Create stunning light effects

Hey everyone, welcome back! In this post, we’ll dive into controlling your LEDs like a pro using WLED. Whether you’re new to smart lighting or an experienced maker, this guide will help you get your addressable LEDs up and running in no time.

What is WLED?

WLED is an amazing open-source project that lets you control addressable LEDs effortlessly with just an ESP32 or ESP8266 board. With WLED, you can create stunning light effects, sync your lights with music, and even control them via your phone. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• An ESP32 or ESP8266 board
• Addressable LEDs, like the WS2812B strip
• Some connecting wires

Getting Started with WLED

1. Flashing WLED to Your ESP Board

The setup is simple. First, you need to install the WLED firmware on your ESP board. Here’s how:

• Visit the WLED website.
• Choose the latest firmware version and click “Install.”
• Connect your ESP board to your computer. Select the port (e.g., TTYACM0 if you're on Linux) and click “Install” to flash the firmware.

After installation, you can configure Wi-Fi settings. Simply connect to your Wi-Fi using your smartphone or any other device.

2. Setting Up the Hardware

Connecting the hardware is straightforward. Here’s how to hook up your ESP board to the LED strip:

• 5V pin on ESP32/ESP8266: Connect to the power line of the LED strip.
• Ground pin on ESP32/ESP8266: Connect to the ground on the LED strip.
• Data Input on the LED strip: Connect to any available GPIO pin on the ESP.

Pro Tip: Ensure a common ground between the ESP board and the LED strip

Configuring WLED on Mobile

Now that the hardware is connected, open the WLED app on your phone. The app allows you to:

• Turn your LEDs on and off
• Adjust brightness
• Choose from a variety of effects like Rainbow, Strobe, and more

LED Preferences

In the app, you’ll also need to set some preferences. This includes specifying the GPIO pin connected to the LED strip and entering the number of LEDs in the strip. Once configured, you’re ready to explore the extensive range of customizable lighting effects that WLED offers.

Customize Your Lighting Effects

If you’ve used addressable RGB LEDs before, you know how challenging it can be to program custom effects. With WLED, however, effects come pre-loaded and are ready to use. You can choose from a variety of effects, sync them to music, or set them to change colors in patterns.

Wrap-Up

And that's it! With WLED, you can create fantastic lighting displays for any occasion—whether it's your desk setup, home decor, or a party. Thanks for reading.