How to Quickly Build Your First LED Controller

A step-by-step guide on how to build a simple LED controller with no soldering and no special tools. While a soldered version is always preferred for more permanent projects, this video will show you how to build a controller to let you experiment with LED strips and the WLED software using a minimal amount of parts and no special tools, skills or coding.

Please check out the links following the chapter breaks for much more information on using different controllers, LED strips and sample projects using LEDs.

Chapter Breaks
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00:00 Introduction
01:53 Parts used
06:16 Flashing WLED
08:53 Identifying your controller's pins
10:14 Assembling the controller
14:55 Connecting the LED strips
16:36 Connecting the power supply
19:18 Bench test - first power up
19:58 Configuring and testing WLED
21:32 Reusing parts
22:00 Wrap up and more information


Parts Used and Shown:
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Many variations of these parts can be used, but this is the list of parts used or shown in the video.

WS2812b LED Strips (1 m): https://amzn.to/3z6h9PI
ESP8266 NodeMCU (beware of cheap clones): https://amzn.to/40boYj1
5V 10A Power Supply (adjust for your LED count): https://amzn.to/3FNwNmC
1/2 Size Breadboard: https://amzn.to/3z4Q7Z2
Breadboard Jumpers: https://amzn.to/3z4Qnas
Wago Clips (can substitute wire nuts): https://amzn.to/42H5e8j
20 Gauge Solid Core Wire: https://amzn.to/40txWbz
Micro-USB Data Cable: https://amzn.to/3Zc5EAQ


Optional/Alternate Parts (not required for 'basic' version... minor soldering may be required for some parts):
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Logic Level Shifter (recommended, but not required): https://amzn.to/418Gq94
Wemos D1 Mini: https://amzn.to/3FMwFDO
ESP32 Mini: https://amzn.to/3z0c3EB
LED Aluminum Channel: https://amzn.to/40dNtMm
Barrel Connector: https://amzn.to/3K5lOHN
JST Connectors: https://amzn.to/3ZdyVuT

Some of the above links may be Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, this channel may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Additional Information and Links:
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Build you own LED controller (soldered version): https://youtu.be/ifv6wV3Rm6A
Various wiring diagrams for controllers: https://resinchemtech.blogspot.com/2023/01/wiring-diagrams.html
WLED installation page: https://install.wled.me
Sound reactive WLED example video: https://youtu.be/_xEFJMp48z4
ESP8266 vs. ESP32 with WLED: https://youtu.be/q1ghNUND6gk
Logic Level Shifter: https://youtu.be/Q9mLitVxF3c
Random Nerd Tutorials on ESP8266 Pin outs: https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp8266-pinout-reference-gpios/
LED Video Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqjDNeOVHOkf079FYwRLRoOHJwLijKkP3

#led #wled #ledcontroller