Modifying Normal Dressing Table to an Amazing RGB Light Stand
by CrazyScience in Circuits > Arduino
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Modifying Normal Dressing Table to an Amazing RGB Light Stand
Hi readers, in this instructable I will show you how I made this wooden dressing table or some call it a mirrored drawer into an amazing RGB Light emitting stand that displays mesmerizing rainbow colors live.
This modification enhance the living experience in your room, even I was amazed by the results.
Where did the idea for this project originate from?
Recently when I was dusting my room I broke the mirror attached to my wall, for a few days I was looking at myself in the phone camera! it was finally the end of the month saved some money and bought this less expensive dressing mirror or you can also call it a wooden drawer with a mirror
Since I bought this my requirement of watching myself in a large mirror was fulfilled, But the plane wooden table was just boring for me.
At first, I thought of adding Lights to the edges or mirror, But I didn't wasn't to take the risk of damaging my new thing.
After some deep thinking, I found a perfect spot, yes it was at the top of the table.
I don't exactly know the reason behind the space left by the manufacturer of this product, but anyways it was the area i decided to work.
After some trial and error, I found a way to add the ws2812B LEDs and also to illuminate them in the best way.
With these being said let us head over to building this project-
Supplies
Ws2812B strip(Length of the strip depends upon the application in your case in my case 110cms that had 56 LEDs
Arduino nano
Jumper wires
3D printer
Arduino IDE and Programming Cable
Power Bank
3D Printer
Soldering lead and iron
Circuit Diagram
This is the simple circuit we are using in this project
The WS2812B LED strip has 3 terminals
One is for the 5v power supply that will be connected to a 5v Pin of nano
Di or digital input pin is signal input from Arduino and is connected to the D6 pin of the nano
GND pin of the nano is connected to GND pin of the LED strip
You can also power LED from an external source, make sure you are using a suitable 5v DC power
In my case, i will be using a power bank for the power supply
3D Printed Parts
I have used Tinkercad software to design the bracket which will help us a lot in the project
It serves as a diffuser holder and eliminates the use of glue and hence making the project look neat
Slice the STL using Cura, I printed a set of 4, 2 times so i had 8 brackets.
Print using PLA with 30 to 40% infill, there is no need for supports or adhesion while printing.
You might need to clean some of the webbings, end of this step you will have diffuser holders
Preparing LED
Note that signal flow in these types of LED strips is one way it means you should follow the direction of the arrow
From the first image you can see the arrow, gently scratch the slot with any metal, this is done for better adhesion of wire during soldering
I will use jumper wires to solder, trim the other end of the jumper wire and solder them to the LED pins
After measuring the amount of LED, Cut the required length from the reel
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Arduino Code
The mission here is to create a rainbow effect on your WS2812B LED strip
If you are using Arduino ide and led strip for first time you'll need to install the FastLED library. You can do this by following these steps:
- Open the Arduino IDE.
- Go to "Sketch" > "Include Library" > "Manage Libraries..."
- In the Library Manager, search for "FastLED".
- Click on "FastLED" by Daniel Garcia and click the "Install" button.
After installing the FastLED library, you can check for the proper port and board
Click on the upload button and wait for the code to upload
Check if the code gives proper output by connecting the LED to the nano
No doubt it will work as expected.
Downloads
Installing LED Strip
This is the exciting part of this project
Just peel of the sticky side of the LED strip reel and start from one corner
Make sure to press the strip gently along the line so as not to miss any LED pop out
After this is done connect the board and power supply and check if everything is working
It will work and if it is a yes we can head over to the next step.
Diffusers
Mere adding the LED strips is not enough.
These LEDs just give out light and that is not attractive at all, so we need a diffuser.
Diffuser is a thing that scatters the light to a wide area, you can see diffusers in the LED lamp of your house
I found that paper is the best alternative to diffuse light in our project and most importantly paper fits so well in my project
Start by measuring the slot sides and depth in my case it was 1.8cm deep
I cut the strip of paper that was 3.5cm sides and the standard length of the other side
Fold the strip of paper so it would fit the 3D-printed part
Use paper glue to couple them and allow them to dry completely.
Adding Diffusers
As the 3d printed parts as well as the paper are folded after taking measurements of the table we need minor effort to fit this in place
Start by holding the 3d printed brackets and gently push them inside the slots of table, make sure all the paper edges go smoothly as you push
Start with the sides first, if you have any gaps use your fingers to gently push the paper.
You can also add a piece of paper to the edges and glue them if you have small gaps.
Repeat the same steps for all 3 sides.
After this is done connect the power supply to Arduino
Within no time the LED starts to glow displaying amazing rainbow colors
You can also change the color of LED as per your choice, But in my case i like the gentle fade of rainbow
Working Video
Here is the working video of this project, if you are trying to build this project and need any help you can drop me a message in the comments.
This is one of the methods by which you can increase the aesthetics of your living area.
Thank you for reading this instructable, Have a great modifying day.