LED House Numbers

These are individual 6" House numbers. The actual size of the housing is 7" tall.

Each number has a top and bottom piece that snap together.  LED lights can be put inside to display the number day or night. The top component is made into two or more parts that can be separately printed or used in a multi color print.  I have tried scaling the numbers down to 50% without a problem. Scaling at 60% gives a nice number for smaller projects. 

I also found that reversing the transparent and body color for the back, gives it a backlit look. I installed small fairy lights to make a great Birthday display (cake topper).

The numbers can be used with or without LEDs. Almost any type of LED strip can be used.

• Single color LED strips would not even need a controller unless brightness is to be controlled.
• Individually addressable LED strips (digital) will need a controller.
• Analog strips will need a controller to adjust color and brightness.

Parts used:

• I used PETG only because I wanted a little more durability since they are outside.
• I used SUNLU transparent PETG and SUNLU Black PETG.  This filament diffuses great. I am currently running at 10% brightness and is very visible.
• For the controller I used: TOPXCDZ Mini RGB Bluetooth Controller from Amazon. It is a Bluetooth controller that uses the DuoCo phone app.
• Generic RBG analog LED's. I did not used IP67 (waterproof) so that I could bend around the corners better.
• Normally I would use a QuinLED board running WLED but decided not to make the lights individually addressable.

Printing Instructions (may vary depending on your hardware and software):

1. In the slicer, place a top and bottom for the number to print. Smaller print beds may require 2 separate prints.
2. When printing the top piece, rotate the number so it is face down.
3. Keep the bottom and top components in the same orientation on the build plate. This will help in assembly if the printers X and Y are not calibrated perfectly.
4. Break the model into separate objects (single color print) or parts (for multifilament printing).
5. Set the inside center section (the number) to be the transparent filament.
6. Set the rest of the body parts to the body color of choice.
7. The infill can be seen in through the transparent color. Might be fun to experiment with different infill for different looks. Honeycomb looked good.
8. I used a textured build plate, and it turned out great!
9. Print

Assembly Instructions:

• Due to tight tolerances and printer accuracy, it may be necessary to do light sanding. A light sanding on the top piece sharp edge that snaps into base can help if the fit is too tight. The photo shows that light sanding or filing on the corners and short edges can help.
• Once the numbers are printed and they snap together, drill holes for mounting screws and wire egress.
• Since I had multiple numbers to mount, I chose to mount them on a board. I routed out a slot in the back for the wires and placement of the controller.
• I cut and mounted RGB analog LED strips (12V) long enough to loop around the outer edge of the base. I soldered some 4-wire ribbon cable to each connector and passed it through to the back channel.
• I then used wire nuts to connect all of the common wires together for each number. and connected those wires to the small controller.
• I could have passed the 4 wires through the House wall and had the controlled there, but it was small enough to mount on the light strip, so I only passed the power cord through the wall. Your installation will vary!
• Once complete I lined the bottom with aluminum foil for better light reflection. I used double sticky tape to hold the foil in place. 
• Snap the covers on the lights and you are ready to go!