Open Source
What Is Open Source
Open source means publishing the source — code, schematics, specifications, designs — so anyone can read, learn from, modify, and build on it. Open source projects give you the right to use the work without asking permission, contribute improvements back to the community, and create your own products and tools on top of the existing foundation.
Open source doesn't mean no rules. Licenses define what you can and can't do. Some licenses are permissive (MIT, Apache) — do nearly anything, just give credit. Others are copyleft (GPL, CC BY-SA) — you can use and modify freely, but derivatives must stay open under the same terms.
Open hardware extends the same principles to physical designs: schematics, PCB layouts, BOMs, and 3D files published so anyone can study, build, and improve the hardware.
How Hyphi Is Open Source
Hyphi is committed to open hardware and open software where it matters most — the protocol and the app that runs it.
OWLS Protocol
The Open Wireless Lighting Standard is fully open. The specification — services, UUIDs, characteristic formats, mesh topology — is published here and free to implement on any hardware.
- Spec license: CC BY-SA 4.0
- Anyone can build a device that speaks OWLS
- Anyone can build an app that controls OWLS devices
- No license required, no royalties
OWLS Implementations (coming soon)
Reference libraries and firmware implementations of the OWLS protocol.
- License: MIT
- Use freely in open or commercial projects
Hyphi Hub
Hyphi Hub (the PWA companion app) is open source.
- Source: github.com/skyfly200/hyphi-hub
- License: MIT
- Fork it, extend it, build your own controller
Licenses
Hyphi uses different licenses depending on the type of asset.
Code & Firmware
All Hyphi-authored code and firmware is released under the MIT License — permissive, compatible with the broader Arduino and open hardware ecosystem.
Protocol Specifications
Protocol specs and documentation are released under CC BY-SA 4.0 — share and adapt freely with attribution, derivatives must stay open.
Hardware Design Files
Open hardware design files (schematics, PCB layouts, BOMs) are released under CC BY-SA 4.0 — you can use, modify, and sell derivatives with attribution, under the same license.
3D Models & Laser Cut Files
Hyphi product designs are available in two tracks:
- Branded files — proprietary, distributed through official Hyphi channels only. These include Hyphi trademarks and may not be redistributed or used commercially.
- Open files — unbranded community versions released under CC BY-SA 4.0, free to build, modify, and share. Trademarks and branding are removed.
Some files (particularly GlowForge laser cut files) are released under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 during early product development. These will be relicensed to CC BY-SA as the product line matures.
Product Images & Marketing Assets
Product photography and promotional renders are licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. You may share and adapt them with attribution for non-commercial purposes.
Reserved Trademarks
Hyphi Name & Logo
The Hyphi name and logo are reserved trademarks of Hyphi. You may not:
- Use the Hyphi name or logo to brand a competing product or service
- Imply official affiliation or endorsement by Hyphi without permission
- Redistribute the logo as your own
This does not restrict you from referring to Hyphi by name in documentation, articles, or compatibility claims (e.g. "works with Hyphi devices").
Summary
| Thing | License / Status |
|---|---|
| OWLS protocol spec | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
| OWLS reference implementations | MIT (coming soon) |
| Hyphi Hub source code | MIT |
| Hardware design files | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
| 3D models (open/unbranded) | CC BY-SA 4.0 |
| 3D models (branded) | Proprietary |
| GlowForge files (early access) | CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
| Product images & renders | CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
| Hyphi name | Reserved trademark |
| Hyphi logo | Reserved trademark |