Introduction: Hexagonal Lamp (Make Your Own Product)

About: Hi, I'm Abdelrahman Salah, a communication and computer engineering student at the Faculty of Engineering. I'm passionate about creation and tinkering. When I'm not studying, you'll find me building robots, pr…

Welcome to the documentation for the Hexagonal Lamp, a unique lighting solution designed for gamers, YouTubers, and anyone looking to add a touch of vibrant ambiance to their space. This wall-mounted lamp is controlled through a mobile application, offering a wide range of modes and colors to suit your preferences.

The Hexagonal Lamp combines modern aesthetics with the power of an ATTiny microcontroller, allowing for seamless control and customization. Whether you're creating an immersive gaming environment, setting the mood for a video recording, or simply adding a vibrant accent to your room, this lamp is sure to captivate your senses.

In this documentation, we will guide you through the setup process, explain the lamp's features and functionality, and provide you with the necessary information to get the most out of your Hexagonal Lamp. So, let's delve into the world of colorful illumination and embark on an exciting journey of creativity and personalization!

Now that you have an introduction in place, you can proceed with the rest of your documentation, covering topics such as the lamp's hardware components, software requirements, installation and setup instructions, various modes and color options, troubleshooting tips, and any additional information that would be helpful for users.

The structure of the Documentation


  1. material selection
  2. The material I chose
  3. Why did I choose it?
  4. Introduction
  5.  How did we think about this project?
  6.  How do we select the project?    
  7.  How do we do the storyboard?
  8.  How did we deal with issues?
  9. software selection & machine using
  10. cad design
  11.  Design the body on Fusion 360
  12.  Prepare the body (STL)file on Cura
  13.  print the body
  14. circuit design
  15. wiring diagram using fritzing & TinkerCad
  16. Design PCB on eagle
  17. Assemble
  18. mobile app
  19. Testing


Supplies

Material Selection:


Electronics Component:

1X ATTINY44 SMD

3X LED SMD 5050 White

6X LED SMD 5050 RGB

1X AVR PinHeader 3X2

1X Extension Pin header (Male) 6x1

31X Resistor 2106SMD

1X 20MHZ Resonator

1X Capacitor 1206SMD 10UF

1X Power Jack Connector

4X NPN transistor

1X Bluetooth Module HC05

Machine

3D Printer

Milling Machine (For PCB )

Laser Cutter

Software

Cura Slicer

Fusion 360

Eagle Cad


Step 1: Introduction

 How did we think about this project?

Welcome to the documentation for the Hexagonal Lamp, a revolutionary lighting solution born out of a passion for immersive experiences and creative expression.

The idea for the Hexagonal Lamp originated from a desire to bring a captivating visual element to the world of gaming and content creation. As avid gamers and enthusiasts of online media, we recognized the power of lighting in enhancing the atmosphere and setting the stage for unforgettable moments.

How do we select the project? 

Inspired by the vibrant and dynamic lighting setups often seen in the videos of gamers and YouTubers, we embarked on a journey to create a unique lighting fixture that could seamlessly integrate with modern technology and offer an unparalleled level of customization.

How do we do the storyboard?

After months of brainstorming, prototyping, and refining our ideas, the Hexagonal Lamp was born. Our goal was to design a wall-mounted lamp that not only provided stunning illumination but also offered intuitive control and endless possibilities for personalization.

By harnessing the capabilities of the ATTiny microcontroller and leveraging the convenience of a mobile application, we were able to achieve a synergy between hardware and software. The Hexagonal Lamp allows users to effortlessly switch between various lighting modes, adjust brightness, and explore a vast spectrum of colors to suit their mood, style, or the specific ambiance they wish to create.

In this documentation, we will guide you through the process of setting up your Hexagonal Lamp, delve into the technical details of its components, and provide you with the knowledge and resources to unleash your creativity and make the most of this innovative lighting solution.

So, join us on this exciting journey as we delve into the story behind the Hexagonal Lamp, and empower you to transform your gaming or content creation space into a visually stunning and immersive environment.

Feel free to customize and adapt this introduction to reflect your personal journey and the specific motivations that led to the creation of the Hexagonal Lamp project.

Step 2: Design Idea

CAD Design

Before delving into the details, I faced a challenge in determining how to construct the body of the Hexagonal Lamp and its mechanism, particularly since I wanted to avoid using screws in my project. I aimed to create the entire project using press-fitting alone.

Developing a press-fitting body proved to be a highly challenging process, requiring numerous attempts before achieving success.

I devised two designs to address this challenge. The first involved creating a small extrusion on the top body to secure a 6mm Acrylic white material, which would serve as our LED diffuser. However, this design proved to be less effective, prompting me to explore an alternative mechanism.

The second mechanism I devised is remarkably straightforward, involving the creation of two separating bodies. The first body features holes to accommodate the attachment of the second body, with our Acrylic diffuser positioned in the middle.

Ultimately, the second mechanism demonstrated success in the design, providing a reliable and effective solution.

The design is separated into 2 things

  1. The main Unit
  2. That means this is the one that will have the main PCB
  3. The Extension
  4. That means this will be connected to the main unit to take electricity from it



Step 3: CAD Design & Fabrication

It took me about 1 Week to figure out how to make this design on Fusion360, but after it finished the result was very satisfying to me

  1. I begin to draw a hexagonal shape with a thickness of 3mm
  2. I Extruded the base body about 4 CM in height (Feel free to adjust your height)
  3. I begin to make the Upper body that holds the acrylic defuser
  4. I made a-holes to make the upper body connect to the lower one
  5. After that, I added the connectors and the rest of the components
  6. after I made sure that the shape was as I Expected I sent the STL file to Cura slicer to prepare the file
  7. After Preparing that file I send the files to the 3D Printer
  8. In the meantime, I Export the defuser file to cut it with Laser Cutter
  9. After all finished I put the body together and it was a marvelous

Step 4: Circuit Design

Note: If you are unfamiliar with Eagle or PCB design, don't worry. I have prepared a comprehensive tutorial that you can visit HERE to learn more.

Creating the PCB design was a process that spanned approximately three weeks, involving multiple iterations and numerous design changes.

Throughout the development process, we came up with three main designs: the Sun PCB, the Hex PCB, and the Square PCB. These designs were intended to incorporate artistic elements but feel free to choose your favorite shape and design for your customization.

Initially, I focused on placing the necessary components to establish the required connections.

Rest assured, I will provide all the files you need to create my specific PCB or to customize your design.

Once the schematic was completed, it was time to move on to the board design. As previously mentioned, you have the freedom to create any design you desire for your PCB.

Once you have finished designing your PCB, the next step is to export it to the Gerber file format to prepare the necessary files.

Having prepared the files, the next stage involves utilizing a milling machine to fabricate the PCB.

After the fabrication process is completed, it's time to proceed with soldering and wiring.

Step 5: Assemble

Once you have successfully fabricated the bodies and PCB for your Hexagonal Lamp, it's time to proceed with the assembly. Follow the steps below to bring your lamp to life:

  1. Gather the Components: Collect all the necessary components as listed in the provided bill of materials (BOM). This typically includes the PCB, LEDs, resistors, capacitors, wires, and any other specific parts mentioned in the documentation.
  2. Preparing the PCB: Carefully inspect the fabricated PCB for any visual defects or irregularities. Remove any excess debris or particles that may have accumulated during the fabrication process.
  3. Soldering: Begin by soldering the components onto the PCB according to the provided circuit diagram or assembly instructions. Take care to ensure proper alignment and orientation of the components. Pay close attention to the polarity of the LEDs and other polarized components.
  4. Wiring: Connect the necessary wires to establish the electrical connections between the components. Double-check that all connections are secure and properly soldered. Follow the wiring diagram or specific instructions provided in the documentation.
  5. Attaching the Bodies: If your Hexagonal Lamp consists of multiple separate bodies, carefully align and join them together using the designated attachment points or mechanisms. Ensure a secure and stable fit, taking care not to apply excessive force that could damage the components or the bodies.
  6. Power Supply: Determine the appropriate power supply for your Hexagonal Lamp, based on the voltage and current requirements specified in the documentation. Connect the power source to the designated input on the PCB, following the instructions provided.
  7. Testing: Before fully securing the lamp in its final location, it's essential to conduct thorough testing. Power on the lamp and verify that all LEDs are functioning correctly and that the desired lighting modes and colors are accessible through the mobile application or control interface.
  8. Final Checks: Once the assembly and testing are complete, carefully inspect the lamp for any loose connections, visual defects, or areas that may require additional reinforcement. Address any issues as necessary to ensure a robust and reliable final product.

Following these assembly steps will help you successfully bring your Hexagonal Lamp to completion. Enjoy the process of creating your unique lighting fixture, and feel free to refer to the documentation for additional guidance or troubleshooting tips.

Step 6: Programming & Mobile App

o control the Hexagonal Lamp, you will need to program the ATTiny microcontroller with the appropriate code. Follow the steps below to complete the programming process:

  1. Arduino IDE: Open the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) on your computer. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the official Arduino website.

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
SoftwareSerial mySerial(2, 1); // RX, TX


#define white 8
#define red 7
#define green 3
#define blue 0


unsigned int incomingData;
unsigned int incomingData1;
unsigned int incomingDataRAW;
int whiteColorIntensity = 0;
int previousIncomingData;


void setup() {


  mySerial.begin(9600);


  pinMode(white, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(red, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(green, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(blue, OUTPUT);
}


void loop() {
  if (mySerial.available() >= 2 ) // receive number from bluetooth
  {


    incomingData = mySerial.read();
    incomingData1 = mySerial.read();
    incomingDataRAW = (incomingData1 * 256) + incomingData;


    if (incomingDataRAW > 4) {
      whiteColorIntensity = incomingDataRAW;
      incomingDataRAW = previousIncomingData;
    }
  }


  if (incomingDataRAW == 1) {
    previousIncomingData = incomingDataRAW;
    digitalWrite(red, HIGH);
    delay(500);
    digitalWrite(red, LOW);
    digitalWrite(green, HIGH);
    delay(500);
    digitalWrite(green, LOW);
    digitalWrite(blue, HIGH);
    delay(500);
    digitalWrite(blue, LOW);
    digitalWrite(white, HIGH);
    delay(500);
    digitalWrite(white, LOW);
    delay(1000);
  }
  else if (incomingDataRAW == 2) {
    previousIncomingData = incomingDataRAW;
    digitalWrite(red, HIGH);
    delay(100);
    digitalWrite(red, LOW);
    digitalWrite(green, HIGH);
    delay(100);
    digitalWrite(green, LOW);
    digitalWrite(blue, HIGH);
    delay(100);
    digitalWrite(blue, LOW);
    digitalWrite(white, HIGH);
    delay(100);
    digitalWrite(white, LOW);
    delay(10);
  }
  else if (incomingDataRAW == 3) {
    previousIncomingData = incomingDataRAW;
    analogWrite(white, whiteColorIntensity);
  }
  else if (incomingDataRAW == 0) {
    digitalWrite(red, LOW);
    digitalWrite(green, LOW);
    digitalWrite(blue, LOW);
    digitalWrite(white, LOW);
  }
}


  1. ATTiny 44 Board Configuration: Since you are using the ATTiny 44 microcontroller, you will need to make sure the Arduino IDE is properly configured to support it. Install the necessary board definitions for ATTiny microcontrollers in the Arduino IDE. This step will enable you to select the ATTiny 44 board as your target platform for programming.
  2. Code Upload: Connect the ISP (In-System Programmer) to the ATTiny 44 microcontroller and your computer. Using the Arduino IDE, select the appropriate board (ATTiny 44) and the ISP programmer as the upload method. Then, click the "Upload" button to transfer the compiled code to the microcontroller.
  3. Mobile Application: If you have developed a mobile application using App Inventor or any other platform, ensure that it is compatible with the Hexagonal Lamp's functionality. The mobile application will serve as the interface to control the lamp's modes, colors, and other features remotely.
  4. Testing: After uploading the code and ensuring the mobile application is ready, power on the Hexagonal Lamp and establish a connection between the lamp and the mobile device. Test the functionality of the lamp by selecting different modes, adjusting colors, and verifying that the lamp responds accordingly.

Throughout the programming process, refer to any relevant documentation or tutorials that you have created or obtained for guidance. Troubleshoot any issues that may arise, such as compilation errors or compatibility problems between the code and the hardware.

Remember to save and backup your code in a secure location for future reference or modifications.

Note: If you have difficulty in coding uploading to your PCB, I made a tutorial for that feel free to visit it HERE and go to Coding and Issue sections you will find all you need

Step 7: Testing

Congratulations on successfully completing your Hexagonal Lamp project! Through the design, fabrication, assembly, programming, and testing phases, you have transformed your vision into a tangible and functional lighting fixture. This project has provided you with valuable hands-on experience in various aspects, including electronics, programming, and design.

The Hexagonal Lamp not only serves as a source of illumination but also showcases your creativity and craftsmanship. Its unique shape, customizable features, and carefully selected components make it a captivating addition to any space.

Throughout this project, you have encountered challenges, made design decisions, and learned valuable lessons. Whether it was overcoming obstacles during the fabrication process, exploring different programming techniques, or refining the assembly steps, each hurdle has contributed to your growth and expertise in the field.

Remember to document your project thoroughly. Take detailed notes, capture photographs, and create a comprehensive project log to preserve your work and share your achievements with others. Your documentation will serve as a valuable resource for future reference, troubleshooting, or even inspiring others who embark on similar projects.

As you reflect on this project, consider the knowledge and skills you have acquired along the way. Embrace the satisfaction of bringing your idea to life and the joy of seeing your creation illuminate its surroundings.

Now that your Hexagonal Lamp project is complete, you may choose to showcase it in your home, or office, or even gift it to someone special. Share your journey and inspire others by demonstrating what can be achieved through creativity, perseverance, and a passion for making.

Remember, this is just the beginning of your journey as a maker and creator. Let the knowledge and experiences gained from this project fuel your curiosity and drive to explore new projects, refine your skills further, and continue pushing the boundaries of your capabilities.

Well done on your achievement, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

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