Moodlite.co.uk - Wall Mountable LED Tiles

moodlite was a little project I designed over the Christmas break. I enjoyed building it so much that I decided to release everything open source. All the files and instructions here are from my 1st released version. (all my own work)

This is built using a NodeMCU controller and some WS2812B LED's. The NodeMCU connects to your home wifi also hosts a web server so you can control the patterns, brightness, and speed via a mobile phone, tablet or PC.. anything that has a web browser and is on your home network.

The tiles are 3D printed and I use servo extension leads to make it modular and connect them all together. It's powered by a 5v supply and doesn't need any other cables going to it.

Step 1: Moodlite - Lets Start Building

Bill of materials You will need the following to make 20 tiles
White filament (I used Ziro white 1.75mm)
60 x 1 meter LED WS2812S (non waterproof type)
20 x 1m servo extension leads
1 x NodeMCU (like the one in the photo)
1 x 5v 5Amp power supply unit

It's printing time..

moodlite is currently constructed from 4 different 3D printed parts. Two for the tile and two for the power unit. Each tile takes around 8 hours each to print. (6 for the base and 2 for the top). No fixings are required to build a tile up, as the front just clicks on.

You need to use a semi-transparent filament. I've been using Ziro 1.75mm white filament which although isn't transparent does allow some light through. The actual diffuser printed thickness of the top part is only 0.6mm thick.

I used the following settings with the Ziro filament on my Prusa mk3.
Layer 0.2mm
Infill - 10%
210 / 60 temps

Get the soldering iron out..

You will see from the wiring diagram that it's not hard, just a few connections. For each tile I used 3 WS2812S RGB Leds wired as the diagram. You will need to use 1m servo extension lead per tile. To get the correct length I would build the first tile up, then remove the wiring and just copy and adjust to suit.

Wiring...

This is quite easy, for your first tile I would build it up fully, then pull it apart and use the loam as a template. (as photo). To wire, you need to start with the male connector, pass this through the hole and seat it into the side. This connector sticks out and is used to insert into a tile or the power unit. (see photo). Then just loop around the tile and exit near your start point. You then have a choice if you want a left or right tile. You can decide which side to exit out of, this can be swapped later as well in case you change your mind without much fuss. Once wired just clip the front cover on.. and repeat :-)

Power supply, this is easy.. just follow the diagram and you won't go wrong..

Programming

The code is supplied within the zip file, you will need to use the Arudino IDE to upload this. It's a bit fiddly but if you google on youtube NodeMCU how to program via arduino there are lots or videos, online help etc.. It's pointless me trying to include details when it's already been done hundreds of times and alot better than I could describe.

Then it's just a case of going to the IP address it was assigned or if you set a static IP, just use this.. load the web page and control until you're happy :-)

As this is now open source you are more than welcome to contribute / update etc.. at https://moodlite.co.uk ...

This has been released under Creative Commons - Attribution - Non-Commercial - Share Alike License.. which means you can make one for yourself.. but not sell.. this is very important... :-)

I would love to hear about your builds / comments and will do my best to answer any questions if I can.

The zip file contains the code / stl files / STEP and IGES files for the designs too.

Most of all.. have fun building it :-)