DIY RGB Tube Lights

DIY RGB Tube light is a multi functional tube light which can be used in photography, light painting photography, film making, gaming, as a VU meter and more. The tube light can be controlled by Prismatik software or by a push button. These tub lights are made using a Arduino Nano and WS2812B LED strip.

https://youtu.be/niXeiI0AYxQ

Step 1: Supplies:

1. (1) Arduino Nano : https://amzn.to/3r2x4sY
2. (2mt) WS2812B LED Strip: https://amzn.to/2Kwe70O
3. (2) White Tube Lights Or Aluminum Light Fittings with Diffuser : https://amzn.to/38fF6Gu Or https://amzn.to/38fF6Gu
4. (1) 5V 5A Power Supply : https://amzn.to/3nqCvQi
5. (1) Push Button : https://amzn.to/3mpNEPK
6. (1) Wires : https://amzn.to/3npgYrh
7. (1) DC Connector : https://amzn.to/3nocDV2

Step 2: Tube Lights Disassembling:

Disassemble the tube light by removing end caps, separating diffuser and removing whites LED strip from the tube.

Step 3: Circuit Connection:

Make all the connections as shown in circuit diagram.

Step 4: Assembling:

Put all the electronics in the tube, put back the end caps and seal the diffuser using clear tape.

Step 5: Tube Light 2:

Similarly make the second tube but this time use only WS2812b LED strip, connector, wires and connect the tube lights.

Step 6: Code for Software:

• Download the given zip files and extract them.
• RGB_Tube_code & software zip
• Open the RGB Tube code & software file, open the code given in Arduino IDE.
• Install the FastLED library in Arduino IDE.
• You can enter the number of LEDs you used in your tube lights, I used 65 LEDs in each tube lights, i.e. 130 LEDs in both tube lights.
• #define NUM_LEDS 130
• Remember the port number. (for example: com8)
• Connect the Arduino to your PC, select the board type, select the port and upload the code.

Step 7: Software Setup:

• Install the prismatik software in your PC.
• Open the software and click on device.
• Click on Run configuration wizard and simply click on Next -> Next.
• Enter the Serial Port number and click Next -> Next
• Enter the number of LEDs at sides (i.e. in my case top=0, side=65, bottom=0) and click on custom -> Next.
• Adjust the sliders to get white color on the tube lights and click on finish.
• Now you can choose different mode in the software and display on tube lights.

NOTE: The Arduino should be connected to the PC.

Step 8: Button Code:

• Button_Tube.zip
• Open the Button_Tube code in Arduino IDE.
• With this code you can change the color of the Tube Lights with the push of button.
• Install the Pushbutton library by clicking on sketch ->Include library -> Add zip library and select the Pushbutton-2.0 zip file in Button_Tube file.
• Enter the number of LEDs.
• #define NUM_LEDS 130
• In this code you can enter the values of the colors at CRGB(—-, —–, —–);
• for(int i = 0; i < NUM_LEDS; i++){ <br> leds[i] = CRGB(0, 100,255); FastLED.show();
• You can copy paste the color values from color picker.
• Connect the Arduino to your PC, select the board type, select the port and upload the code.

Source: DIY RGB Tube Lights