Build a Connected Lighting System with ESP32

10.12.2024 - Engine: Gemini

Guide to Building a Connected Lighting System Using ESP32

Components:

ESP32 Microcontroller (e.g., ESP32 DevKitC)
WS2812B LED Strip or Bulbs
Power Supply (5V, 2A or above)
Wi-Fi Router with Internet Connection

Programming:

1. Set Up ESP32 and IDE

Install the Arduino IDE (version 1.8.19 or later).
Add ESP32 board support to the IDE: https://github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32
Connect the ESP32 board to your computer using a USB cable.

2. Upload FASTLED Library

Download the FASTLED library from https://github.com/FastLED/FastLED and unzip it.
Copy the unzipped folder into your Arduino library folder (usually under "Documents/Arduino/libraries").
Restart the Arduino IDE.

3. Write the Code

Create a new sketch in the Arduino IDE.
Paste the following code:

#include <FastLED.h>

#define NUM_LEDS 30  // Number of LEDs in the strip
#define LED_PIN 15    // GPIO pin to which the LEDs are connected
#define WIFI_SSID "Your_Wi-Fi_SSID"
#define WIFI_PASS "Your_Wi-Fi_Password"

CRGB leds[NUM_LEDS];  // Array to store LED colors

void setup() {
  FastLED.addLeds<WS2812B, LED_PIN, GRB>(leds, NUM_LEDS);
  WiFi.begin(WIFI_SSID, WIFI_PASS);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
  }
}

void loop() {
  // Change LED colors or effects here
  for (int i = 0; i < NUM_LEDS; i++) {
    leds[i] = CRGB(255, 0, 0);  // Red
  }
  FastLED.show();
  delay(1000);
}

4. Compile and Upload

Compile and upload the code to the ESP32 board.

5. Controlling the Lighting System

Once the ESP32 is connected, you can control the LED strips over your Wi-Fi connection.
Create a web application or mobile app that sends HTTP requests to the ESP32 to change LED colors or effects.

Additional Features:

Web-Based Color Picker: Use the ESP32's RESTful API to provide a web interface where users can select colors from a color wheel.
Schedules and Automations: Set up schedules to turn the lights on and off at specific times or automate color changes.
Voice Control: Integrate with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control the lighting using voice commands.