LED Matrix

The following links are not affiliate links, but they point to the components I used.

Components (electronic):

• Switch https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005325584703.html
• Cable (AWG 20 recommended) https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005004167126040.html
• USB-C Board https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006221141627.html
• Screws (M1.7 – optionally M2) https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005007345768217.html
• 4× WS2812 LED Matrix https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005007398953448.html
• D1 mini Controller https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005007877904928.html

This model is assembled in two main phases:

1. Mechanical/Printed Phase:
   – The individual parts are first created using 3D printing.
   – This includes the grid, the front panel, and the housing, into which the electronics will later be integrated.
2. Electronic Phase:
   – Once the printed parts are ready, the electronic components are assembled.
   – First, the LED matrix modules are placed on the intended grid and secured using screws (M1.7 or M2).
   – Then, the matrix modules are soldered (see photo for reference).
   – After that, cables are soldered to the controller (connections: 5 V, GND, D4), the power supply, and the switch.

Assembly Instructions (Electronics Integration)

Step 1: Mounting the LED Matrix

• Placement and Securing:
  The four WS2812 LED matrices are placed on the designated grid and secured with the provided screws (M1.7).
• Soldering:
  Then, the matrices are soldered together and to the appropriate contact points (See reference photo).

Step 2: Wiring the Controller

• Controller Connections:
  Solder the cables to the D1 mini controller. The following connections are necessary:
  • 5 V
  • GND
  • D4 (data line for LED matrix)
• Power Supply & Switch:
  • The first 5 V cable from the USB-C port (i.e., the power source) is soldered to one end of the switch.
  • The other side of the switch is connected to the cable coming from the 5 V connection of the D1 mini and the + cable of the matrix.
  • Note: Optionally use heat-shrink tubing for insulation and improved stability.
• Data Cable:
  Solder a cable between the input of the LED matrix (LED Matrix IN) and the controller connection D4.
• Ground Connections:
  All ground wires – the cable from the USB-C power supply, the cable from the matrix (already soldered to –), and the one from the controller (GND) – are connected together.

Step 3: Assembling the Housing

• Front Panel and Grid:
  After the electronic connections are made, the front panel of the model is clipped onto the grid.
• Installation in the Housing:
  The entire assembly is inserted into the provided housing.
  The individual components (switch, USB-C board, etc.) are mounted in their designated openings.
• USB-C Board Securing:
  It may be necessary to pre-fix the USB-C board with super glue to ensure a stable connection.

Setting up the D1 mini and Installing WLED

To make the model “smart,” the D1 mini controller is equipped with the WLED firmware. Here’s how:

1. Preparation

• Connection to PC:
  Connect the D1 mini to your PC via a USB cable.

2. Flashing the Firmware

• Using the Flash Tool:
  Use https://install.wled.me to transfer the firmware to the D1 mini.
• First Start:
  After flashing, the D1 mini starts, and configuration can begin.

3. Setting up the WLAN Connection

• Configuring WLAN:
  Connect to the WLED AP (using your smartphone or PC) and open the address http://4.3.2.1/ or http://wled.local/ in your browser.
  Enter your WLAN credentials here so that the D1 mini connects to your home network.

4. Configuring the LED Matrix in WLED

• Accessing the Web Interface:
  After successful WLAN setup, you will find the IP address of your D1 mini in your router or via the WLED app.
• Making Settings:
  • In the WLED web interface, go to LED Preferences and select the total number of LEDs (here 256).
  • Go to the settings and under 2D Configuration select “2d Matrix” and save.
  • If necessary, adjust other parameters such as brightness and layout (matrix layout, sequence) so that your 16x16 LED array is displayed correctly.
• Saving & Testing:
  Save the settings and test if the LED matrix reacts as desired.

5. Final Assembly

• Once functionality is confirmed, the D1 mini is slid into the designated opening on the back of the housing, and the housing is closed.