“I built a flexible screen in the form of a beaded curtain encrusted with LEDs that I control remotely. Ive had this project on my list for quite some time, and the idea is simple: run lots of LEDs in vertical strips, enough to form a curtain.
Supplies
I used a PixelBlaze wifi microcontroller, so I can control the animations remotely on my computer or phone.
I started with an existing beaded curtain to use as my substrate. I figured I could use the bead strands to attach the LEDs, so they don’t have too much strain.
Here’s what I used to make this project:
- Several strands of small addressable LEDs
- Microcontroller (I’m using a pixelBlaze)
- Power supply (at least 4 amps)
- Screw terminal adapter for power supply
- Precision screwdriver
- Soldering tools and supplies
- Soldering iron DK #1691-1083-ND
- Solder DK #2260-WBNCC633731-2OZ-ND
- Wire strippers DK #1691-1281-ND
- Flush cutters DK #1691-1037-ND
- Pliers DK #1691-1422-ND or tweezers DK #1597-1536-ND
- Eye protection DK #3M158306-ND
- Workholding tool (often called a third hand) DK #1568-1077-ND
- Multimeter DK #MN35-ND
- Heat shrink tubing DK #1528-4559-ND
- Heat gun (or a lighter) DK #1568-1602-ND
- Solder wick DK #315-SOLDERWICK2.0-ND or a desoldering pump DK #243-1183-ND for fixing mistakes
- Beaded curtain
- Sewing clips
- Sewing thread
- Scissors
If you’re a beginner, don’t miss my introductory electronic series on the Digi-Key YouTube channel. It’ll bring you up to speed on the wiring and soldering techniques you’ll need to build your own LED curtain.”