ESP32 LED Controller 💡

A custom ESP32-based controller for WS2812B/SK6812 LED strips with web interface and Alexa integration. Perfect for ambient bedroom lighting! 🛏️

✨ Features

• 🎨 Web Interface - Real-time control via browser
• 🗣️ Alexa Integration - Voice control support
• 🔘 Physical Buttons - Manual brightness/mode control
• 🌈 Multiple Effects - Rainbow, chase, breathing animations
• 📱 Custom Colors - Full RGB color picker
• 🔧 Two LED Types - WS2812B (RGB) and SK6812 (RGBW) support

📁 Project Structure

esp32-led-controller/
├── code/
│   ├── esp32-ws2812b/          # WS2812B (RGB) version
│   │   ├── data/               # Web interface files
│   │   │   ├── index.html      # Main web UI
│   │   │   ├── style.css       # Styling
│   │   │   └── app.js          # JavaScript controls
│   │   └── esp32-ws2812b.ino   # Arduino sketch
│   └── esp32-sk6812/           # SK6812 (RGBW) version
│       ├── data/               # Web interface files  
│       └── esp32-sk6812.ino    # Arduino sketch
├── kicad/                      # PCB design files
├── gerbers/                    # Manufacturing files
├── datasheets/                 # Component datasheets
└── assets/                     # Board photos

🚀 Quick Start

Prerequisites

1. Arduino IDE with ESP32 support
2. Required Libraries:
   • FastLED (for WS2812B) or Adafruit NeoPixel (for SK6812)
   • FauxmoESP (Alexa integration)
   • AsyncTCP & ESPAsyncWebServer (ESP32 versions)
   • LittleFS (file system)

Installation

1. Add ESP32 Board Support:

   File → Preferences → Additional Board Manager URLs:
   https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json
   

2. Board Configuration:

   • Board: "ESP32S3 Dev Module"
   • Flash Size: "8MB"
   • Partition Scheme: "8M with spiffs (3MB APP/1.5MB SPIFFS)"

3. Install Libraries via Library Manager

4. Choose Your LED Type:

   • esp32-ws2812b/ for standard RGB strips
   • esp32-sk6812/ for RGBW strips with dedicated white channel

Upload Process

1. Configure Settings in the .ino file:

   const char* ssid = "Your_WiFi_Network";
   const char* password = "Your_WiFi_Password"; 
   #define DEVICE_NAME "Bedroom Lights"
   #define NUM_LEDS 60  // Your LED count

2. Upload Web Files:

   • Install Arduino LittleFS Upload plugin
   • Place the data folder in your sketch directory
   • Use: Cmd + Shift + P, then select "Upload LittleFS to Pico/ESP8266/ESP32"

3. Upload Arduino Sketch normally

🔌 Hardware Connections

ESP32 Pin	Connection
GPIO 2	LED Strip Data
GPIO 17	Status LED (Red)
GPIO 16	Status LED (Green)
GPIO 18	Status LED (Blue)
GPIO 4-7	Control Buttons

🌐 Usage

After successful upload:

1. WiFi Connection: Board flashes blue → yellow (5x) when connected
2. Web Interface: Visit http://[ESP32_IP]:8080

3. Alexa: Say "Alexa, turn on bedroom lights"
4. Buttons: Physical controls for power/brightness/modes

🎛️ Controls

• Power Button: Long press (0.5s) to toggle on/off
• Brightness: ± buttons adjust in 10% steps
• Mode Button: Cycle through colors and effects
• Web Interface: Real-time RGB control and effects

📖 Blog Post

Read the full build story and PCB design process: ESP32 LED Controller

⚡ Hardware

Custom PCB design includes:

• ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 (8MB Flash)
• SN74AHCT125 level shifter (3.3V → 5V)
• LM1117S-3.3 voltage regulator
• Common anode status LED
• 4 control buttons
• 2.5mm barrel jack power input

🛠️ Development

The web interface uses vanilla JavaScript with no external dependencies. All files are served from ESP32's LittleFS for fast loading and offline operation.

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.