Fun Light

Light diffuser based upon WLED foundation; this is the initial design for a modular system which will index via magnets.

For now, this is a fun little stand alone light which leverages the WLED Project website, their summary statement covers their content perfectly…

“A fast and feature-rich implementation of an ESP8266/ESP32 webserver to control NeoPixel (WS2812B, WS2811, SK6812) LEDs or also SPI based chipsets like the WS2801 and APA102!”

This is my first project using Fusion360, there are many places where I know I can improve so feel free to provide feedback on my design.  This build is from scratch although I did get my inspiration from “Nanoleaf Hex Modular” build by oohsam.

! Update - Dec 16/22!

• I've updated the base (v15) with a smaller clip on the ICboard and moved it down so it doesn't interfere with the reset button

Link to materials

• 8x8 64 Led Matrix (WS2812B-64 1pcs)
• 6x2 mm Round Magnets
• KeeYees Mini Development Board for ESP8266
• 1.25MM 3Pin Terminal line, Male&Female Connector Plug with Wires Cables

Creation Steps

Print the base and cover

• Print the base with a solid dark colour (but entirely up to you)
• Print the cover with white

Assemble LED board

• Solder the leads of a mail end connector plug.  Use the FEMALE end of the plug for this.
  • V+ - RED
  • V- - BLACK
  • IN - YELLOW
• IMPORTANT!
  • there are two connection points on the LED board, they are on opposite corners
  • Make sure you solder the connector with the POSITIVE V+ which is on the very right side of the board… if your board doesn't light up, check this

Assemble the IC board

• Use the MAIL plug on this
• Place a 56ohm resistor on the data (yellow) wire

• Finally, solder the leads to the ESP8266 
  • Ensure you are using the MALE plug on this
  • 5V - RED
  • G - BLACK
  • D1 - YELLOW

• You now have your completed light unit

Setup firmware on ESP8266

• I'm not going to go into details here, but head on over to WLED for all the information you'd ever want around setting this software side of things
• Welcome to WLED - WLED Project  ← Link page

Putting it all together

Base

• Plug the LCD and IC together
• Route the cables UNDER the LCD panel
  • This is important as if the wires end up on top you'll see them when the light diffuses through the cover panel
• RED arrows
  • Insert the 6x2 magnets (ensure polarity is the same)
• YELLOW arrows
  • These are the tabs to secure the boards
  • As long as the dimensions are correct the boards should nicely snug under the tabs
  • Note! The retaining mechanism for the ESP8266 is not the best, working to revise

Cover

• RED arrows
  • Insert the 6x2 magnets (ensure polarity is the same)
    • Note! Ensure the polarity is aligned correctly to the same as the base magnets.  You want them to stick to each other, not repel 
• Once you've done this you can fit the base onto the cover and you should be able to plug it in and have some fun!

You're DONE!  I hope you've enjoyed this… I have bigger plans in expanding this into a modular system of being able to add additional lights simply linking more together.

Known Issues

• FIXED! Retaining clip for the ESP8266 kind of sits over the reset button, need to move this.  Once the power is plugged in it's not going anywhere
• FIXED! The cutout of the USB power cord is not quite centered
• UPDATE! Looks like the new LCD board fit perect still, there was just a small breakoff section on the board that is easily snapped off.
  • The retaining system for the LED works with 72 x 71mm boards.  I just received a new shipment of these boards (different manufacturer) which have a bit of an extension on one side.  Going to create a new print for this board or create a flexible mounting approach that can sized without a reprint (preferred).
• The picture of the final unit with the lights on is using a slightly shorter distance, the print that's included is slightly taller cover which helps with light diffusion.