Hardware Setup

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about setting up the hardware for your Ryzer LED controller.

Components Overview#

What’s Included#

• Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3 - The brain of your LED controller
• USB-C Cable - For programming and power

What You Need to Provide#

1. WS2812B LED Strip - Addressable RGB LEDs (up to 200 LEDs supported)
2. 5V Power Supply - Adequate for your LED count (see power calculations below)
3. Connecting Wires - 22-18 AWG for data and power connections
4. Optional: Level shifter (3.3V to 5V), capacitor (1000µF), resistor (470Ω)

📸 Screenshot Needed: Photo of all components laid out

Understanding Your LED Strip#

WS2812B LED Specifications#

• Type: Addressable RGB LEDs (individually controllable)
• Voltage: 5V DC
• Current per LED: Up to 60mA at full brightness (white)
• Data Signal: One-wire control (DIN → DOUT chain)

LED Strip Anatomy#

Your LED strip has three connections:

• DIN (Data In) - receives control signal
• 5V / VCC - power positive
• GND - power ground

IMPORTANT: LEDs are directional! Data flows from DIN → DOUT. Look for arrows on the strip indicating direction.

📸 Screenshot Needed: Close-up of LED strip showing DIN, VCC, GND labels and direction arrow

Power Requirements#

Calculate Your Power Needs#

Rule of Thumb: Each LED can draw up to 60mA at maximum brightness (white).

Power Supply Recommendations#

✅ Good Power Supplies:

• Mean Well LPV series (LED drivers)
• Computer power supply (5V rail)
• Quality AC-to-DC adapters (UL/CE listed)

❌ Avoid:

• Cheap USB chargers (insufficient current)
• Underpowered supplies (causes flickering/dimming)
• Unknown brand adapters (safety risk)

⚠️ Critical Safety Note: Never power more than 1-2 LEDs directly from the ESP32-C3 board. Always use an external power supply for LED strips!

Wiring Diagram#

Basic Connection#

┌─────────────────────────────┐
│   Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3      │
│                             │
│  [USB-C]                    │
│                             │
│   5V  ────────────┬─────────┼──→ LED Strip VCC (5V)
│   GND ────────────┼────┬────┼──→ LED Strip GND
│   D6  ──────────────┐  │    │
│                     │  │    │
└─────────────────────┼──┼────┘
                      │  │
                      │  │
              ┌───────┘  │
              │          │
              ↓          ↓
         ┌────────────────────────────┐
         │    WS2812B LED Strip       │
         │  DIN    GND    VCC         │
         └────────────────────────────┘
              ↑          ↑
              │          │
         From D6    Common Ground

Pin Connections#

📸 Screenshot Needed: Real photo of wired Ryzer board with labeled connections

Step-by-Step Assembly#

Step 1: Prepare Your LED Strip#

1. Measure and cut (if needed):

   • Measure the length you need for your printer
   • Cut ONLY at the designated cut marks (usually every 1-3 LEDs)
   • Note the direction arrow!

2. Identify connections:

   • Find the DIN end (data input - this connects to Ryzer)
   • Find the DOUT end (data output - this is the far end)

3. Prepare wires:

   • Strip 5-10mm of insulation from wire ends
   • For connectors, tin with solder if possible

💡 Tip: If you cut your LED strip, you’ll need to solder wires to the copper pads. Make sure to identify which end is DIN!

Step 2: Optional - Add Recommended Components#

These components improve reliability and protect your hardware:

Level Shifter (Recommended)#

Why? ESP32-C3 outputs 3.3V logic, but WS2812B expects 5V. While many strips work with 3.3V, a level shifter ensures reliable operation.

How?

ESP32 D6 → Level Shifter (3.3V side)
Level Shifter (5V side) → LED Strip DIN

Popular options:

• 74HCT125 chip
• Pre-made logic level converter modules

📸 Screenshot Needed: Level shifter module in circuit

Smoothing Capacitor (Highly Recommended)#

Why? Protects against voltage spikes when LEDs switch on/off rapidly.

How?

• Add 1000µF capacitor across power supply + and - near the LED strip
• Observe polarity: long leg is positive (+)

📸 Screenshot Needed: Capacitor installed across LED strip power connections

Data Line Resistor (Recommended)#

Why? Protects the ESP32-C3 output pin and reduces signal reflections.

How?

• Add 470Ω resistor in series between D6 and LED DIN
• Resistors have no polarity

Step 3: Connect Power#

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do all wiring with power OFF!

1. Connect power supply to LED strip:

   • Power supply positive (+) → LED strip VCC
   • Power supply negative (-) → LED strip GND

2. Create common ground:

   • Connect power supply GND (-) to Ryzer GND pin
   • This is CRITICAL - without common ground, nothing will work!

3. Wire gauge considerations:

   • For up to 60 LEDs: 22-24 AWG wire is fine
   • For 60-150 LEDs: Use 20-22 AWG wire
   • For 150-200 LEDs: Use 18-20 AWG wire

💡 Pro Tip: Use red wire for positive, black for ground, and another color (white/yellow) for data. This prevents confusion!

Step 4: Connect Data Line#

1. Connect Ryzer to LED strip:

   • Ryzer pin D6 → (optional: through 470Ω resistor) → LED strip DIN

2. Keep data wire short:

   • Ideal: Under 6 inches (15cm) without level shifter
   • Longer runs: Use level shifter or twisted pair wire

3. Route carefully:

   • Keep data wire away from power wires (reduces interference)
   • Avoid sharp bends

Step 5: Power Up and Test#

1. Triple-check all connections:

   • Correct polarity on power supply
   • Common ground connected
   • Data wire to DIN (not DOUT!)

2. Connect Ryzer via USB-C:

   • Use computer USB port or quality USB charger
   • This powers the ESP32-C3 only (not the LEDs)

3. Power on LED power supply

4. Observe LED status:

   • Should see LEDs light up (white on first boot)
   • If nothing happens, see troubleshooting below

Physical Installation#

Mounting Inside Your Bambu Lab Printer#

Choose Your Location#

Option 1: Chamber Lighting (most popular)

• Mount LED strip along top or sides of chamber
• Provides ambient lighting for monitoring prints
• Good placement for viewing layers

Option 2: Bed Illumination

• Mount under print bed frame (if space allows)
• Lights up the work area
• Consider heat from heated bed

Option 3: External Status Strip

• Mount on outside of printer case
• Visible status indicator from across the room
• Less affected by chamber heat

📸 Screenshot Needed: Example installations in different locations

Installation Tips#

1. Clean surfaces:

   • Wipe mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol
   • Wait for complete drying

2. Use LED strip adhesive backing:

   • Most WS2812B strips have 3M adhesive backing
   • Works well for temperatures under 60°C (140°F)

3. Add extra security for high-heat areas:

   • Use small zip ties or clips every 10-15cm
   • Aluminum channels work great and add rigidity

4. Route wiring safely:

   • Keep ALL wires away from:
     • Moving print head
     • Moving print bed
     • Door hinges
     • Hot end and heated bed
   • Use cable clips or adhesive mounts
   • Leave some slack for movement

5. Mount controller outside chamber:

   • ESP32-C3 is safe up to 50°C, but cooler is better
   • Mount outside heated chamber if possible
   • Use double-sided tape or 3D-printed bracket

⚠️ Warning: Chamber temperatures can exceed 60°C during ABS printing. Ensure electronics are mounted in cooler zones!

Testing Your Setup#

Initial Power-Up Test#

1. First boot:

   • LEDs should show white (Access Point mode)
   • If LEDs don’t light up, see troubleshooting

2. Count test:

   • After configuring Ryzer, go to Lighting page
   • Set LED count and test
   • All LEDs should light up in order

3. Pattern test:

   • Observe as LEDs cycle through colors
   • All should be same color/brightness
   • No flickering or random colors

Troubleshooting#

LEDs Don’t Light Up At All#

Check these in order:

1. ✅ Is power supply plugged in and turned on?
2. ✅ Is power supply providing 5V? (use multimeter)
3. ✅ Are all ground connections secure? (PSU, LED, Ryzer)
4. ✅ Is data wire connected to D6 pin on Ryzer?
5. ✅ Is data wire connected to DIN (not DOUT) on LED strip?
6. ✅ Is LED strip oriented correctly? (check arrow)

First LED Works, Rest Don’t#

Common causes:

• LED strip direction reversed
• Insufficient power supply current
• Damaged LED in the chain
• Fix: Try reversing strip connection or test each section

LEDs Flicker or Show Random Colors#

Common causes:

• Poor power supply (insufficient current or quality)
• Long data wire without level shifter
• Loose connections
• Fixes:
  • Add smoothing capacitor
  • Reduce brightness in Ryzer settings
  • Use level shifter for data line
  • Check all solder joints/connections

ESP32-C3 Won’t Program#

Solutions:

• Try different USB cable (must be data-capable, not charge-only)
• Try different USB port on computer
• Hold BOOT button while plugging in USB
• Install/update USB drivers for CH340 or CP2102

Safety Guidelines#

⚠️ MUST Follow#

1. Never exceed power supply ratings
2. Always disconnect power before wiring
3. Use appropriate wire gauge for your LED count
4. Insulate all exposed connections (electrical tape or heat shrink)
5. Keep electronics away from hot printer components
6. Never operate with exposed live wiring

🔥 Fire Safety#

• Use UL/CE certified power supplies
• Don’t overload electrical outlets
• Ensure proper ventilation around power supply
• Monitor first few uses to check for overheating

Next Steps#

Now that your hardware is assembled:

1. Complete First Time Setup - Configure WiFi and access web interface
2. Connect to Your Printer - Set up MQTT connection
3. Configure LED Settings - Adjust count and brightness

Additional Resources#

• WS2812B Datasheet
• FastLED Library Documentation
• ESP32-C3 Documentation
• Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3 Wiki

Estimated Assembly Time: 30-60 minutes Difficulty: Intermediate (requires basic electronics skills) Tools Needed: Wire strippers, screwdriver, multimeter (optional)