Summary of DIY | Ambilight Using Arduino Nano
This Instructable guides users in building a DIY Ambilight system for under $40 using an Arduino Nano and individually addressable RGB LED strips. The project requires connecting the electronics to a monitor and running specific software on a PC. Key steps include testing the LED strip, mounting components securely, soldering connections using paper clips as wires, and uploading code to control the lighting effects.
Parts used in the DIY Ambilight:
- Individually addressable RGB LED strip
- Arduino Nano
- Mini breadboard
- Breadboard cables
- 12V DC Power Adapter
- Double sided tape
- Paperclips
- Zip Ties
In this Instructable I will be teaching you how you can create your own (b)ambilight for under $40!
Keep in mind that the Ambilight will only work on a PC running the Bambilight software.
You will need the following components:
- Individually addressable RGB LED strip – Available on Aliexpress
- Arduino Nano
- Mini breadboard
- A few breadboard cables
- 12V DC Power Adapter
- Double sided tape
- 4-5 Paperclips
- Zip Ties
Step 1: Watch the Video Tutorial!
Step 2: Testing Your LED Strip
It would be a pain in the ass to remove the LED strip when it turns out one of the LED’s isn’t working. That’s why it’s a good idea to solder temporary wires to your LED strip and test it using your Arduino, the power adapter and the .ino file (can be downloaded in step 3). Upload the .ino to your Arduino. You don’t have to configure anything yet. You should see multiple colors waving through the LED strip.
You can wire the LED strip using the image provided in this step.
My LED strip (link in parts list) uses the WS2811 IC to control 3 LED’s individually.
Step 3: Mounting the Electronics Onto Your Monitor
Before sticking the LED strip to the back of your monitor make sure to clean it as good as possible.
To get rid of any dust I suggest using a fiber cloth.
Once you’re sure the surface is clean you can measure the length of the LED strip by holding it next to your monitor and cutting it to the right size. Make sure the strip on the opposite side has the same length.
After you’ve cut all the pieces to the right size you can stick them to the back of your monitor. Because the glue usually isn’t the best quality I suggest using some pieces of double sided tape to improve the stickiness of the strip.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the arrows on the LED strips circle around your monitor! If you mess this up you have to start all over!
Once the strips are in place you can mount the breadboard with the Arduino Nano to the back of your monitor. Make sure to mount it in a convenient spot, because you need to be able to plug the USB cable into your computer later on in this project.
Step 4: Soldering All the Electronics
To solder the LED strip I used a few paper clips and bend/cut them to the corresponding size.
After that I soldered them to the LED strips to connect them together. You could use some shrinking tube to prevent short circuits, but in my case I didn’t need any. To make it look a little bit better I used a permanent marker to give the paper clip “wires” a black color.
Now connect the LED strip to the Arduino using the same schematic as shown in step 1. Plug in the USB cable, install the FastLED library and upload the code provided in this step into your Arduino.
You may also connect the power adapter now since we’re done wiring.
Read more: DIY | Ambilight Using Arduino Nano
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What is the maximum cost of this project?
The project can be created for under $40. -
Does the Ambilight work on any computer operating system?
No, it only works on a PC running the Bambilight software. -
How do you test the LED strip before installation?
Solder temporary wires to the strip, connect it to the Arduino and power adapter, upload the .ino file, and check for waving colors. -
What should you use to clean the monitor surface?
A fiber cloth should be used to get rid of dust before sticking the strip. -
Why is double sided tape recommended for the LED strip?
The glue on the strip usually isn't the best quality, so tape improves stickiness. -
What critical detail must be checked when placing the LED strips?
You must ensure the arrows on the LED strips circle around your monitor correctly. -
What material was used to create the wires for soldering?
Paperclips were bent and cut to size to act as wires for connecting the strips. -
Which library needs to be installed before uploading the code?
The FastLED library must be installed.
