Sometimes you might want to use your WLED lighting in a place where there is no network, in that case you can use the hotspot in WLED and then connect to that from the phone to control it. But what if you only need to switch the Light on and off and select a couple of Scener/Profiles?  Well that is what this Blog is about 

The Idea is to use one button connected to the ESP32 to provide the most basic functionality:

Here is how I managed to configure the WLED controller to do that.

For this Blog I am using the Seeed Studio ESP32-C3 as the controller with a small casing that can use the onboard user button.

The Onboard button is mapped to D9  (GPIO09) – You can find the case on MakerWorld here: https://makerworld.com/en/models/469059#profileId-378336

And for the test my light strip is connected to D10 (GPIO10)

Note how I had to punch a hole in the antenne. Be sure to not cut in to the leading material it is faint but you will be able to see the lines.

The WELD setup

To start with you need to set a couple of Preset, and I recommend to set the default to you most used preset and to switch on when it gets power:

In this case Preset 1.

To set the button you need to do 3 things:

1: Enable the button

This is done in the config In the Button section set one of the buttons to GPIO9 and as a Push button

Be aware that Button has special functions that can erase the ESP32, so I recommend using 1 – 3.

You can read more about buttons here: https://kno.wled.ge/features/macros/#buttons

2: thing is to define the Macros

The Macros need to set up the actions that the buttons should do.

Goto the main screen and the Presets, 

• Her create a new preset 
• Uncheck use current state
• Give it a name
• The you need to ass a API command for Toggle Power
• Give it a ID – I suggest a higher number that the light preset e.g. 100

Repeat steps for the 2 other macros:

IMPORTANT: Next Preset fill roll between Preset id 1 and 8 – To avoid running the macros. If you add more presets you need to change this number also if you delete presets.

You can see all the API commands here : https://kno.wled.ge/interfaces/http-api/

3: Assign button to Macros

Last thing is to assign the Button to the macros.

Goto Config -> Time & Macros

scroll to the Button Action section and assign the right macros to the ruth action for button 1:

Remember to save settings in the top.

You can read more on macros here: https://kno.wled.ge/features/macros/

Here is a small Video to show the Button in action:

The post Controlling WLED without the App first appeared on The Tech Dane.

With Usb-c you actually have more than a 5v power-supply. USB-C can deliver 5v, 9v, 12v, 15v and 20v.

To get more than 5v from the power supply you need the equipment to negotiate with power supply to get the right voltage, as an example your phone or Laptop will request a higher voltage for higher charging rate. 

I like one with physical dip switches, like this one:

.     

Amazon.de : https://amzn.to/3VKZxDR

Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/3XC6oSA

NOTE!! – My testing shows that ON is 0 so that 12V looks like this:

The Huge difference between a Step-down / buck converter (Like this one: https://amzn.to/3XDsQur) is that the Decoy requests the voltage from the Power-supply, but whatever wattage the power supply is available on the output – AND it does not use current as the step down/buck converter will do even though it is low. 

But of course the Decoy relies on a USB-C PD Power supply. But at least here in Europe this is being standardized so chances are that you already have a few laying around. 

IMPORTANT! – Not all Chargers can deliver all voltages! most can get to 9V but if you need high hen check the specs on the charger e.g. this IKEA Dual USB-C Charger:

Another advantage is that you can be independent of the power grid just by using a a standard USB-C Powerbank, as long as it is PD rated. e.g.:

Amazon.de: https://amzn.to/4ckQfFw

Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/4eHrFQP

You can monitor the Usage on USB-C with one of the small dungles like this one 

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Amazon.co.uk: https://amzn.to/3XG1R1h

This can also be used to ensure that the voltage requested from the decoy is correct.

“Outdoor” 12v test

I have created a casing to the above Decoy module:

You can find the case 3D print file here:

MakerWorld: https://makerworld.com/en/models/515720#profileId-431974

Printables: 

Here is my latest usage of it where I use it to power a 12v fan for a Filter in my 3D printer.

The post Get more than 5v. from USB first appeared on The Tech Dane.

It is a simple VIHALS IKEA Cupboard, that I reinforced to carry the wheels I mounted. I live in a smaller place so I have to move it around when I do not use it

The next projects that I will be showing is a small WLED controller, a new Enclosure for my 3D printer and some automations using Home Assistant

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