Close to 10 years ago, I came across some cool Ikea wall lamps at our local Habitat Restore. Nice lamps, but boring. I had Z-Wave dimmers on them for a long time, but I knew I wanted to do more.
At one point a few years ago, I tried using an 8×32 WS2812B matrix in them. It was the exact right size, and worked well (aside from issues I had keeping the grid attached to the metal body with double-sided tape). However, I felt like using the matrix was a waste, due to how much diffusion there was. I tried using a grid, but was never satisfied.
So they sat around for a couple years, one converted to matrix but not hooked up, and the other still the boring original. Recently I decided to finish them up. I decided instead of the 8×32 matrix, I would make my own 4×15 matrix essentially, using aluminum u-channel.
Instead of double-sided tape this time around, I designed and printed a bracket. It used the original screws that hold on the metal arms for the glass. There’s a picture of the model below, but I forgot to get a picture before installing the channels (they were attached using “permanent” double-sided tape).
Originally (with the matrix), I had an ESP32 inside that was running WLED of course. For the rebuild I decided to go with SP511e controllers, flashed with WLED. They’re cheap, small(ish) and already have a couple nice features built in, like microphone, IR receiver, and buttons. However… in the newer versions of WLED, mic support for ESP8266 is depracated (which is what’s inside the SP511e), so I lost that. I did try the last version of WLED that supported mics on ESP8266, but kept having problems with it crashing, so I went with the newest version of WLED. I believe I read that ESP8266 mic support will return at some point, and I can always use LEDfx if I really want audio reactivity.
So far, we’ve been very pleased with them. I have some cool presets, and it does even work decently as a small matrix. It’s also very nice having a remote for them.
Parts Used:
- SP511e LED Controller
- WS2812B LED strips
- Aluminum u-channel
- 5v power supply and extension