheDeviceNull/EliteLedPlugin/releases/tag/v.3.3.0

v2.0.1 — Event Reactor

Release name: Event Reactor

Release link for v2.0.1:

https://github.com/TheDeviceNull/EliteLedPlugin/releases/tag/v.2.0.1