Hey everyone! I wanted to share a fun DIY project I recently completed—a WLED neon tube light. It’s been a great way to combine my love for electronics and design. Here’s how it all came together!
The Concept
I’ve always been fascinated by the sleek, minimalist look of neon lights. But traditional neon tubes can be bulky and difficult to install. So, I decided to create a modern version using WLED technology. The goal was to keep the design as slim as possible while maintaining the vibrant, colorful effect of neon lighting.
The Build
I used a 30mm diameter acrylic tube as the base, which gave me a slim profile while still allowing space for the LED strip and control module. To house the ESP8266 (flashed with WLED), I designed a 3D-printed controller that matches the tube’s diameter. This kept the entire setup looking cohesive and professional.
The LED strip itself is an 80-LED WS2812B strip, which provides plenty of color options and brightness. I powered it with a 5V, 4A wall adapter, which gives me enough juice to light up the entire 1.5-meter tube without any flickering.
Challenges and Solutions
One challenge was ensuring the LED strip fit snugly inside the tube without creating any gaps or visible seams. I solved this by carefully measuring and aligning the strip before securing it in place. Another consideration was heat management, but the acrylic tube does a great job of dissipating heat, and the ESP8266 stays cool thanks to its small size.
Results
The final product is stunning! The tube lights up uniformly, and the WLED addressing allows for smooth color transitions and effects. I’ve installed it in my living room, and it’s a real conversation starter. Plus, it’s incredibly energy-efficient, which is a big plus.
For Those Interested
If you’d like to try this project yourself, I’ve shared all the design files and a detailed Bill of Materials on Printables. The 3D files are ready to print, and the acrylic tube is widely available online. The whole build took me about a weekend, and it was totally worth the effort!
I’d love to hear if anyone else has tried similar projects or has tips for improving this design. Happy building! 