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led light cube

2025, everything, esp32, wled, woodworking

the problem

an 8x8 led matrix straight from amazon is blindingly bright and twice as ugly. it needed a home that softens the light and hides the electronics.

so: a wooden cube, sized around the matrix, with the esp32 tucked inside.

the approach

the frame went together from cut planks, glued and strapped tight while it dried. then paint, inside black for contrast.

wooden cube frame glued and strapped while drying

holding the wooden frame together while the glue dries.

cube shell painted black, drying outdoors

a black finish for the wooden enclosure.

the matrix got its wires soldered by hand, moved into the cube, and an esp32 running WLED took over the show.

hand-soldering wires to the led matrix

wiring the LED matrix by hand.

the outcome

a lamp that runs animations, reacts to music, and answers to a phone app. wood, light, and wifi, quietly getting along.

8x8 led matrix fitted into the wooden cube

the 8×8 matrix fitted into its wooden home.
a look at the light patterns in motion.