You have a number of alternatives when it comes to purchasing and installing RGB LED strips. Some have an IR or RF remote control to adjust the color, brightness, or pattern of the RGB light, while others (pricier ones) have an Android or iOS app that lets you use your mobile device to operate the RGB light and display colors.

RF or IR-controlled RGB strips only show pre-configured colors; you are not allowed to make your own colors or display do-it-yourself colors. However, you can improve or change an existing RF or IR remotely controlled RGB strip, and you can manage and display colors for DIY using a mobile app. Here's how to create DIY color displays with RGB LED lights.

Procedures for Making RGB LED Strip Display DIY Colors

Building an RGB controller for Wi-Fi. that makes use of an ESP8266-based MCU will enable you to operate an IR or RF-controlled RGB LED strip using a mobile application and show off DIY hues. You will need the following to create colors for your DIY LED light:

  • ESP8266-based MCUs, like D1 Mini or NodeMCU, with three TIP120 or IRF540 transistors
  • Low-cost RGB strip with IR/RF control and a few wires
  • Three resistors of 1K
  • Berg Strip (not mandatory)
  • The IR/RF RGB strip comes with a 12V power source for the LED strip.

1. Download and Flash the Firmware

Install the firmware file Tasmota sensors.bin on your Mac or Windows PC.

Install the device drivers after downloading the firmware.

Once you have downloaded the drivers, perform these steps:

  1. Download and launch the Tasmotizer utility.
  2. Attach the ESP8266 to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Choose the COM port that the ESP8266 is attached to.
  4. Click Browse and choose the firmware file Tasmota Sensor.bin.
  5. Click Tasmotize.

This will install the firmware.

2. Set up the ESP8266

On your mobile device, go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to the Wi-Fi network. Once connected, open your web browser and navigate to 192.168.4.1, then choose the Wi-Fi network, input the required password, and click Save. After some time, you should notice an IP address. Put that IP address into the web browser on your mobile device or PC, which is linked to the same network.

Once finished, continue with these instructions below:

  1. Select Configuration > Configure Module.
  2. Choose Generic 0 using the drop-down list and click Save.
  3. It will automatically reconnect and reload.
  4. Select Configuration > Configure Module.
  5. Select PWM for the D1, D2, and D3 pins, and then select 1, 2, and 3 from the drop-down menus for red, green, and blue. Select Save.

A toggle button and three slider controls will appear when you restart. These controls allow you to change the colors, control the lights, and adjust the brightness and intensity to display DIY colors.

3. Attach the RGB strip to the ESP8266.

Before removing or disconnecting the four wires connected to the RGB strip, unlock the module with the RF/IR controller that came with it.

  1. Using 1K resistors, connect NodeMCU or D1 Mini pins to the gate (1st) legs of the three TIP120 or IRF540 transistors.
  2. Attach source legs to the floor.
  3. Attach the drain legs to the LED strip's green, red, and blue connectors.

The RGB strip and the MCU can be powered by the 12V power supply that was included with the strip. You can change the NodeMCU or D1 Mini's 12V to 5V by using two 10Uf 50V capacitors and a 7805 voltage regulator. Attach the RGB strip to your D1 Mini or NodeMCU using the desoldered wires using the RGB strip module.

Additionally, you can solder the wires straight to the MCU or use jumper wires to make the connections. Once connected to one another, the web browser application on iOS or Android smartphones allows you to adjust the RGB color, brightness, and intensity.

4. Utilize an App to Manage an RGB Light Strip on an iOS or Android Device

To access the Tasmota panel and adjust the RGB light's color, brightness, and intensity, use any web browser application. You can also use the Alexa app from Amazon on your iOS or Android smartphones to manage the RGB strip by turning on the Hue Bridge emulation in Tasmota. You may also adjust the RGB lights' color and brightness using Hue Bridge emulation. The following are the steps:

  1. Navigate to Configuration, then click on Configure Other after opening the Tasmota web panel.
  2. Choose Hue Bridge under Emulation after giving your device a name, such as RGB. Click "Save."
  3. Install the Amazon Alexa app on your iOS or Android device.
  4. Go to Devices after logging in with your Amazon credentials.
  5. Perform a device scan. Additionally, you can use Alexa on Echo devices to locate the RGB light. Simply tell Alexa, "Discover devices."

Once the device has been integrated, you may use the Alexa app and Echo devices to manage the RGB light and brightness, as well as alter the color, using voice requests.

Conclusion

Creating a DIY RGB LED light display can be an enjoyable and rewarding project that enhances your space with customizable colors. By utilizing an appropriate microcontroller and following the outlined steps, you can easily control your RGB light strips via a mobile app, giving you the freedom to design your own unique light displays.