How Our Kids Built Their Own LED Display Panels for the School Talent Show

by | Nov 26, 2023 | Uncategorized

I’m thrilled to share a story of innovation, teamwork, and creativity, right from our own backyard. Inspired by the amazing work of ChrisParkerTech, a group of intrepid 3rd graders, including my son, embarked on a tech adventure that combines the best of DIY spirit and the wonders of modern technology.

The Spark of Inspiration: It all started with an ambitious idea to scale down ChrisParkerTech’s massive LED wall project. We aimed for something more manageable for young hands – a 16”x16” display, just the right size to be mobile and to reduce the build time down to something within their attention span (about 1-2 hours). These compact, mobile panels powered by a USB battery, making them perfect for the talent show stage.

Setting Goals for Talent and Tech: Our mission was clear. We wanted to create LED panels for the school talent show, showcasing our kids’ talents not only in building and coding but also in artistic expression for what to show on their display. The plan? To use AI to transform simple text requests into dazzling visual effects, bringing code to life on LED panels powered by an ESP chip (~$3.33 on Amazon).

Turning Vision into Reality: After the initial buzz of inspiration, it was time to roll up our sleeves and start building. The process was a journey filled with learning, adapting, and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I, kicked off the project by building a prototype. This early model helped identify the challenges we might face, and adjustments made the process smoother and safer for our young makers.

Kids at the Helm: Now, with a blueprint in hand, it was time for the kids to shine. Under minimal oversight, they took charge of the project. Their tasks ranged from assembling the LED panels to coding the effects. This hands-on approach was vital for the kids, as it gave them a real sense of ownership, accomplishment and teamwork.

Materials and Tools Required

Gearing Up for the Project

Before we dive into the exciting world of building our LED panels, let’s make sure we have everything we need. This project is designed to be accessible and safe for kids, so we’ve minimized the complexity and maximized the fun!

Materials List

  1. LED Strips: For our 16”x16” panel, you’ll need fewer LED strips than the original project. Get a single 5-meter strip of WS2812b (or similar) addressable LEDs. We’ll be cutting this into smaller lengths.
  2. ESP8266 Microcontroller: This will be the brain of our LED panel. One per panel will do.
  3. USB Battery Pack: To power our panel and make it mobile, we’ll use a standard USB battery pack.
  4. 3D Printing Filament: If you have access to a 3D printer, you’ll need filament for printing the frame tiles. PLA filament is recommended for its ease of use.
  5. Light-Diffusing Material: This can be a white cloth or any semi-transparent material to diffuse the light from the LEDs evenly.
  6. Cardboard Sheet: For the base of the panel, a piece of cardboard cut to 16”x16” will work perfectly.

Tools Required

  1. Wire Cutters w/ Wire Striper: For cutting the LED strip to the required lengths.
  2. Solderless LED Connectors: These make connecting the LED strips simple and safe, with no soldering required.
  3. 3D Printer: If you’re printing the frame tiles yourself. If not, you might find pre-printed parts or alternative materials to use.
  4. Scissors: For cutting the diffusing material and cardboard.
  5. Hot Glue Gun: For attaching the LEDs and the diffusing material to the frame. Adult supervision is recommended for this part.

Step 1: Preparing the LED Strips

Cutting and Arranging the LED Strips

The heart of our LED panel is the light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which will bring vibrant colors and patterns to life. In this step, we’ll prepare the LED strips for assembly.

Laying the Foundation:

  1. Design and Print: If you have access to a 3D printer, print the tiles needed to create the frame for your 16”x16” panel. You’ll need only 4 tiles than the original project due to the smaller size. The design of these tiles allow for the LEDs to be placed securely and the wiring to be routed neatly. (Files link)
  2. Take your 16”x16” cardboard sheet and lay it flat. This will serve as the base of your frame.

Cutting the LED Strips:

  1. Measure and Cut: Unroll your 5-meter LED strip. We’ll need to cut this into smaller segments to fit our 12×12 matrix for the 16”x16” panel.
  2. Using wire cutters: Carefully cut the strip into segments of 12 LEDs each. Ensure you cut along the designated lines on the strip to avoid damaging the LEDs. Your first segment in the roll will still have the wires connected to it.
  3. Counting LEDs: You should end up with a total of 12 strips, each containing 12 LEDs. This will form the rows or columns of your LED matrix.
  4. At the end of the roll: You will have 6 remaining LEDs if you purchased the ones that we used. Cut the wires off the end of the last segment, we will use these to connect to the ESP chip.

Arranging the LED Strips:

  1. Spacing guide: Use the strips you already cut so you can use them to measure the spacing between each light.
  2. Laying Out the Strips: Lay out the cut strips on your 16”x16” cardboard base to plan the layout of your matrix. Arrange them in a way that the LEDs will form a continuous chain when connected.
  3. Directional Arrows: Pay attention to the directional arrows on the strips. These indicate the flow of data through the LEDs. Make sure the arrows on each strip point in opposite directions on each row to ensure a consistent flow when we connect them.

Making the Connections:

  1. Using Solderless Connectors: Soldering can be challenging and risky, especially for beginners or kids. Instead, use solderless connectors to connect the ends of the LED strips. These connectors clamp onto the ends of the strips and provide a secure electrical connection without the need for soldering.
  2. Connecting the Strips: Align the end of one strip with the beginning of the next, ensuring the data flow direction is maintained. Open the connector, insert the ends of the LED strips, and close the connector firmly to establish the connection. Continue this process until all strips are connected in the matrix.
  3. Testing the Connections: After connecting all the strips, it’s a good idea to test the entire matrix. Connect the matrix to the power supply and ESP chip and run a simple test program to ensure all LEDs light up and the data flow is correct.

With your LED strips cut, arranged, and tested, next, we’ll move on to assembling the frame and attaching the strips.

Step 2: Assembling the Panel Frame

Building a Sturdy Foundation

The frame is the backbone of our LED panel. It not only holds everything together but also gives our project its shape and structure. In this step, we’ll focus on creating a frame that’s both sturdy and safe for kids to handle.

Assembling the Frame:

  1. Attaching the Tiles: Whether you’re using 3D printed tiles or alternative materials, arrange them on the cardboard base to create a grid pattern. Each cell of the grid will house one segment of the LED strip.
  2. Gluing the Tiles: Use a hot glue gun to attach the tiles securely to the cardboard base. Ensure that the tiles are evenly spaced and aligned. Remember, the hot glue gun should be used under adult supervision to ensure safety.
  3. Creating a Border: If desired, add a border around the edge of the cardboard base for added stability and to give a neat, finished look to your panel.

Now that your frame is assembled, it’s starting to look like a real LED panel! This structure will provide the perfect base for arranging and attaching your LED strips in the next step.

Step 4: Setting Up the Microcontroller

Programming the Heart of Your LED Panel

The ESP8266 microcontroller is the brain of your LED panel. It’s what controls the LEDs, telling them when to light up and in what colors. Setting up the microcontroller might sound complex, but we’ll break it down into simple steps.

Preparing the ESP Chip:

  1. Understanding the ESP8266: The ESP8266 is a tiny but powerful Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller. It’s perfect for our project because it’s small, easy to program, and can communicate with other devices.
  2. Initial Setup: Before connecting the ESP8266 to your LED panel, you’ll need to program it. This requires a computer, a micro USB cable, and some basic software.
  3. Installing the Arduino IDE: Download and install the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) from the official website. This software will let you write and upload code to the ESP chip.
  4. Configuring the IDE: Open the Arduino IDE, go to ‘Preferences,’ and add the ESP8266 board manager URL. Then, go to ‘Tools’ > ‘Board’ > ‘Boards Manager,’ search for ESP8266, and install it. This step enables the IDE to communicate with your ESP chip.

Programming the Chip:

  1. Connect the ESP8266: Using a micro USB cable, connect the ESP8266 to your computer.
  2. Load the Test Code: In the Arduino IDE, open the sample test code provided for your LED matrix. This code will usually be a basic pattern or sequence to test the functionality of your LEDs.
  3. Upload the Code: Select the correct board and port in the Arduino IDE, and then upload the test code to the ESP8266.
  4. Testing: Once the code is uploaded, disconnect the ESP chip from your computer and connect it to the LED panel. Power it up and watch the test pattern come to life on your LEDs. If everything lights up as expected, you’ve successfully programmed your microcontroller!

With the ESP8266 set up and ready, your LED panel is almost ready to show off its colorful display. In the next step, we’ll explore how to integrate AI to create amazing visual effects for your panel.

Step 5: Integrating AI for Visual Effects

Transforming Text into Dazzling Light Displays

This step is where creativity meets technology. We’ll use AI to turn simple text requests into stunning visual effects on your LED panel. This process not only adds an exciting dimension to your project but also introduces kids to the fascinating world of AI and programming.

Understanding AI Integration:

  1. What is AI in This Context? Here, AI (Artificial Intelligence) refers to using advanced algorithms to generate code based on text inputs. This means you can tell the AI what kind of effect or pattern you want, and it will create the necessary code to display it on your LED panel.
  2. Getting Started with AI: There are several online platforms and tools available that allow you to input text commands and receive back code for LED displays. These tools are designed to be user-friendly and accessible for beginners.

Generating and Uploading Code:

  1. Using an AI Platform: Visit an AI coding platform for LED displays (which can be found online). Enter text descriptions of the visual effects you want, such as “a wave of rainbow colors” or “flickering stars.”
  2. Receiving the Code: The AI will process your request and provide you with a snippet of code. This code is designed to be uploaded to your ESP8266 microcontroller, just like the test code.
  3. Uploading to the ESP Chip: Connect your ESP8266 to your computer again using the micro USB cable. Open the Arduino IDE, and replace the test code with the new AI-generated code. Upload this new code to your ESP chip.
  4. Testing the Effects: After uploading, disconnect the ESP chip from your computer, connect it back to the LED panel, and power it up. You should see the AI-generated visual effect displayed on your panel.

Experimenting with AI:

  1. Encourage Exploration: Experiment with different text inputs to see how the AI responds with various coding outputs. This is a great way for kids to learn about coding logic and the capabilities of AI in a fun and interactive way.
  2. Creative Display Ideas: Use this opportunity to encourage kids to think creatively. They can come up with themes, patterns, or even messages to display on the LED panel.

With AI integrated and your LED panel displaying custom visual effects, your project has taken a significant leap into the world of modern technology. This step not only makes your LED panel more interactive but also provides a great learning experience about the potential of AI in creative projects.

Step 6: Powering the Panel

Ensuring a Bright and Lasting Display

Now that your LED panel is assembled and programmed, it’s time to focus on powering it. We’ll use a USB battery pack for this project, offering mobility and safety. This step is crucial, as proper power management ensures your LED panel works beautifully and safely.

Choosing a USB Battery Pack:

  1. Battery Specifications: Select a USB battery pack that can provide sufficient power for the number of LEDs in your panel. A standard power bank used for charging mobile devices often works well for a panel of this size.
  2. Safety Considerations: Ensure that the battery pack has a stable output and comes with safety features like short-circuit protection. This is especially important in a project involving kids.

Connecting the Battery Pack:

  1. Preparing for Connection: If your battery pack has a standard USB output, you might need a USB to micro USB cable or an adapter to connect it to the ESP8266.
  2. Connecting to the ESP Chip: Connect the USB end of the cable to the battery pack and the other end to the ESP8266. This will provide power to both the microcontroller and the LED strips.

Testing the Power Supply:

  1. Power On: Turn on the battery pack and observe the LED panel. Your previously uploaded AI-generated visual effect should start displaying.
  2. Monitoring Performance: Check for any inconsistencies in the lighting. If all LEDs are bright and the colors are as expected, your power setup is successful.
  3. Duration Test: Leave the panel running for a while to test the battery life and ensure that there is no overheating or other issues.

With your LED panel now powered and portable, you can enjoy the colorful display anywhere! This mobility is perfect for school projects, talent shows, or simply as a cool decorative piece in your home.