Can't decide on the PCB color? #6 White

Hi makers!

This time, the PCB color is very important for the project I want to build. I had a white PCB made at JLCPCB that features many LEDs in white packages as well. I plan to build a more animated and at the same time more interactive panel, practically the easiest way is to do this using LEDs, but not just any LEDs, but the addressable WS2812B ones. Why wouldn't I use LED strips? Because they don't produce the desired effect, I've tried this in the past, by just sticking an LED strip on the interior walls I don't get a really good looking panel. That's why I want to use PCBs because I will basically have a perpendicular view over the LEDs.

1. I was inspired by the classic LED matrix, basically the panel is built from PCBs but in the shape of a hexagon, placed together, on which I place 144 LEDs and capacitors. I thought of separating the panel like this 6+4, meaning 6 PCBs placed vertically on 2 columns to create a kind of waterfall effect, I will have to experiment with SW libraries, FadeLed rather (to obtain a Matrix-like effect), and the other 4 PCBs will be placed in such a way that the overall appearance of the panel is not too linear, having different, more dynamic and diverse effects.

2. I will also need an enclosure for these PCBs, this is where 3D printing comes in, which allows me to build enclosures the way I want, on a puzzle model. I have a friend who owns a printer. The cover will be white, but I will have to experiment when I have the PCB with LEDs, I will try to make the panel hangable but at the same time placeable on a table stand for example. But I will have to make durable joints because it will add some weight.
   For the power supply I will need a 5V with high current capability, because these LEDs will consume some current.

3. Now, addressable LEDs are not called that by chance, I will need a microcontroller, and for that I will use the well known Nano and Arduino IDE. This allows me to create some scenes or operating modes. I do not exclude the use of an ESP32 and control via phone, but the internet connection is unstable. Maybe things will improve along the way. 😁
   For the interactive and control part I will start with a button/touch button to change the color of the 6 cascade PCBs, and the other 4 will have different effects (wheel, stars, Gaussian Pulse, etc). By experimenting I can even use an IR sensor or ultrasonic, which will allow me to control touchless.

4. The manual work will mainly consist of soldering a lot of wires, each hexagon PCB would have 6 power points, which I have to gather in a single point at the power supply. Then there are 2 more wires that connect the PCBs. Fortunately there is no need for many wires connected to the microcontroller board.

   Maybe I can manage to get a good design in the 3D printing stage that does not involve drilling holes, screws, but at the same time it has to be a solid design.
   

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   #PCB# #WS2812B#