will it WLED - Episode 7 (the viral Lepro TB1 orbital lamp)

Quick Overview

The Lepro TB1 orbital lamp successfully converts to WLED control using a Gledopto ESP32 controller, allowing for highly customizable, music-reactive lighting effects across its three independent, rotatable LED rings by segmenting the LED strips within the software.

Key Points: The project involves converting the unique, three-ring Lepro TB1 AI Smart LED Table Light to be controlled by WLED firmware. The conversion requires replacing the original controller with a Gledopto ESP32 WLED Digital LED Controller (Model: GL-C-310WL) connected to the lamp's existing 5V DC power input. The three distinct, diffusing LED rings were successfully mapped as three separate segments (Segment 0, 1, and 2) within the WLED configuration, totaling 196 LEDs (87, 63, and 46 LEDs respectively). The outer ring (Segment 0) is configured to react to low frequencies (beat/bass), the middle ring (Segment 1) to mids, and the inner ring (Segment 2) to high frequencies. Customer reviews mentioned in the video indicate that while the lamp design is excellent (6/5 stars), the original proprietary software is often reported as awful. The final result demonstrates smooth, music-reactive animations across the three rings using WLED's Magnitude effect, providing superior customization compared to the original setup.

Context: This video details a DIY hardware modification project focused on upgrading the aesthetic and functional control of the Lepro TB1 orbital lamp, which features three independently rotatable, diffusing LED rings. The creator notes that while the physical design is highly regarded, user complaints often target the proprietary software. The goal is to replace the internal electronics with a WLED-compatible controller to unlock advanced, music-synchronized lighting effects.

Detailed Analysis

The video documents the process of converting the Lepro TB1 Smart LED Table Light for use with WLED software. The teardown begins by showing the lamp's unique physical structure: three independently rotating, diffusing LED rings. The creator finds the internal connection point at the base, noting three copper pads for power transfer to the rings, and confirms the lamp runs on 5V DC power. The base is opened by removing four screws after peeling off a sticky pad, revealing a small PCB with wiring for power (red/black) and data (white/black). The creator then introduces the Gledopto ESP32 WLED Digital LED Controller (GL-C-310WL) as the replacement component. The wiring is disconnected from the old board: Red (Voltage +) and Black (Ground -) go to the barrel plug, while White and Black wires go to the three LED data lines (IO16, IO2, IO33). The creator carefully solders the original wires onto the Gledopto controller terminals: Red to V+, Black to GND, White to IO16, and the other Black wire to GND (the second GND slot). After wiring, the creator sets up the device in WLED software, assigning the total 196 LEDs to the device, then creating three segments corresponding to the three physical rings: Segment 0 (outer ring) with 87 LEDs, Segment 1 (middle ring) with 63 LEDs, and Segment 2 (inner ring) with 46 LEDs. Finally, the 'Magnitude' effect is configured separately for each segment, mapping low frequencies (bass) to the outer ring, mids to the middle ring, and highs to the inner ring, achieving smooth, music-reactive lighting effects across the entire structure.