Introduction: ROTLD Inspired Sign With App

By the Plant Doctor
About: Please support and share our mission; the Plant Doctor is a non-profit, open source online research laboratory specializing in electronics+plants. Our vision is to bring together nature and technology in a sim…

hello everybody,

here is a great way to make a custom phone controlled edge-lit sign. Costing under $20 - it's quick, easy and a great intro to electronics, programming, 3D printing and etching - no previous experience necessary.!!

Halloween is nearing, celebrate it with this new age Return of the Living Dead inspired edgelit sign

you will need;

1x neopixel stick

1x nodemcu wifi board (arduino)

1x breadboard

8x jumper wires

1x usb cable

1x usb rechargable powerbank (optional to make it mobile)

involves using hot glue + soldering (learn)

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let's make >

Step 1: Etching

first i found a high resolution image of the movie flyer on google images; https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Aj2BwZ9SR_0/maxresdefault.j...

then converted it to vector graphic, you can download the design files here; https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B8bvYGugxv...

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i have used laser cutter to etch the design. if you don't have access to a laser cutter, you can use online service ponoko - or search for a local makerspace, become a member and get making.!!
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we have to use 120x120mm and 0.25" thick acrylic (or glass) - you can also etch the design using a dremel tool, here is a good instructable for more info; instructables.com/id/Etching-Glass-With-a-Rotary-Tool/

Step 2: 3D Print

I designed the light + arduino base using free browser based design software tinkercad, it is very easy to use especially for total beginners, give it a try.!!

you can see the file here, and edit it if needed; https://www.tinkercad.com/things/jKrcDAMoRt9

it is also on thingiverse ready to print; http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1798589

Step 3: Solder

First snip 3 male to male breadboard jumpers and strip the insulation on the wire, revealing the cable inside.

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Now solder the three wires to pins, Din, GND (any) and 5VDC pins on the neopixel light. Now we have a plug & play light

Step 4: Breadboard

Now you can place the breadboard into the hole, the light will go into the small notch above it..

Step 5: Lights

place the light in to the slot with a tiny bit of hot glue while holding it in place.

Step 6: Circuit

Above is the circuit you have to follow. Its very simple;

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Din on neopixel > D4 on nodemcu

Vin on neopixel > Vin on nodemcu

GND on neopixel > GND on nodemcu

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we use the onboard USB port to program and to power the nodemcu once it's ready.

Step 7: Wiring & Back Cover

Mount the nodemcu board on to the prototyping breadboard. Attach the rest of the wires according to the schematic at previous step..

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now the back cover goes on top of everything with some hot glue. my board is blue, but everything is same still..

Step 8: Base Assembled

Everything glued into place, looks pretty neat :)

Step 9: Place Sign

The etched sign just slides right into the hole. its tight enough to hold itself up, but you can always remove it from the base to take a closer look and place it back for lights.

Step 10: Blynk Setup

we'll first start with getting the blynk app ready on phone/tablet.

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- download blynk app on device

- start new project, name it, choose board: esp8266, email yourself AUTH TOKEN

- add widget > zERGBA > merge > Pin V2 > 0-255 on all > send on release OFF

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Now you can press the play button top right of the app screen, once the nodemcu is programmed on the next step, you will be able to change the color of lights from app

Step 11: Arduino Code

to program the wifi board we must first follow few one time only quick download/install steps. ask in comments if you are stuck.
- install nodemcu driver on laptop

- install arduino software on laptop

- install neopixel library

- install blynk library to arduino software

- get arduino software ready for the little computer

- restart computer before going any further.!!

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here is the code;

make sure to carefully read lines 4 & 20 and make necessary changes in your code before upload.!!

you must copy & paste the code above to the arduino software on your computer.
- open arduino software

- clear the text in the box, and paste the code from above

- plug in nodemcu to laptop

- go to files > tools > boards > scroll down to choose "nodemcu 1.0"

- go to files > tools > port > scroll down to choose the correct port associated with nodemcu board

- after changing the wifi & blynk credentials in the code, now go to sketch > upload. after it compiles for errors, .

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you can now control your sign from your device anywhere in the world.

Step 12: Conclusion

Congratulations, you are now ready to display your favorite Halloween theme this year.!! You will also be able to impress your friends & family with phone control app as well.

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Hope you enjoyed this instructable and will give it a try. Please remember to follow, favorite & share.

also VOTE for LED CONTEST.!!

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thank you,

- Akin