While there are plenty of animated gif players, none of them allow you to control the animated gifs like a slide show. This guide will show you how to build 2 different Animated Gif Players that allow you to control the speed and direction with a rotary encoder based on the hardware you have available. Build one yourself and join the Rotary Gif club!

In the first one, the Mini PiTFT Player, is an Animated Gif Player that is similar to the Gif Player in the PiTFT Python + Pillow Animated Gif Player guide and is in fact based on the animated Gif player from that guide. However, the code has been modified to be controlled by a rotary encode that can be connected easily by STEMMA QT.

In the second player, the PyGame Player, is a similar player that uses the Official Raspberry Pi 7" Display and a Rotary Trinkey. This version uses PyGame to create a full-sized window on a desktop version of Raspberry Pi.

Parts

You'll need the following parts for both. Any of the Raspberry Pi 4 models should work fine.

Angled shot of Raspberry Pi 4
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the newest Raspberry Pi computer made, and the Pi Foundation knows you can always make a good thing better! And what could make the Pi 4 better...
Out of Stock
Rotary Encoder with rubbery knob
This rotary encoder is the best of the best, it's a high-quality 24-pulse encoder, with detents and a nice feel. It is panel mountable for placement in a box, or you can plug it...
$4.50
In Stock

Mini PiTFT Player Parts

Video of Adafruit Mini PiTFT 1.3" - 240x240 TFT Add-on on a Raspberry Pi 4. The TFT displays a bootup sequence.
If you're looking for the most compact li'l color display for a Raspberry Pi (most likely a
$14.95
In Stock
Top view video of a hand turning the rotary encoder knobs on three PCBs. The NeoPixel LEDs on each PCB change color. The OLED display changes its readout data with each twisty-turn.
Rotary encoders are soooo much fun! Twist em this way, then twist them that way. Unlike potentiometers, they go all the way around and often have little detents for tactile feedback....
Out of Stock
Angled shot of STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable.
This 4-wire cable is a little over 100mm / 4" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of...
Out of Stock

PyGame Player Parts

Video of a woman turning the rotary  on Rotary Trinkey. The LED changes rainbow colors.
It's half USB Key, half Adafruit Trinket, half rotary encoder...it's Rotary Trinkey, the circuit board with a Trinket M0 heart, a NeoPixel glow, and a...
$6.95
In Stock

These parts are more optional since it could be run on an external monitor, but it tidies up everything.

Top down view of a finger touching the screen of a Pi Foundation Display - 7" Touchscreen Display for Raspberry Pi.
The 7” Touchscreen Display for Raspberry Pi gives users the ability to create all-in-one, integrated projects such as tablets, infotainment systems and embedded...
$79.95
In Stock
Angled shot of assembled SmartPi Touch Pro. The touchscreen displays a wallpaper of a European cityscape at sunrise.
Here is an updated, excellently designed stand that provides a sleek and sturdy look for the 7" Touchscreen...
$34.95
In Stock

Because the Smarti Pi display orients the Trinkey with the knob in the rear, you may want to also pick up a short USB extension cable.

1 x USB Extension Cable
6-inch USB 3.0 Extension Cable

This guide was first published on Sep 28, 2021. It was last updated on Mar 19, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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