I’ve created a neon/TL tube style light using some 3D printed parts, an ESP8266 flashed with WLED and an acrylic tube.
The goal was to keep the entire light as slim as possible, so I ended up using a 30mm diameter acrylic tube. this was I could design a housing for the ESP8266 that was about the same diameter as the tube, keeping the design esthetic very similar to a TL light tube.
The whole thing is about 1,5m long and with WLED, it’s fully adressable down to a single LED pixel.
The light in action:
3D files and Bill of Materials:
For those interested in re-creating the project, I’ve uploaded the design to Printables.
Apart from the 3D printed parts (controller housing and end cap), you’ll need the following:
- 30mm outer diameter acrylic tube: frosted or opal (mine is opal
- ws2812b LED strip (mine uses 80 leds)
- A 5V wall wart (The amperage will limit the length of your light. Mine is 4A max, so about 90 leds)
- ESP8266 D1 Mini
- Glue (Optional. The design should friction fit together)
- Spray paint (Optional)