IKEA GETKÅL Switchbox

IKEA sells the GETKÅL LED lights now for some time. I recognized that it was not possible to light up all colors at the same time with the microchip's data signal IKEA provides through the handheld controller.

...but, you can just bridge the plus voltage (VCC) and "erase" the data, which is transmitted over the 2-cable-signal-interface. In case I would like to use the provided effects, I wanted this to be reversable, so I printed a little box for it which could house a tiny switch.

When switched ON it erases the data signal. Important: The switch has to be ON before you provide power to the LEDs. You can switch it OFF at any time and it immediately falls back to the standard way of coloring the LEDs through the provided handheld controller.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• try to print in high precision mode

• you will need to do some work with the cutter knife afterwards

• it's not perfect but it works with some work

• you need a metal switch to screw in

• you need to solder both PLUS voltage lines to the switch

VERSION UPDATES:

Version 2 fixes some annoyances and it is now usable as a standard switch box. So whenever you need to add some toggle switch to a low voltage (0-24V) power line you can use this thing.

The lid should clip into the box/housing easily. You might carve the housing areas around the clip latches a bit with a cutter knife. Usually the lid holds on its own, but if you want to have heavy duty safety, just file the inner space with hot glue before closing the lid.

Version 5 adds ON/OFF-labels to both sides of the box. They may a bit difficult to print, if you experience issues use the 3mf-file which has a modified model for easier printing.

EXAMPLES OF USE:

• IKEA GETKÅL LEDs were the first use

• Used it to fix an LED-Lenser headlight to have a proper mechanical switch

• Used it to provide an ON/OFF switch for 3d-printer LED gantry lights