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.

Supplies:

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

Tube Lights Disassembling:

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

Circuit Connection:

Make all the connections as shown in circuit diagram.

Assembling:

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

Tube Light 2:

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

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.

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.

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.

NOTE:

You can make this lights portable by using a power bank or some batteries.
By using any Wi-Fi board like ESP8266 or ESP32 you can change the colors of the tube lights with a mobile app.

Downloads

DIY RGB Tube Lights - Step #9