@dan-tron, you can get the Python pixelblaze library by typing
pip install pixelblaze-client
on a command line from which you can use Python. It’s really handy for testing and debugging. More information in this thread.
One thing to be aware of while automating: right now changing the segment state doesn’t trigger a fade. Only level changes do.
So if you want smooth on/off switching, the best way to implement that is to have the controller store the current level and fade to 0 for off, and fade back up to the stored level for on. The controller is generally an easier place to store persistent information anyway.
I’ll change this in a future version. It’s a consequence of architecture - the array you send via websockets is not commands, it’s actually the internal state of the pattern, which gets applied pretty much instantly. The state/switch element is right now, an absolute render/don’t render switch.