Hi MagicMirror team,
I wanted to share with the community my MagicMirror project featuring a completely custom-built LEGO frame!
Hardware Setup:
Display: Vertical monitor
Computer: Initially Beelink (mini PC), now migrating to Dell OptiPlex D10U
System: Ubuntu (Server → Desktop)
PIR sensor for automatic screen on/off control via MQTT
Implemented Modules:
Clock & Calendar (with Italian custom calendar)
Weather (Italian weather with hourly and daily forecasts)
Compliments (motivational messages)
News Feed (Italian news)
Automatic screen control via PIR sensor and Node.js
Unique Feature:
The LEGO frame is completely customizable and modular. It includes:
LEGO minifigures on top
Colorful decorations on the sides with bricks from various collections
Decorative elements (stars, clouds, stickers)
Design that perfectly integrates into the home environment
Technical Challenges Solved:
MQTT integration for PIR control
Italian weather modules configuration
Optimization for vertical display
Power management and automatic screen shutdown
The project became not only functional but also a decorative element appreciated by the whole family. The LEGO frame makes the MagicMirror less “techy” and more accessible, especially for children.
[image: 1763043465078-lego-frame.jpeg] 
Thanks for this amazing open source project!
Michele!!
@madscientist said in Powering my monitor:
@flavito five nights at freddy’s You posted the model type of the LCD panel. So I assume you don’t have a complete monitor but just the naked panel. Hence your question about connecting it to the pi.
What you need is a LCD controller board. I wrote a lot about those in this forum already and I don’t want to repeat myself all the time. So have a look here and here. Maybe use the forum search. You should find all the information you need.
What I can tell you is that your panel is 21.5 inch, FullHD (1920x1080) and it has a 30-pin 2-Channel, 8-bit interface.
You’ll find solutions as cheap as 3-4€ with a bit of hands-on work, 10€ for plug’n’play but a relay is needed if you want to use a PIR-sensor, or 30€ for a board with the needed firmware pre-installed. They all have pros (e.g. price) and cons (custom wiring).
Read a bit and if you have further questions you just ask again. Usually I look at the forum daily or at least every two days.
Disclaimer: I am with no means an expert here. I just went through the same research when I build my mirror.
i got it, thank you for the explanation.
If you just care about turning the TV on and off you could use a relay that triggers the power button of the TV. @cruunnerr made a guide for PIR and relay setup.
Hello @nicolkoekoek,
I just finished the software part of my first mirror and ordered this glass from Switzerland a few days ago:
https://www.brigla-shop.de/mm-genau/mirropane-chrome-spy-4-mm/smart-mirror-spiegel-288
30€ for a 32x51cm mirror and 21€ for the delivery…
This link was useful to compare and choose between the 4 different “Spionsspiegeln”:
https://glancr.de/smart-mirror-selbst-bauen/test-spionspiegel-fuer-smart-mirrors/
Kind regards,
M
@madscientist I am also looking for the same type of mirror size and if you guys find a good list/suggestion I am open to look at it. I live in Italy by the way.
Edit: I just saw that the send only in Germany and around it. No Italy.
@frank_pi When the Mirrors are shipped, i have Mirropane Chrome Spy 4mm (0,74m * 0,65m).
The mirror has a godd transparency but looks a bit like copper, not silver.
@sdetweil said in Capacitive Proximity Sensors:
@davidward no, its the disruptive wave of their presence as compared the space without them… logically same as the magnetic wave detection…
wasn’t there before, now it is
I got it. I was reading here https://www.derf.com/an-overview-on-proximity-sensors/ and question pop ups. Dust can be a bigger challenge to maintain sensors. How they can be protected? Does companies use any specific coating or something?
Hi jackyjoy123,
have a look to Xiaomi temperature and humidity-sensors (https://xiaomi-mi.com/sockets-and-sensors/xiaomi-mi-temperature-humidity-sensor/). There is a MMM-module (https://github.com/mirko3000/MMM-xiaomi). Works fine.
Regards Michael
I’m ready to start building. I’ve disassembled my monitor. The power button is a blister type. I plan to glue the entire strip of buttons on the back of the LCD and use a sharpie to mark what they are.
I plan to run the power cord for the monitor and the pi into a 3 into 1 adapter and then run an extension cord from the adapter to the outlet. Does that sound like a reasonable plan?
On the PIR sensors, I’ve got one in my Amazon cart, I’d like to get the pre-made wire harnesses for it, but it seems like the smallest number I can purchase is 120. I only need a few, in the event I make a mistake. Any suggestions/
CheapDad
@carbonatedbeans , Hi, I bought reflective film and glued it to normal glass. The quality is very bad. I threw away the film and bought the two-way mirror.
Hi…Some more up to date Samsung LED-LCDs and LCDs with 240Hz processor have separate tests for FRC (movement upconverter/T-con) and principle board from administration menu, yet no entrance if TV will not catalyst and menus aren’t usable.
@sdetweil said in Research for Basic Magic Mirror:
@ruff-hi said in Research for Basic Magic Mirror:
can I put an animated background / wall paper on my magic mirror?
maybe, but rememeber all that animation takes cpu power… nothing is free…
Fair point. I can see my magic mirror having some dark space (side or bottom) and I want to see if I can set it up so that you can’t tell where the screen starts and ends. something like an aquarium with the rocks at the bottom being part of the static (non-screen) area and the fish being on / in the actual screen area.
@cheapdad i use a webcam, for motion and mic,
u will need something for motion, PIR, ultrasonic sensor, or camera
and something for microphone…
note that the Alexa module doesn’t give any control of the mirror
GA does, with Assistant2Display installed.
@cowboysdude the thing is I already have a large hallway mirror someone gave me, so I thought I could add a couple of monitors behind it and make a nice magic mirror.
@lpassamonte not sure if you’re even still here or trying this but I just joined so gonna necro the thread.
Probably better for you to post rpi specific questions in the raspberry pi forums, and a quick google search found this thread that might solve your issue: https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5107
Basically they had to edit the config file and enable a couple of HDMI boot options. Good luck!
