Hack an IKEA lamp with Neopixels in MicroPython

Hello, hardware hackers! MicroPython is an exciting new way to code Neopixels because it allows us to try different light patterns and algorithms quickly without having to compile the code (unlike Arduino). In addition, MicroPython comes with awesome tools like WebREPL which allow us to upload new code to the microcontroller remotely over WiFi!

In this video, you'll first learn the hardware setup for safely connecting an ESP32 to two Neopixel strips, and embedding that inside an IKEA lamp. Then we proceed to code basic RGB light control and HSV light control, followed by implementing an awesome rainbow "Niagara falls" animation! Finally we learn to use WebREPL to upload and run code remotely over WiFi so that the project can be powered independently of your computer.

Hope you enjoy, and click follow/subscribe down below to get notified when new tutorials are out! I release them about once a week. As always, if you have questions or just wanna chat, hit me up on twitter.

Let's dive in!

Useful links

Hardware

• Best practices for wiring Neopixels (capacitor, resistor, optional logic level shifter): https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/best-practices
• Affordable WS2812Bs/Neopixels: https://www.amazon.ca/BTF-LIGHTING-Flexible-Individually-Addressable-Non-waterproof/dp/B01CDTEG1O/
• Neopixel 3-pin connectors: https://www.amazon.ca/BTF-LIGHTING-Connectors-WS2812B-WS2811-WS2812/dp/B01DC0KIT2
• Adafruit HUZZAH32 board used in the video: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3405
• Newer version of Adafruit’s ESP32 board, with more memory: https://www.adafruit.com/product/5400

Software

• Thonny IDE: https://thonny.org/
• Micropython WebREPL repository: https://github.com/micropython/webrepl
• WebREPL setup instructions: https://docs.micropython.org/en/latest/esp8266/quickref.html#webrepl-web-browser-interactive-prompt
• Boilerplate function for connecting to WiFi in boot.py: https://docs.micropython.org/en/latest/esp8266/quickref.html#networking

My past Neopixel tutorials
https://bhave.sh/micropython-neopixels-1
https://bhave.sh/micropython-neopixels-2