What is it and why did I make it?

Due to the well known component shortage I had to redesign the first version of the IoT RGB Controller since I could not source the required components. With the first version in mind I expanded the functionality of the new version not only on the hardware side but also on the software side. The new version is ofcoarse still able to control an LED strip. The temperature sensor is also still available on the PCB to read the temperature inside the enclosure or the environmental temperature. Besides these features that were already on the first version I also added the ability to connect a generic touch button to the PCB via a JST connector. This touch button can be placed on the underside of the enclosure lid or can be placed somewhere externally (where you desire). How you can attach this button on the underside of the enclosures lid can be seen in one of the pictures. In theory you could also connect a regular push button to this connector, but my intention during development was to use a touch button in combination with the enclosure. On software side of things I made the software so that during first power up the ESP8266 goes into Access Point (AP) mode. By connecting to the AP a config portal will show up where you can configure all settings for this device as well as WiFi settings. This means you don't have to program the ESP8266 yourself since the latest software will be programmed onto the ESP8266 before shipping. If in the future you want to update the software it can be done using Over-The-Air updates using the config portal.

The controller uses WiFi in combination with the MQTT protocol to control the LED strip and to send the status of the temperature sensor and touch button to an MQTT broker.

The reason I made this controller is because I wanted an easy to setup controller that can control my LED strips via my home automation setup using MQTT.

Features:

• ESP8266 (ESP-12F)
• RGB LED Strip
• Temperature: Dallas DS18B20
• Touch Button
• Plug and Play

Specifications:

• Input Voltage: 9 - 28V (Most common 12V, with 12V LED strip)
• Input Connector: Power Jack 2.5mm
• LED Output Connector: 4-Pin Push-in Terminal Block
• Max Switching Current: 5A (3 channels combined)
• Touch Button Connector: 3-pin JST (3.3V, Signal, GND)
• Temperature sensor range: -55ºC to +125ºC
• Temperature sensor accuracy: ±2ºC
• Dimensions: 73x33mm (without enclosure)

How does it work?

Software:

As stated before, there is no programming involved with this controller. It already ships with the latest software installed. The only thing you have to do is setup your MQTT parameters and WiFi network settings. How this can be done is described on my github repository for this software. The process is very easy. Link to Github repository

Enclosure:

I also designed a new enclosure for the controller. There are three versions: one with no touch button, one with an internal touch button and one with an external touch button.

The stl files for these different enclosures can be downloaded from Thingiverse. If you want to use the enclosure with no touch button, you should print the internal box stl and external lid stl files. Link to stl files on Thingiverse

Note: The enclosures are not available for purchase since this would cost too much in terms of shipping. It is better to print them yourself or to find a local maker space that can print them for you.

Touch Button:

I mentioned in the intro that it is possible to connect a touch button to the PCB. This touch button can be placed inside the enclosure or outside the enclosure. You can order this touch button (with cable soldered to it) and JST connector (either right angle or straight) as an option. The straight JST connector is for the internal touch button version and right angle JST connector is for the external touch button version.

Securing the touch button to the lid

Among the uploaded images there is an image that shows how to glue the touch button PCB to the enclosure lid. You can use either hot glue or super glue for this. Or something else you like.

Note that on the standard PCB the JST connector is not soldered. If you like to use the touch button, you will have to solder the connector yourself. This gives the flexibility to choose your setup how you want it.

If something is not clear please ask a questions.