DIY Smart RGB Lamp using WS2812B & ESP8266

DIY Smart RGB Lamp using WS2812B & ESP8266

Compact 3D-printed lamp using a ring of WS2812B LEDs (6 m of strip), powered by a 2-cell Li-ion battery pack, and controlled wirelessly by an ESP8266. Perfect for mood lighting, desk ambience, or a smart display.

In this project, I have built a customized 3D-printed Smart RGB Lamp that can operate on a battery and be controlled through Wi-Fi. The lamp is designed with a lower base and a white upper cover, along with electronic components including WS2812B LED strip, ESP8266, and Li-ion battery pack. Below are the detailed step-by-step instructions for assembling the lamp.

🧰 Parts & Tools

• 🌈 WS2812B LED strip — 6 metres (adjust LED count in code)
• 📡 ESP8266 (Wemos D1 / NodeMCU / ESP-01 + adapter)
• 🔋 2 × Li-ion cells (in series = 2S pack) + battery holder / spot-welded pack
• 🔌 2 × female jumper connectors (for battery connection)
• ⚡ 5V regulator / DC-DC buck or UBEC (high-amp, for LEDs)
• 💾 1000µF electrolytic capacitor (across 5V rails)
• 🛡️ 330Ω resistor (data line protection)
• 🔗 JST or DC connector (for battery plug)
• 🖨️ 3D-printed parts: Lower base, upper white cover, locking clips
• 🔥 Soldering iron, shrink tubing, hot glue, screws (x3)
• 📟 (Optional) Logic level shifter (for data stability)

⚠️ Important: Before You Start (safety & prep)

Do not connect the battery until you have programmed the ESP8266 (Step 4 below).

Always use a BMS / protection circuit for Li-ion cells. Never solder cells directly without proper kit.

WS2812B can draw lots of current at full white — use a proper 5V high-amp regulator and fuse.

Keep a common ground between the ESP8266 and the 5V supply for LED strip.

Use the 330Ω resistor on the data line and a 1000µF capacitor across 5V/GND near the LEDs.

🪛 Step 1 – Preparing the Lower Base with WS2812B

• The very first step starts with taking the 3D-printed lower base of the lamp, which is specially designed with space to hold the electronics.
• On this base, the WS2812B LED strip is placed carefully, as this strip will create the glowing RGB light effect that makes the lamp beautiful.
• This is an important step because the LED strip needs to be arranged in such a way that it spreads light evenly when the lamp is fully assembled.

🧩 Step 2 —: Place & Wrap the WS2812 Ring

• Take the lower base ring.
• Wrap the WS2812 strip inside the circular channel of the lower base neatly (make sure the LEDs face outward/up as per your design).
• Leave ~10–15 cm of wire tail for data + power to route to the ESP & regulator.
• Secure strip with hot glue or small clips so it doesn’t peel up.

🔋 Step 3 —: Battery Pack & Female Jumpers (Power Prep)

• The third step involves preparing the power source for the lamp. For this, I used two Li-ion rechargeable batteries and combined them together into a proper battery pack.
• I also added two female jumper connectors to the pack so that the connection to the circuit would be easy, safe, and removable whenever needed.
• This battery pack allows the lamp to operate without being connected to an adapter, making it completely portable and wireless for everyday use.

💻 Step 4 —: Program the ESP8266 (Do this beforeconnecting battery)

• Before moving further, it was necessary to program the ESP8266 microcontroller, which is the brain of the RGB lamp.
• I connected the ESP8266 to my computer using USB and uploaded an Arduino sketch that connects the board to Wi-Fi and controls the WS2812B LEDs with colorful lighting patterns.
• This step is very important because without uploading the code first, the lamp will not be able to operate wirelessly or run the light effects. Once coded, the ESP8266 becomes fully ready to manage the lamp.

After upload: connect your phone/PC to the Wi-Fi network in my case DudeGlow-AP (password dudeglow123) and open http://192.168.4.1/ to use the color picker and brightness slider.

🔌 Step 5 —: Connect ESP8266 & Place Battery Inside Base

• Wire up the power (after you flash the code):
• Battery pack (2S) → Buck/Regulator set to 5.0V → 5V rail.
• 5V rail → LED strip 5V and → to ESP8266 VIN (if your board accepts 5V on VIN) OR connect ESP 3.3V via its regulator (but easiest: power ESP via 5V VIN if board supports it).
• Common GND: connect battery negative, regulator ground, LED strip GND, and ESP GND together.
• Connect data line from ESP8266 pin (DATA_PIN, D4) → through 330Ω resistor → to WS2812 data in.
• Ensure connectors are neat and tuck the battery inside the circular pocket in the lower base. Use hot glue or foam for secure fit.

📈 Circuit Diagram

Follow carefully 👇

• 🔋 Battery + → ESP8266 VIN
• 🔋 Battery – → ESP8266 GND
• 💡 WS2812B + → ESP8266 3V
• 💡 WS2812B GND → ESP8266 GND
• 💡 WS2812B Signal → ESP8266 D5
• ⚠️ Double-check polarity to avoid damage!

🧩 Step 6 —: Close Upper Cover & Lock (Final Assembly)

• Put the white upper cover onto the base and engage the locking groove.
• Attach any screws (3 screws) to secure the cover.
• Power ON the battery and test via phone by connecting to the AP and opening the UI.

📦 Looking for the STL files?Drop me a quick DM and I’ll send you the download link right away!

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✨ That’s it — your DIY Smart RGB Lamp is ready to shine!

You’ve just built a fully wireless, Wi-Fi-controlled RGB lamp that’s not only functional but also beautifully 3D printed. Whether you’re using it as ambient lighting for your desk, a centerpiece for your setup, or just showing off your maker skills — this project is a perfect blend of creativity, electronics, and design.

💡 I’d love to see your version of the Smart RGB Lamp!Share your build, tag me, or send a quick DM — I’m always excited to see how others bring their ideas to life.

And remember — if you need custom 3D-printed parts or want to create your own designs, JUSTWAY is here to help.They’re your go-to partner for high-quality 3D printing and CNC machining with fast turnaround and a wide range of materials.

🚀 Keep building, keep experimenting, and keep glowing.Your next great idea is just a print away. 💫