In a bid to enhance their reading experience, an individual known as Arkandas developed a custom lighting solution for their bedroom. The existing lamps proved inadequate, either emitting too harsh a light or failing to provide sufficient illumination. To address this, Arkandas embarked on a project to construct a tailored controller for a series of addressable LED lighting strips.
The innovative setup features LED strips installed in aluminum channels, outfitted with plastic diffusers to produce a smooth, even glow. The lighting strips are strategically placed in the headboard area, ensuring that light is directed precisely where it is needed for reading. To manage these LED strips, Arkandas utilized an ESP32, a versatile microcontroller, along with the FastLED library for the WS2812B LEDs and the Adafruit NeoPixel library for the SK6812 LEDs, which include an additional white channel for enhanced color options.
A web interface was developed to allow for direct control over the lights via the local network. In a significant enhancement, Arkandas also integrated the FauxmoESP library, enabling control of the lighting system through Amazon Alexa. This integration seamlessly fits into their existing smart home environment, allowing for convenience and ease of use.
The outcome of this project is a highly functional lighting system that creates a soft ambiance suitable for reading while also being easily operable through voice commands or a web interface. Arkandas has made the project files available on Github for those interested in replicating or learning from this innovative solution.
This endeavor highlights the potential of the ESP32 in creating smart home solutions, showcasing not only its capabilities for lighting control but also its adaptability for various applications. The project serves as inspiration for others seeking to develop their own smart lighting systems, encouraging a wave of creativity in the realm of personalized home automation.
