Know How... 242

We finish part II of our hydroponic vase using LEDs and a 3D printed stand.

Project Overview

We're adding decorative LED lights to our AquaVase Parts List

* These parts aren't necessary for the operation of HydroVase, but they ARE cool and geeky! :)

1. WS2812 SMD Strips
2. Arduino
3. Voltage Regulator
4. 26-30 AWG Silicone Wire
5. Heat Shrink Tubing

Tools List

1. 3D Printer
2. Soldering Kit
3. Hot Glue Gun
4. Screwdrivers
5. Pliers

** All of the STL files can be found at: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9042212/KH242_AquaVase_Base.zip

Segment Summary

We're designing a 3D object that can hold our 5" Vase and the electronics to illuminate the bottom.

Interesting Design Features of the AquaVase_Base

1. The bottom panel is 2MM thick and the shell is between 2-3mm
2. The stands for the aluminum square tubes are 2-3mm thick and are supported by the bottom panel & their connection to the lower vase ring
3. There are curved buildouts on either side of the lower vase ring that will hold the WS2812 LEDs
4. There is a port towards the read of the base for providing power to the Arduino and WS2812s

Shell_A

1. Import a1_Hollow_BottomShell.stl
2. Use the "Inspector" to turn the a1 into a "Hole"
3. Import a2_Solid_BottomShell.stl
4. Import a3_UpperVaseSupportRing.stl
5. Import a4_VaseHollow.stl
6. Use the "Inspector" to turn a4 into a "Hole"
7. Export as "Shell A"

Delete All Objects from the Build Platform

1. Import b1_BottomShell_Platform.stl
2. Import b2_Base_Hole.stl (Turn it into a "Hole")
3. Import b3_VaseSupportRing.stl
4. Import b4_RiserHollow.stl
5. Raise b4 by 2mm
6. Use the "Inspector" to turn b4 into a "Hole"

Integration

1. Import "Shell_A"
2. Export Base

Integration - Part II (Base)

Procedure

1. Cut your LED strips to match the LED holders in the Base Frame
2. Measure/Cut/Strip/Tin your wires to connect the LED strips to the Arduino controller
3. Solder your strips to the controller
   • Pin 3 to Strip 1 DIN
   • Strip 1 DOUT to Strip 2 DIN
   • GND to Strip 1 GND
   • Strip 1 GND to Strip 2 GND
   • 5V to Strip 1 VIN
   • Strip 1 VIN to Strip 2 VIN
4. Solder the Voltage Regulator to the Arduino
   • 5V to VIN
   • GND to GND
5. Load code to Arduino
6. Attach LED Strips to LED Supports
7. Run power out the access port
8. Connect all power leads to the 4 channel Remote
   • Cut one of the power wired to the pump and run it through Channel A (A-B)
   • 12 Volt GND to the GND leads of the Remote, Grow LEDs, Full Spectrum LEDs, and Arduino VoltReg
   • 5V Power to Remote, Chan B-B, Chan C-B, Chan D-B
   • Arduino 5V to Chan B-A
   • Grow LED 5V to Chan C-A
   • Full Spectrum LED 5V to Chan D-A

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Links

• WS2812 SMD Strips