Stranger Things 3D LED Lightbox

Stranger Things LED Shadowbox / Lightbox

This shadowbox is a decorative standing light, inspired by Stranger Things.
Inside, an addressable WS2812B LED strip works, creating dynamic light effects:

🔴 Irregular flashes that appear at changing positions and seemingly move through the motif

🔴 A gently pulsating Stranger Things logo that slowly brightens and dims

This creates a lively, atmospheric effect that is particularly effective in the dark

The box is controlled by an ESP32 Nano and operated with 5 V.
All parts are designed so that they can be easily reprinted and recreated

⚠️ Note: This model is a fan project and is intended exclusively for private use

🔌 Technical Data

• LED Type: WS2812B
• LED Density: 60 LEDs / meter
• Total Number of LEDs: 74
• Controller: ESP32 Nano
• Operating Voltage: 5 V
• Power Supply: 5 V / 2 A recommended
• DC Plug: 5.5 × 2.1 mm
• Effects:
  • Random flash animation with moving light points
  • Gently pulsating logo

🧩 Required Components (BOM)

Electronics:

• 1× ESP32 Nano
• 1× WS2812B LED strip (at least 74 LEDs)
• 1× Electrolytic capacitor 1000 µF / ≥6.3 V
• 1× Resistor 330 Ω
• 1× DC barrel jack 5.5 × 2.1 mm
• 1× 5 V / 2 A power supply
• Cables, heat shrink tubing, or solder connectors

Printed Parts:

• Frame
• Back panel
• Front motif (shadow layer)
• Spacers / mounts (if applicable)

🛠️ Assembly & Crafting Instructions (for MakerWorld)

1️⃣ 3D Printing

• Print all parts in PLA or PETG
• Recommended layer height: 0.2 mm
• Infill: 10–15%
• Front motif ideally black, back plate red (or as preferred)

2️⃣ Prepare LED Strip

• Shorten LED strip to 74 LEDs
• Clean the back side
• Glue along the inner frame (mind the arrow direction!)

3️⃣ Connect Electronics

WS2812B → ESP32

• 5V → 5V
• GND → GND
• DATA → GPIO (as defined in the sketch)
  • 330 Ω resistor in series into the data line

Additional:

• 1000 µF capacitor between 5V and GND (close to the LED strip)

Power Connection:

• DC jack → 5V & GND
• Power supply: 5 V / 2 A

⚠️ Important: All GNDs must be connected!

4️⃣ Program ESP32

• Install Arduino IDE
• Add ESP32 board package
• Required library:
  • FastLED or Adafruit NeoPixel (depending on the sketch)
• Upload sketch (included with the project)

5️⃣ Assembly

• Store ESP32 and cables neatly in the housing
• Screw or glue the back panel
• Perform a functional test
• Done 🎉