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Version: 2.5

Cloud API Setup

By default, FiestaBoard communicates with your board over the local network (Local API). If your board isn't on the same network as your server, or you want remote access, you can use the Cloud API instead.

When to Use Cloud API​

  • Your FiestaBoard server is not on the same network as your board
  • You want to control your board remotely (e.g., from a cloud server)
  • Local API is unavailable for your board model

Local vs. Cloud API Comparison​

FeatureLocal APICloud API
Network requirementSame networkInternet only
Transition animationsSupportedNot available
Custom animation speedSupportedNot available
Read current board stateSupportedNot available
Rate limitingNone1 message per 15 seconds
LatencyLow (~ms)Higher (~100ms+)

Setup​

Step 1: Get Your Cloud API Key​

  1. Go to web.vestaboard.com
  2. Log in to your account
  3. Navigate to the API section
  4. Enable the Read/Write API
  5. Copy the key

Step 2: Configure FiestaBoard​

Via the Web UI (Recommended):

  1. Open http://localhost:4420
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Change the API mode to Cloud API
  4. Paste your Read/Write API key (settings save automatically)

Via .env (alternative):

BOARD_API_MODE=cloud
BOARD_READ_WRITE_KEY=your_cloud_api_key_here

Step 3: Restart FiestaBoard​

docker-compose restart
Settings page with board API key and IP address inputs

Rate Limiting​

The Cloud API has a rate limit of 1 message per 15 seconds. If you see rate limit errors, increase your refresh interval:

  • Via Web UI: Go to Settings and increase the refresh interval to 30 seconds or higher
  • Via .env: Set REFRESH_INTERVAL_SECONDS=30 (or higher)

Troubleshooting​

401 Unauthorized​

  • Double-check your Read/Write API key in Settings
  • Make sure the key is still active at web.vestaboard.com
  • Verify there are no extra spaces or line breaks in the key

Rate Limit Errors​

  • Increase the refresh interval to 30 seconds or higher
  • Avoid manually refreshing while automatic updates are running

Board Not Updating​

  1. Verify Cloud is selected as the API mode in Settings
  2. Check that your API key is valid
  3. Check the logs: docker-compose logs -f fiestaboard

Next Steps​