Hexaleaf - Child Swinging

thingiverse

# Child Swing ##(Remix of Hexagonal nanoleaf project by ElHeisa) ### What it is An LED nanoleaf project that is schedulable, configurable and controllable from phone or browser. It is based off ElHeisa's tree project, but I created a child swinging silhouette for my daughters room. ### How I am using it I use this as art / nightlight in my 3YOs room. During the day it has fun and playful effects and colors. From Bedtime to wakeup it turns brightness all the way down and stays away from blue light. I also have it set to turn off during the week day hours that she is at daycare and stay on all day on the weekends when she is home. ## Everything Below Edited from Original Project ---- For people who look for an easier project without the soldering, please check out the No Soldering Version of the tree project and you can choose the appropriate hex boxes. https://thingiverse.com/thing:5207176 ## Instructions ### Step 1: Planning I supplied the hex boxes for ip30 and ip65 for this layout. I used WS2812b LED Strips with 60 LEDs/m. Every Hexaleaf takes 60 cm of Light Strip, so 18 or 36 LEDs depending on whether you use 30 or 60 LEDs/m. Both work fine. Depending on whether you use IP30 (non-waterproof) or IP65 (waterproof) Strips there are different file versions due to the IP65 Strips being a bit thicker. All pieces will be a bit different due to the connectors being on different sides. This enables clean outside faces without unnecessary connectors and also all kinds of different arrangements. I used the following method to labeling them: m – male connector / connector on the outside (three bottom sides) f – female connector / connector on the inside (three top sides) 0 – no connector / outside face Each LED draws up to 50 mA at full brightness(white). My Arrangement has 144 LEDs, therefore I am using an external 8 A Powersupply, but you might be able to get away with less amps, if you intend to run the leds at less than max. **update:** I have been successfully running this in my daughters room for a while with a 4 amp power supply. Never full white, but often at near full brightness. ### Step 2: Printing I printed my pieces with a Cura Draft setting. Took about 4hrs a box and looks fine. Supports make the cleanup of the openings easier, but supports are not necessary. Mark every piece to not lose track of already printed pieces and its position. I cut out all the diffuser panels from printer paper. ### Step 3: Assembly I soldered every LED Strip to some wire with pin connectors so I can finish all soldering before assembly. To fit the LED Strips into their position I recommend bending the strips every 3 / 6 LEDs (for IP65 Strips I recommend cutting away the insulation at the bends) and then slotting them into position without using their adhesive tape. Connect all the Hexaleaf pieces and route extra power cables. I glue stripped the Hexaleaf arrangement onto a piece of cardboard and used command strips( https://www.amazon.com/Command-Hanging-Hangers-Posters-Adhesive/dp/B0751VFF2X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2Q9IJ7G3UDVHZ&keywords=coommand+stri%5Bps&qid=1662988848&sprefix=coommand+stri+ps%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-2) to hang it. ### Step 4: Programming I used a ESP8266 (WEMOS D1 Mini) to control the LEDs. If you want to have your LEDs react to sound, you should consider an esp32 instead, as it's much harder to setup WLED-sound-reqctive on a d1. Using the WLED Project you have access to an easy control interface with numerous presets and a very well documented help guide. This allows you to control your Hexaleafs with an App or a website over WiFi. Using the start-up guide you can program the ESP8266 with a browser-based interface https://install.wled.me/ and do everything else using the App. https://kno.wled.ge/basics/getting-started/ The App allows you to create segments to group all LEDs in a Hexaleaf together so that you can color each one individually. Hope you like my design. I would love to see your creations! ## Print Settings Printer brand: Ultimaker Printer: S3 Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0,2 Infill: 10% Filament brand: Ultimaker Filament material: Tough PLA Notes: Print time ~ 4 hours