DIY LED Project with Microcontroller Board ESP32
before we talk about Microcontroller Board ESP32, let's start with Smart LED Light Strips Kits. They great but they are not without flaws, the problem with ready-to-use systems is that they are all built-in, so let's say that if we want to extend the cable between the box and the LED strip, it will be a struggle because it's pre-built. Another issue with kits is the customization limits, you can't have your own costumed effect or an open-source effect for your setup, bedroom living room... etc
- You could have an extremely long cable between the Microcontroller Board ESP32 and your LED Strip
- Connect over Wi-Fi 2.4GHZ or Bluetooth
- WLED free App to connect and customize your ESP32
- For programmers, this going to be your own development board, you've got the freedom to do anything with it
Here we talk about your own costumed LED controller ESP32, with it you can do pretty much everything you want, the only limit will be you. So what can you do with it?
Install WLED
- Go ahead and google WLED install
- It takes a minute to install then you configure the Wi-Fi that Microcontroller Board ESP32 going to connect to.
- Once it is connected it will say on your screen visit device.
Connect LED Strips Into ESP32
You can choose any LED Strip you want, Microcontroller Board ESP32 works pretty much with everything, but if you are still confused you can check other articles; Before You Buy (Everything you Need) Now the more LEDs you have the better the effect looks, 60 LED/m or 144 LED/m would be the best pick but if you are on a budget you can go lower, also depends on where you going to use them.To Get Started
To connect your LED as freely as you wish you need these:
1- Jumper cables
2- WS2812B Jumper cables
3- AC Adapter
10 AMP or 5 AMP depending on how much power you need
4- Connectors (LED Strip + AC+Jumper Cables) WAGO 221
You want your setup to look something like this
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Here is the list of ESP32 pins but please use them only if you know what you are reading. preferably you ask your manufacturer to be certain about the order you got on your ESP32. DON'T FRY YOUR BOARD
Test Your ESP32 Build
- Cut the little connector your LED Strip comes out with
- Twist them with Jumper Cables
- The positive cable on VIN Terminal ESP32 pin
- The negative cable on the GND ESP32 pin
- The data cable on the fourth pin (Follow manufacturer instructions)
- The ESP32 at the time is connected via USB port
- Configure your LED preference, according to yours is 60 LED/m or 144 LED/m
At this point, you can already test out the effect pre-built on WLED, and see how your LED looks
Extending LEDs
Now your LED strip is connected directly to your board via Jumper Cables, what you can do instead is use an Ethernet cable with your preferred length and connect it the same way we did with the little Jumper Cables to the ESP32 board
- Protection and dust and possible insects, but not water resistance
- The brighter the LED Strip Light the better it looks
- Constant lighting
Add as many LED strips as you want and connect them the same way as previously, it is a hustle but trust it is worth it, something you can follow, and some you have to figure out yourself, that's the fun part.
Let's say you've got yourself 4 LED strips 5 meters each, and you are still connecting to the USB port. Firstly go to LED preferences in the WLED APP and check LED outputs which is how many individual LEDs we have. Now you going to notice that your LED Strip Lights are quite dim, that is because all of the LEDs are powered by the USB
- Get your Standard AC Adapter, we talking here about 5V 10A
- Cut its port and connect positive and negative accordingly with VIN Terminal and GND pins on the ESP32 as shown above
- Everything is connected via AC and working
- Install the WLED mobile app
- Change the maximum current (we have a 10A AC so we got about 10000AMP but never hit the power supply limit you can go for 7000-8000) to make the LED Strips bright
Ready!
And here we should be set. Do your diligence, and search for technicalities. we always going to have different rigs so find the exact information from your manufacturer. this article is a starter it should give you a direction as to where you are supposed to look. Feel free to contact us for more or if you have any suggestions, you can also subscribe to our newsletter and we will keep you updated.FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is WLED, and how do I install it on the ESP32?
- WLED is an open-source firmware for LED controllers. To install it on the ESP32, search for "WLED install," follow the instructions, and configure the Wi-Fi connection.
2. Can I connect any LED strip to the Microcontroller Board ESP32?
- Yes, the ESP32 is compatible with various LED strips. For more guidance, check the article on LED strip recommendations.
3. What materials do I need to connect my LED strip to the ESP32?
- You'll need jumper cables, WS2812B LED strips, an AC adapter (10A or 5A based on power needs), and connectors like WAGO 221 for a secure connection.
4. How do I test my ESP32 build with the LED strip?
- Cut the connector on your LED strip, twist the cables with jumper cables, connect positive to VIN, negative to GND, and data to the specified pin on the ESP32. Power the ESP32 via USB and configure LED preferences in the WLED app.
5. Can I extend the LED strips using an Ethernet cable?
- Yes, you can extend LED strips using an Ethernet cable. Connect it the same way as jumper cables to the ESP32 board.
6. What are Diffuser Strips or Strip Tubes, and should I use them?
- Diffuser Strips or Strip Tubes change the way lighting looks, providing protection against dust and insects. While not water-resistant, they enhance brightness and offer constant lighting.
7. How do I increase brightness for multiple LED strips connected to the ESP32?
- If using USB power, LED strips may appear dim. Switch to a standard AC adapter (5V, 10A), cut its port, and connect positive and negative to VIN and GND on the ESP32. Adjust the maximum current in the WLED app for optimal brightness.
8. Can I control different LED strips individually with ESP32?
- Yes, you can control different LED strips individually by configuring LED outputs in the WLED app based on the number of LEDs in each strip.
9. Are there any safety precautions when working with the ESP32 and LED strips?
- Ensure the cable used is data-transferring, not power-only. Follow manufacturer instructions for ESP32 pin configurations to prevent damage. Take precautions when cutting and connecting cables.
10. How can I stay updated on further developments or seek additional assistance?
- Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and feel free to reach out for more information or assistance. Your manufacturer may provide specific details based on your ESP32 model.
