This instructable will show you how to build a laser cut stand and diffuser for a RGB NeoPixel LED. The diffuser is suitable for mounting on top of a monitor or TV and provides a great way to communicate urgent messages from devices like Arduinos which have no built-in display. I made it at Techshop.

Important caveat: This guide covers only the construction of the stand and diffuser, not programming the LED. That sort of thing is covered at Adafruit's site.

Materials Used:
Adafruit NeoPixel
3mm clear acrylic
3mm opaque white acrylic
26 gauge stranded wire
22 gauge solid wire
Adhesive Velcro

Tools used:
Epilog Laser Cutter
Plastic Bender
Soldering Iron
CNC Vinyl Cutter (Optional)

Software
Corel Draw 5

Step 1: Laser Setup

Determine your laser's kerf width for 3mm Acrylic. You can use this instructable to test. I measured a kerf width of 0.25mm on the epilog 60 watt laser I used to build the stand.

If your laser's kerf is also 0.25mm you can use the attached files directly. If not you'll need to redo the diffuser box design. The diffuser is simply a 40X40X40mm (exterior) cube with custom cutouts in the center of the top and bottom plate. If you need to regenerate the diffuser start with a design from the excellent utility at rahulbotics then copy in and center the cutouts.

Step 2: Create the Hardware

Cut the indicator stand out of clear acrylic. Then cut the the diffuser out of white acrylic.

If your kerf measurement was correct the indicator cube should go together with minimal pressure and stay together without adhesives. Make sure you align the top and bottom cutouts and remove any masking material before pressing the cube firmly together (a well done cut will be difficult to pry apart later).

Lastly the indicator stands needs to be bent 90 degrees at the base. You can use a plastic bender for this.

Step 3: Create Masks

Masks partially block light from the diffusers. There are many ways to create them.

One of the best looking but time intensive methods is to use a CNC vinyl machine to cut black adhesive vinyl. You'll probably need adhesive delaying solution like rapidtac to get the positioning perfect.

The second best (but much faster) method is to print onto transparency paper then glue the mask to the front of the cube.

Regardless of the technique you choose you want artwork that is about 34 mm square.

The icons I used for this build are from the UN and are available here.

Step 4: Solder

Solder three 1 inch pieces of 22 gauge solid core wire to outputs of the Neopixel board. These wires are only connected to the board and will wrap around the acrylic stand. It's best to follow the under/over design as pictured.

Solder three 18 inch lengths of 26 gauge stranded wire to the inputs of the Neopixel board. Because these are stranded it's important to tin the tip of the wire before attaching it.

Step 5: Assemble

Mount the Neopixel by lacing the bottom stranded wire first. Then attach the heavier solid wire to the top and trim the excess. Finish by gently flattening the solid core wire against the stand with a pair of pliers (this makes it easier to fit the diffuser on).

Clean the bottom of the stand with rubbing alcohol, then cut velcro to size and affix it to the underside of the stand. Attach a second layer of velcro to the first then press the assembly down on top of your TV or monitor.

Finally attach the diffuser cube to the stand. It should slide down smoothly and rest securely against the stand making contact on the top and bottom sides of the cube.