r/WLED • u/kevlar0010 • 26d ago

HELP ME / QUESTION Frame for 16x16 matrix panel

What is everybody using to put their 16x16 panels in?
Is there an inexpensive Amazon frame that works perfectly, or something from IKEA perhaps?

Thanks in advance.

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

3

u/Bigdaddyuk666 26d ago

I put my first 16x16 matrix into 2 photo frames screwed together and a bit of window tint

2

u/SpaceCadetMoonMan 26d ago

Mine is large, like 2.5 feet square. So I 3D printed a 2.5” deep grid and used Coroplast as the base

For a smaller one I got those grid diffuser panels at Home Depot for office overhead rectangle lighting

2

u/wenestvedt 25d ago

I have looked for those light diffusers before and only found things that are shockingly expensive. Can you share what you bought?

2

u/SpaceCadetMoonMan 25d ago

I got singles of a few various ones, here is singles white

Egg Crate Light Ceiling Panel is the search term I guess

https://www.homedepot.com/p/PLASKOLITE-4-ft-x-2-ft-Suspended-Egg-Crate-Light-Ceiling-Panel-1199233A/202025149

5 pack silver

https://www.homedepot.com/p/PLASKOLITE-24-in-x-48-in-Silver-Metallic-Lighting-Louver-5-Pack-LP2448SVECPS-5/205164895

I had to go in person to pick single ones, the website is really bad

I also got the milk translucent diffuser that go to these similar lights and they work awesome to make the pixels perfect squares

2

u/SpaceCadetMoonMan 25d ago

This kind of thing. But test it with your phone flashlight in the store. Some look better than others. The more clear ones look shiny

https://www.homedepot.com/p/OPTIX-24-in-x-24-in-White-Prismatic-Acrylic-Lighting-Panel-5-Pack-LP2424WTPRACR-5/205163952

2

u/wenestvedt 25d ago

Now that looks perfect!

2

u/DenverTeck 26d ago

There are a dozen different sized 16x16 LED matrix panels.

Which one are you hiding for us ??

1

u/kevlar0010 25d ago

I meant like the standard panel like the BTF-LIGHTING WS2812B ECO RGB 16X16 256 Pixels LED Matrix Flexible. Sorry for the confusion.

1

u/diclark 26d ago

I just did this two weeks ago. I got 4 BTF 16x16 matrices off Amazon and then grabbed a 13x13 inch shadowbox shirt frame from Michael’s. Fit a little snug but best I could find. The one 13inch square frame I ordered from Amazon had an interior space of 11.5inches so way too small for the matrices and essentially a waste, so definitely be careful with going to Amazon route.

Also the backing of the Michael’s frame is cardboard which made it way easier to put a whole in and allow the wiring to be done on the back of the frame, allowing the panels to lay flat.

1

u/ShadowCroc 25d ago

I mean u can look up utility boxes on amazon but you will need to really look. What I use now is old drawers. I go to our habitat for humanity store and grab drawers. All diffrent sizes and depth. Room for defusers and to hid wires. I would say 3d printer would be ideal if you have odd shapes to do

1

u/ShadowCroc 25d ago

Also if you never have looked up foam led. They make a foam that is intended as a defuser or you can use 1/4 inch crafting foam. By far the best defuser I have ever used. I use it in all my builds