Introduction: Custom Addressable RGB LED Strip | WS2812B

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No one can deny, how awesome LEDs are, and it’s like icing on a cake it they are addressable RGB LEDs, a WS2812B in this case. They are very popular and come in SMD packages. They can be found easily anywhere in strip form.

It is not possible always, that our requirement is fulfilled by the available conventional LED strips. So in this project, I'll show you how you can create your own custom addressable RGB LED strip or a board, according to your needs. It is surely a cheaper option also, if you don't have access to the LED strip easily.

Let's get started!

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Step 1: Watch the Video.

The video demonstrates all the steps required for this build.

Step 2: Get Your Parts.

You'll be needing the following components and materials:

WS2812B SMD version:
India: http://www.ebay.in/itm/262411487516?aff_source=Sok...
Aliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10-1000pcs-WS2812B-4pins-5050-SMD-Black-White-version-WS2812-Individually-Addressable-Digital-RGB-LED-Chip/32453497583.html

Copper Clad Board

FeCl3 Solution

Acetone

Some household items like Iron, Screw Drivers etc.

Step 3: Get the Design Printed.

I have attached a PDF and an SVG file.

If you want to make the strip as it is, get it printed directly using the pdf (and don't worry, the traces are already inverted) and if you want to make some changes go for the SVG file. You can easily edit it using free software like InkScape and paid software like Adobe Illustrator.

Do not forget to invert the design once you are finished editing it.

Step 4: Download and Add Libraries.

If you haven't already, download the following two Arduino libraries for WS2812B type LED.

Adafruit NeoPixel: https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_NeoPixel

FastLED: https://github.com/FastLED/FastLED

Step 5: Enjoy Your Creation.

Now that you have built it, upload various sketches from FastLED and Adafruit Neopixel library and enjoy the soothing visuals.

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