The public API that served the JSON data used by this guide is no longer active. It's an open source server project (Github linked below) that could be hosted elsewhere theoretically. But we are unaware of any active instances of the API server. This project will not work without an active server for the data. There is an update in the works to modify this project to pull JSON data directly from NASA. Check back soon if you're interested in the project.

Use your MagTag to show the current status of the James Webb telescope. NASA publishes this information to this official status page.

This GitHub project provides a server application that can parse the status page and return the current data as JSON data. We will fetch the data updates from this server so that it's in an easy format for CircuitPython to consume.

This project will fetch the data and display it on the E-Ink screen using displayio Labels then put the MagTag into deep sleep mode to conserve the battery. It will awaken to refresh the data once per hour, or once per day. Use the reset button any time to immediately refresh it.

Parts

Angled shot of Adafruit MagTag development board with ESP32-S2 and E-Ink display.
The Adafruit MagTag combines the new ESP32-S2 wireless module and a 2.9" grayscale E-Ink display to make a low-power IoT display that can show data on its screen even when power...
Out of Stock
MagTag dev board with enclosure pieces, four magnet feet, and lipoly battery
The Adafruit MagTag combines the new ESP32-S2 wireless module and a 2.9" grayscale E-Ink display to make a low-power IoT display that can show data on its screen...
Out of Stock
Acrylic + Hardware Kit for Adafruit MagTag showing contents
Here is the perfect kit with two faceplate options for your MagTag, including a vivid Red Arrow plate and a dreamy white Cloud plate. And of course, the mounting hardware is included,...
$5.95
In Stock
Angled shot of four magnet feet.
Got a glorious RGB Matrix project you want to mount and display in your workspace or home? If you have one of the matrix panels listed below, you'll need a pack of these...
$2.50
In Stock
Angled shot of a Lithium Ion Polymer Battery 3.7V 500mAh with JST-PH connector.
Lithium-ion polymer (also known as 'lipo' or 'lipoly') batteries are thin, light, and powerful. The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This...
Out of Stock
Angled shot of coiled pink and purple USB cable with USB A and USB C connectors.
This cable is not only super-fashionable, with a woven pink and purple Blinka-like pattern, it's also made for USB C for our modernized breakout boards, Feathers, and...
$2.95
In Stock

This guide was first published on Jan 12, 2022. It was last updated on Dec 08, 2023.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Jan 10, 2022.

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