Dodecagon Portal Project
Introduction: Dodecagon Portal Project
Hey everyone what's up,
So this is my "DODECAGON PORTAL" which is a huge Nanoleaf like device which is made from combining 12 PCBs together at a certain angle to make a dodecagon shape.
The goal for making this project was simple, I wanted to make a huge Nanoleaf like Setup with PCBs, Previously I made this similar version which was small so I wanted to enlarge that project so I created this Dodecagon Portal Project which is actually version 2.
In this Instructables, I'm gonna show you guys how you can ReCreate this Project Step by Step!
Supplies
These are the things I used for this built
* PCBs which were provided by PCBWay
* WS2812B LEDs x 84
* 100nf Capacitor 0805 x 36
* ESP12F Module x 1
* AMS1117 3.3V x 1
* 10uF Cap x 1
* 100uF Cap x 1
* 0 ohms Resistance x 2
* 10K x 4
* Female header pins
* THT Micro USB Port x 1
* 10uF 16V Aluminium Capacitor x 1
* Solder Paste
* 3D Printed Soldering JIG
* HOTPLATE REFLOW
Step 1: Working Process/PCB Prep
This Project utilizes two PCBs one is the mainboard and another one contains 7 WS2812B LEDs.
Mainboard has ESP12F Module hooked up with WS2812B LEDs. The mainboard generates the signal for the first WS2812B LED, through NZR communication mode, the first pixel obtains the data from ESP8266 via DIN Port and then sends the 24bit data to the second pixel via its DOUT Port. Main Board Contains 7 PCBs so when the data reaches to 7th pixel, we add another PCB onto the main board which adds 7 more pixels to this setup, the data then transfer from the first PCB to the second PCB, and so on.
The Second PCB doesn't have an ESP12F module soldered on it, it's just a breakout for 7 RGB LEDs.
My idea here is to solder 12 PCBs together in this arrangement, each PCB will get soldered to each other at an angle of 150, just like a classic dodecagon. So overall, this project requires 12 PCBs, 1 mainboard, and 11 LED Breakout boards. 982
BUT Buying two different PCBs will cost more so I prepared this Setup in such a way that if I need to use the ESP12F which is on the bottom side, I have to add a 0Ohms resistor that connects the DIN port of the first LED with GPIO12. Because of this, we only need to add ESP12F to one board, and the rest of the PCBs can be directly soldered with WS2812B LEDs without changing anything.
the main schematic is attached*
Step 2: PCBWay!
After Preparing the PCB for this project, I send the PCB Gerber file to PCBWay for samples.
Why PCBWay?
Duh, because their service is top-notch and great.
I placed the order and received some cool-looking PCBs in just a week! I have to say, the PCBs that I received were nice as expected, PCBWay, you guys rocks!
PCBWay offers a large variety of services which also includes PCB Assembly, Flexible PCBs, even 3D Printing, not just any 3D printing, Metal 3D Printing!
Check out PCBWay if you need great PCB service for less cost. - https://www.pcbway.com/
After receiving the PCB, it's time to start the assembly process.
Step 3: Assembly of Main Board
To Prepare the first PCB which would be this Main Board,
* I first applied solder paste to each component's PADs and then pick and place each component in their assigned place in the right order.
* After this, I turned on my DIY SMD HOTPLATE which is a ghetto Hotplate for reflowing PCBs.
* I place the PCB on it and let the solder paste melt.
* This whole process took hardly 5 minutes.
* Now we need to add ESP12F on the bottom side with a Soldering Iron because we cannot use our hotplate for this task.
* We First add ESP12F in its place and then add the AMS1117 Voltage Regulator along with 10uf Cap, 100uF Cap, and 0ohms Resistance. then we add THT Components which are the Main Power Switch, Programming header pins, and this THT Micro USB Port.
In the PCB design, I made a mistake. 472