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Description
💡 Project: Pluggable LED Letters with WLED Control
✨ Project Description:
Plug connection or gluing possible!!!
This project combines modular LED letters with the smart WLED firmware on a Wemos D1 Mini. Each letter is pluggable, allowing for individual letterings and atmospheres to be created – perfect for events, home decor, or Maker Fairs
Control can optionally be done via:
- WiFi or Bluetooth
- WLED App (Android/iOS)
- IR remote control
- Time control (Timer/Sleep)
- Physical button with 10 kΩ pulldown resistor
An external antenna ensures better range. The system is powered by 12 V and uses a step-down converter to supply 5 V to the D1 Mini
🛠️ Functions & Highlights:
- WiFi & Bluetooth: wireless control via app or web interface
- App-compatible: native WLED app available in App Store & Play Store
- IR control: easy control via remote
- Timer & Sleep mode: automation of switching on/off
- Physical button: locally controllable – with short or long press
- Modular & pluggable: free design of letters/words
- External antenna: better range with poor WiFi coverage
📲 Software & Setup:
- Flash WLED: via USB to the D1 Mini (https://install.wled.me/)
- Configure LEDs: quantity, color, GPIO (e.g. D4 for Data)
- Configure button & IR: via "Usermods" or standard GPIO settings
- Set Timer & Effects: easily adjustable in the app or WebUI
🧠 Notes:
- Ensure sufficient cooling for the step-down module and IR sensor
- For longer LED chains, additional power injection points are recommended
- Optionally, the button can also be used as a reset/mode switcher (long press)
- For RGBW letters, I recommend SK6812 in RGBW version for warmer white
📦 Bill of Materials:
| Component | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Wemos D1 Mini | Microcontroller with ESP8266 for WiFi/WLED | 1 |
| WLED Firmware | Open-source software for LED control (https://kno.wled.ge/) | 1 |
| WS2812B / SK6812 LED Strips | RGB or RGBW LEDs, e.g. 5V or 12V version (depending on power requirements) | Variable |
| LED Letters | 3D printed or purchased, pluggable & translucent | Variable |
| Step-Down Converter (Buck) | e.g. LM2596 module for 12V → 5V regulation | 1 |
| 12V Power Supply | Matching the LED quantity (e.g. 5A for ~60 LEDs) | 1 |
| IR Receiver | e.g. VS1838B – compatible with WLED | 1 |
| IR Remote Control | Any, e.g. 24/44/44-Key for LED strips | 1 |
| Button (e.g. 12mm metal) | On/Off control via GPIO (short/long press, etc) | 1 |
| 10 kΩ Resistor | Pulldown resistor for button | 1 |
| External WiFi Antenna | Optional – e.g. ESP8266 module with U.FL socket or D1 Mini with external antenna | 1 |
| Jumper Cables / Dupont Cables | For connecting the modules | Variable |
| Plugging System for Letters | Magnetic or electrical (e.g. with Pogo-Pins) | Variable |
| Enclosure / Holder | Optional – for wall mounting or stand | 1 |
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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