Nanoleaf 2.0
Introduction: Nanoleaf 2.0
Hey What's up you guys!
So this is the Nanoleaf 2.0 which is a DIY version of the famous Nanoleaf RGB Triangular lighting setup.
The goal here was to Recreate a Nanoleaf-like device with minimal spec and low cost, one that has all the basic RGB Glowing features and can be made easily.
To accomplish this feat, I prepared this setup completely from PCBs that were provided by PCBWAY.
This Instructables is gonna be about the whole built process of this economic version of Nanoleaf so let's get started!
Supplies
Following were things required to make this project-
* Custom PCBs
* WS2812B LEDs
* Attiny85 SOIC8
* SMD Button
* USB Micro Port vertical
* 100nf Cap
* 5V Power Source
* Arduino Nano (for flashing Attiny85)
If you want to purchase this Nanoleaf, checkout its tindie link- https://www.tindie.com/products/maepa/nanoleaf-dumb-edition/
Step 1: Prologue
Nanoleaf available on market costs a lot, so I planned this alternate version which doesn't have any fancy connectivity options like BT or Wifi, I added a button to change the color of LEDs.
This Setup is powered by a USB Port that takes 5V Inputs to power each LED and Attiny85.
I already made a V1 of this setup that you guys can check out from the below link.
https://www.instructables.com/PCB-NANOLEAFHEXALEAF/
In that version, I used 6 LEDs and a THT version of Attiny85.
This edition is similar to the previous one in layout, the only difference is the Attiny85 Package is now SOIC8 instead of DIP8, there are a total of 8 pixels in this board now and the overall length has been shortened to make this setup more compact.
Also, I've added a vertical Micro USB Port in this project so we can easily connect a charger to this setup in a nice and tidy way.
Step 2: PCB Design and Schematic
8 WS2812B LEDs are connected in parallel, Dout of First LED is connected to Din of Second LED, Second's LED Dout is connected with third LED's Din and this goes on up to 8th LED.
8th LED Dout is connected with a CON1 Pad that will connect with other boards and this sequence will continue on the second PCB as well.
We can add as many PCBs that we like and make different GONS from this setup.
Like previously I made a Dodecgon by preparing a similar setup, We are already preparing Trigon but we can make Tetragon, Pentagon, Hexagon, Heptagon, Octagon, etc.
We just have to use multiple Boards and connect them at a certain angle which is the internal angle between two sides of any gon you're preparing.
Attiny85 is being used to control the addressable LEDs with an SMD Button.
I prepared its PCB and then send it to PCBWAY for samples.
Step 3: PCB Assembly
PCB Assembly of this project contains the following steps that also include testing the board before adding componenets on the bottom side.
* Solder paste Dispensing
* Pick & Place Process
* Hotplate reflow process
* Checking If the LEDs are working
* Adding Attiny85, Switch, and USB Port
Step 4: SOLDER PASTE DISPENSING
Now the first step is to add solder paste to each component pad one by one.
To Apply solder paste, I'm using a Solderpaste Dispensing Needle with a Wide syringe, and the solder paste I'm using is a regular solder paste consisting of 63% Tin and37% Lead.
Step 5: PCBWAY
I received the PCBs in a week which was fast.
I choose White Soldermask for this project with a Black silkscreen and the overall quality of the PCBs was just awesome.
I have Been using their service for a while and I have to say, it's pretty decent for getting started.
Checkout PCBWAY from here- https://www.pcbway.com/
Step 6: Pick & Place Process
After applying Solderpaste we move on to the next step which is to add components to their assigned location.
Also, because we are preparing a Trigon setup, we need to make two more boards.
Step 7: Hotplate Reflow
After the "Pick & Place Process", I carefully lifted the whole circuit board and place it on my DIY SMT Hotplate. 982