DIY RGB Tube Lights
Introduction: DIY RGB Tube Lights
DIY RGB Tube light is a multi functional tube light which can be used in photography, light painting photography, film making, gaming, as a VU meter and more. The tube light can be controlled by Prismatik software or by a push button. These tub lights are made using a Arduino Nano and WS2812B LED strip.
Step 1: Supplies:
1. (1) Arduino Nano : https://amzn.to/3r2x4sY
2. (2mt) WS2812B LED Strip: https://amzn.to/2Kwe70O
3. (2) White Tube Lights Or Aluminum Light Fittings with Diffuser : https://amzn.to/38fF6Gu Or https://amzn.to/38fF6Gu
4. 635
(1) 5V 5A Power Supply : https://amzn.to/3nqCvQi
5. (1) Push Button : https://amzn.to/3mpNEPK
6. (1) Wires : https://amzn.to/3npgYrh
7. (1) DC Connector : https://amzn.to/3nocDV2
Step 2: Tube Lights Disassembling:
* Disassemble the tube light by removing end caps, separating diffuser and removing whites LED strip from the tube.
Step 3: Circuit Connection:
* Make all the connections as shown in circuit diagram.
Step 4: Assembling:
* Put all the electronics in the tube, put back the end caps and seal the diffuser using clear tape.
Step 5: Tube Light 2:
* Similarly make the second tube but this time use only WS2812b LED strip, connector, wires and connect the tube lights.
Step 6: Code for Software:
* Download the given zip files and extract them.
* RGB_Tube_code & software zip
* Open the RGB Tube code & software file, open the code given in Arduino IDE.
* Install the FastLED library in Arduino IDE.
* You can enter the number of LEDs you used in your tube lights, I used 65 LEDs in each tube lights, i.e. 130 LEDs in both tube lights.
* #define NUM_LEDS 130
* Remember the port number. (for example: com8)
* Connect the Arduino to your PC, select the board type, select the port and upload the code.
Step 7: Software Setup:
* Install the prismatik software in your PC.
* Open the software and click on device.
* Click on Run configuration wizard and simply click on Next -> Next.
* Enter the Serial Port number and click Next -> Next
* Enter the number of LEDs at sides (i.e. in my case top=0, side=65, bottom=0) and click on custom -> Next.
* Adjust the sliders to get white color on the tube lights and click on finish.
* Now you can choose different mode in the software and display on tube lights.
NOTE: The Arduino should be connected to the PC.
Step 8: Button Code:
* Button_Tube.zip
* Open the Button_Tube code in Arduino IDE.
* With this code you can change the color of the Tube Lights with the push of button.
* Install the Pushbutton library by clicking on sketch ->Include library -> Add zip library and select the Pushbutton-2.0 zip file in Button_Tube file.
* Enter the number of LEDs.
* #define NUM_LEDS 130
* In this code you can enter the values of the colors at CRGB(----, -----, -----);
* for(int i = 0; i < NUM_LEDS; i++){ <br>
leds[i] = CRGB(0, 100,255);
FastLED.show();
* You can copy paste the color values from color picker.
* Connect the Arduino to your PC, select the board type, select the port and upload the code.
Step 9: NOTE:
* You can make this lights portable by using a power bank or some batteries.
* By using any Wi-Fi board like ESP8266 or ESP32 you can change the colors of the tube lights with a mobile app. 991