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pwg12/06/202412 repliesview on HN

https://kno.wled.ge/

Many 'effects' already prepackaged. Plus the ability to schedule time based changes (on/off/change pattern/etc.). Includes a web server to provide "app like" control over a phone or PC. Also includes integrations for several "home control" systems and a http API for programmatic control from another system. Can even synchronize plural controllers into a whole 'net' (note, I've not used this feature yet).

Small ESP32 boards (with wifi capability) such as this example (no affiliation, just an example that works):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y8X1GK7

WS2811 LED strings [1] (of which there are an infinite variety) suitable for outdoor use. One example (no affiliation):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYZF1WCR

Suitable power supplies, outdoor weather sealed boxes, and wiring (all left to you to locate).

Willingness to assemble the pieces and some time to do so. Having a soldering iron is helpful here, although one could possibly get by with screw terminal blocks inside weatherproof boxes if need be for many of the 'connections'.

[1] Or other 'programmable LED' strings for which WLED is compatible (it works with numerous different programmable LED standards, browse the WLED website for details).


Replies

codetrotter12/08/2024

> kno.wled.ge

I want to take a moment to ackno.wled.ge how absolute awesome of a domain hack “kno.wled.ge” is for the website of a WLED project!

mbesto12/09/2024

Also, since on one has mentioned it yet, the go-to LED strips are from BTF-Lighting.

I personally buy them from AliExpress since I dont care if they arrive in a week as opposed to 1-2 days from Amazon.

https://btf-lighting.aliexpress.com/store/1100777574

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eddieroger12/09/2024

I used WLED and some WS2811 lights for Halloween this year, and I was blown away but how much it _just worked_. As long as I kept the order of the lights correct (there are arrows, derp), they just strung along. I ended up with a decently complicated array, but as long as my counts were good, the thing just worked. Govee is a very mainstream brand currently using WS2811-based lights, and with a little knife action, you can add them in. I'm hopeful next year to play with some 2D matrix stuff in it.

sowbug12/08/2024

The most plug-and-play WLED-compatible controller I've found is made by athom.tech and available on AliExpress <https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101393719>. There are two versions based on the ESP32C3. One is powered by USB-C @ 5V, and the other has a barrel jack and passes through 5-24V to the lights, which is useful if you're using a higher-voltage strip like WS2813.

I used to build my own controllers from ESP development boards, but it's just not worth it when an enclosed controller with convenient connectors is priced between $10-20.

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quickthrowman12/08/2024

I strongly suggest not buying any electronic components from Amazon, but 5VDC LED light strings should be OK.

Do not roll the dice on the power supply, buy a UL listed one. If you buy some shitty Chinese PSU and it lights your house on fire, your homeowners insurance will deny the claim.

This one puts out 30w @ 5VDC and is also UL listed: https://poliledsigns.com/shop/poli-5vdc-30w-waterproof-led-p...

Even though it says ‘waterproof’, it needs to be installed in an enclosure, NEMA 3R rated enclosure if it’s installed outdoors.

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leptons12/08/2024

WLED is nice for 1-dimensional LED strips, or if you don't really care how the animations project on your LEDs, but anything in 2 dimension is painful, the grid mapping in 2D is just overly complicated and obscure. I barely got my simple LED matrix working and I've been doing LED grids with my own software for over 10 years (so I know how easy it can be). WLED was just an awful experience for 2D led arrays or anything more complex than a single LED strip.

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jhardy5412/08/2024

Warning: don’t buy an ESP32-C6 for this. It’s not compatible with WLED/ESPHome/etc and it isn’t clear whether/when this will be resolved.

neotek12/07/2024

Seconding WLED, it's fantastic. Super easy to install and operate, compatible with HomeAssistant, the built in effects are great, the web app / native mobile apps are powerful but straightforward, and the community offers plenty of help and other resources.

joshstrange12/08/2024

WLED is the clear answer here. I got a simple USB controller (usb just for power) so it can’t run a a massive strand of lights (at least at full brightness) but it was perfect to dip my toes in and try out.

The Home Assistant integration works great as well.

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Firerouge12/07/2024

It also supports DMX input (sACN or Art-Net) for designing and controlling complex effects from external software.

zwb232455012/15/2024

agree