MakePro Stix - LED stick for home and professional use

MakePro Stix

MakePro Stix is a modular, 3D-printable LED tube system designed by the MakePro for event lighting, video production, home decor, and more. Each “stick” consists of two parts—a base housing with the control electronics and a detachable LED tube—that snap together via a custom twist-and-lock magnetic connector. It’s fully open-source: you download the STL models, source affordable off-the-shelf hardware, print the parts, assemble, flash the firmware, and you’re ready to light up your next project!

Key Features

Modular & Transportable

Push-and-twist magnetic latch ensures the tube only fits in the correct orientation—just insert, twist, and it snaps securely in place. For transport, tubes and bases separate cleanly, saving space.

Swap tubes of differing lengths on the same base for flexible setups.

Dual Power Options

Powered either by USB-C PD (12 V via Power Delivery) or a standard 12 V DC barrel jack. A simple slide switch on the base selects the source.

Onboard battery support packs for truly wireless operation - IN DEVELOPMENT!

Smart Control & Effects

Runs on an ESP32 or ESP8266 board loaded with the open-source WLED firmware, enabling Wi-Fi control via smartphone, desktop app, Home Assistant, MQTT, or DMX (sACN/Art-Net).

Full suite of color, brightness, and effect controls: presets, animations, and custom sequences.

High Brightness & Robustness

Uses two 12V WS2811 LED strips inside an aluminum extrusion with a snap-in diffuser for uniform light. At maximum load and 2 meters lenght tube draws about 38 W.

You can use only one strip with less power!

Electronics and magnet contacts printed in heat-resistant ASA; covers printed in PLA; tube cape near the LEDs in PETG for thermal tolerance.

Assembly manual

Watch our YouTube video with full assembly! 

1) Heat-Insert Threaded Inserts

Using a soldering iron (or insert tool) and pliers, embed eight M3 inserts into the base up-from, inserting edge-first. Allow inserts to cool fully before moving on.

2) Populate the Base

Slide the Laskakit ESP32-C3 module into its printed holder and secure with an M3 screw.

Mount the USB-C PD board and DC jack into their slots.

Wire plus/ground/data cables to spring-loaded magnet contacts, taking care to match polarity.

Wire all cables as in the picture below. (connector on ESP is optional).

Screw on the base cover with M3 screws; ensure no cables are pinched.

3) Flash & Configure WLED Firmware

Connect the Laskakit board to your computer and open the web-based WLED installer. Select “plain” build, choose version 0.15.0, pick the “USB G-TEC” port, and click Install  .

Restart the board, then use “Connect to Wi-Fi” to join your network. In WLED’s UI:

Set a unique hostname (e.g. STIX10)

Configure LED preferences: LED count (e.g., 40 segments), type (WS2811), disable brightness limiter for 12 V strips (because of external power supply use).

For use with DMX: Under Sync Interfaces, choose Art-Net (or sACN), set universe and DMX start address as needed. 

4) Prepare & Insert LED Strips

Cut and solder 12V WS2811 strips to length (one or two per tube). Carefully solder power/data connectors; test on a bench supply to verify correct polarity and signal integrity. 

Attach cables to bolts with screws.

You need to make small modification for tube and profile.

5) Attach End Caps

Press printed end caps onto end of the aluminum profile to seal and protect the LEDs.

6) Final Assembly & Use

Align the tube with the base’s holder, insert fully, and twist to lock. Connect a 12V PD-capable USB-C adapter or DC supply, then control via WLED’s app, Home Assistant, or DMX console.

3D printed parts

Printing Recommendations:

• No support needed
• All printed in 0,2mm layer hight, 20% infiil and 2 perimeters
• Drill out M3 mounting holes with a 3 mm bit post-print for removing one layer support

Materials

• Base + base cover - printed in PLA (could be printed in better material for outdoor)
• Stick base and insert - printed in ASA for durability
• Profile end cap - printed in PETG for heat durability

Bill of marterials