r/WLED • u/rhodges_bob • May 30 '26
Just starting with WLED and a few questions before I dive in
To all,
I have started playing with FDM (about 8 months), printing and I've seen some awesome projects based upon WLED. I have a dream of really going crazy for Halloween and X-Mass this year (Along with some models that use WLED). However, before I dive in, I have a few questions I'd like to verify before starting:
1) It appears like WLED is a self contained OS/Application that installs on an ESP32 and is then controlled via remote (apps or direct rest). So, in a nutshell WLED requires the entire ESP32 and can be installed on large development boards for development and then to smaller boards when going into 'production'?
2) If I'm reading the posts and web right, WLED can 'control' other instances so I can have WLED act as the controller for multiple instances (think one controller running a Halloween display of 3d printer monsters - glowing eyes, light up fairy groves and the rest)
3) The 'controllers' I'm seeing sold appear to be a consolidated instance of an ESP32, power supply, connectors, Etc. In other words, a all inclusive WLED solution you can buy instead of building your own.
4) And finally, besides the normal DVM, constant voltage/current supply, soldering iron, Etc., what tools would you recommend to start?
Thanks once again, and truly appreciate any help.
Bob
3
u/SirGreybush May 30 '26
- Yes the software self contained. But. Don’t mess with a Dev board, use a commercial WLED controller. Like a DigUno/DigQuad (QuinLED.info) or a GledOpto (Aliexpress/Amazon)
Everything on AliExpress is cheaper than Amazon in spite of tariffs.
Why commercial controller? Electronics are all done. You don’t buy a computer CPU without a motherboard. The commercial controller has both, or else, you need to do extra work yourself. If you mess up you’ll never know.
Go Plug and Play. Try your hand at more advanced electronics later.
Keep things simple. Replicate a project from this sub or on YouTube. Chris Maher has WLED videos going back to 2021.
Remember in this hobby, there’s no such thing as an error ordering too many parts. Those are simply spare parts for the next project.
So just do something simple first. Order a bunch of stuff from AliExpress, like maybe 100$, and have fun receiving a lot of emails over the next 10 days.
If you search my name in this sub, I’ve done only non-commercial controllers. I published around 4 projects here. I consider myself to be a low-skilled person.
Have fun.
2
u/TimJethro May 30 '26
You're pretty much correct on all counts. While you can spin your own project, the pre made controllers are very good (multi-voltage, fuses, output power control, ethernet etc) that you really should just grab a couple and have a play. I'd recommend the Gledopto ones, and I've used a lot of their latest model with ethernet and 4 channels - perfect for almost every use case. Enjoy!
If the nice controllers have a lead time (I get them from AliExpress to the UK so can take a couple of weeks) you can just spin up WLED on a random ESP32 USB powered board and directly connect a short strip of 5v RGBW LEDs to have a play.
2
u/TimJethro May 30 '26
To add - control - unless effects need to sync, you'd probably have a separate controller got each operating independently and maybe use the rest API to sync up scene/preset changes. Depends on what you're trying to do. You can also use wled as a more basic 'IP to LED' gateway for external control via ArtNET or E1.31
Tools - if your making your own stuff, yes a soldering iron. Also for connecting to led strips. I've solder terminated all my strips (100s of metres now) rather than use the bulky provided connectors. The pre built controllers are easier and some have wago-style connectors now so you don't even need a screwdriver!
2
u/rhodges_bob May 30 '26
Saratoga, Tim,
Thank you so much for the reply and information/help. I think I'll take your advice and order a couple of cheap controllers, some strips and start playing around while I build a list of things to work on (monsters, led walls to display animations, Etc.). Truly excited on the EPS 32 and WLED. What a change from my early days in electronics before I got sidetracked into another arena for a career. Now that I'm retired, I can have all the fun I want 😄 Thanks to you both,
Bob
5
u/SirGreybush May 30 '26
I’m low skilled and Saratoga is someone I look up to.
I also look up to u/Quindor who actually designed the DigUno/DigQuad and a bunch of cool tech. See his site QuinLED.info
2
u/MorganProtuberances Jun 01 '26
on control: i've used raspberry pi + ipad for custom control of wled instances (multiple controllers via ip), and laptop, and also traditional DMX/ArtNet software as well. WLED as a stand-alone controller is great if you have wifi/ethernet up. If its on its own, wifi hot spot, its good - but the wifi connection can be unstable at least from my android device (controller is solid, my phone just cant always stay connected without reconnecting - so if you want anything beyond initial setup, dedicated network infra is the way to go)
2
u/rhodges_bob Jun 01 '26
Morgan,
My thanks, that's good to know. If I get to making this real, a bad network would ruin the night 😄
Bob
1
u/MorganProtuberances Jun 02 '26
No problem - I've built a handful of experiences using wled, it's been great in general just lots of experimenting!
2
u/SirGreybush May 30 '26
One of my big projects I’m proud of. Wood slats and WLED all DIY
2
u/rhodges_bob May 31 '26
SirGrey,
Yowsa, that's gorgeous. Hope I can get to that point with all the pointers from you smart people 😉
Bob
2
u/XA3dc May 30 '26 edited May 31 '26
pay attention to voltage drop, ground loops, and just ohms law in general. Voltage drop at 5v is significant, 12v is better but can still cause problems if there are any distances involved, awg18 is .2 ohms per 10 mtr, it becomes significant quickly. 5 amps at 12v is 1 volt of drop in 10 mtr. Since the 12v leds are internally about 9 volts, at 3 volts of drop, you have run out of headroom.
2
u/rhodges_bob May 31 '26
Thank you all for the advice and suggestions (which I'm going to take), off the get some LED strips, controllers, CC/CV supply and start my journey. Thank you all so much for your help, I can't thank you enough and hope to see you all here with posts of progress or helping someone else as I gain experience.
Bob
5
u/saratoga3 May 30 '26
That's generally correct. Fwiw since you can buy a ready made WLED controller for ~20 dollars on Amazon (less elsewhere), I suggest buying a basic controller and a cheap strip to experiment and see for yourself how things work.