In the realm of DIY enthusiasts, Jeremy Cook embarked on a journey to elevate his workbench, not just with tools and materials, but with the brilliance of lights and the magic of microcontrollers. His quest was to create a workspace that seamlessly adapts to his presence and illuminates his projects with precision.
The Initial Lighting Setup: A Simple Beginning
Jeremy’s initial foray into workbench lighting involved a simple strip of 12V non-addressable LED lights. Controlled by a basic on/off switch, this setup provided rudimentary illumination, yet it lacked the finesse and flexibility he sought.
The iRobota Nano Upgrade: Embracing Microcontroller Magic
To infuse his workbench with intelligence, Jeremy introduced an iRobota Nano microcontroller. This tiny but powerful device opened up a world of possibilities. He implemented PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) brightness control using two buttons, allowing him to fine-tune the lighting intensity to suit his needs. Additionally, he integrated a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor to activate the lights based on presence detection, ensuring that his workspace was illuminated only when he was there.
Addressable LED Expansion: Illuminating with Precision
Taking his lighting setup to the next level, Jeremy added a strip of addressable LEDs mounted on a tube. Unlike their non-addressable counterparts, these LEDs can be individually controlled, enabling a wide range of lighting effects. He programmed the LEDs to stay white, though other colors were within reach. To enhance the precision of the lighting, he employed three PIR sensors, each illuminating different sections of the LEDs when motion was detected. This clever arrangement ensured that only the areas he was actively working on were brightly lit, reducing glare and distractions.
YouTube Demonstrations: Sharing the Inspiration
Eager to share his creation with the world, Jeremy uploaded two YouTube videos showcasing his project. In “Overhead Workbench Lighting MOSFET 12V LED control [iRobota Nano],” he provides a detailed walkthrough of the setup, explaining the components and their functions. The second video, titled “PIR 3x Zone LED desk lighting,” offers a mesmerizing demonstration of the addressable LEDs illuminating different sections of the workbench as he moves around.
Bonus: The Joy of DIY Lighting
Jeremy’s project is a testament to the transformative power of DIY lighting. With a bit of ingenuity and some readily available components, he transformed his workbench into a space that is both functional and inspiring. As he puts it, “The best part of this project is the satisfaction of creating something useful and unique that perfectly suits my needs.” His journey serves as an inspiration to all DIY enthusiasts, encouraging them to explore the possibilities of lighting and microcontrollers to enhance their own workspaces and projects.
In conclusion, Jeremy Cook’s workbench lighting project is a brilliant example of how technology and creativity can converge to create a workspace that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. His use of microcontrollers, sensors, and addressable LEDs showcases the endless possibilities of DIY lighting, inviting others to embark on their own creative adventures.
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