# Triangle Custom PCB **URL:** \ **Category:** Hardware\ **Created:** [May 24, 2022, 11:38pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417 "2022-05-24T23:38:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jeffeb3](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/jeffeb3/32/969_2.png) [@jeffeb3](https://wled.discourse.group/u/jeffeb3)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2022, 11:38pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/1 "2022-05-24T23:38:34Z")
I am having some fun designing some PCBs in a triangle shape. I want to combine three of them and make a Triforce (from legend of zelda). I will 3D print a white or clear case and use it as a Christmas tree topper, and it will be on a desk or counter the rest of the year. I already have one, but the lights are neopixel jewels, which are decidedly not triangles. Enough with the motivation, here is the PCB right now: ![screenshot-2022-05-24-1653434316](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/c/cc45b122dd588fc4d4a123517c01a91959614db7.png) ![screenshot-2022-05-24-1653434338](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/8/836c351ddf1cdca19f6442da91f6b4b95a39983e.png) I haven’t done the copper pours for the ground or 5V yet. I am planing on using WS2812B-mini LEDs. They are 3.5mmx3.5mm, so small, but not that hard to solder. The PCB fab will probably charge the same for 5-10 of them as for 1, so I would like all three triangles to have the same PCB. First off, what do you think? Secondly, I have something that would be ready to use. But with a little more effort, I could add in an esp to the back. I am thinking an esp8266-12F, or else an esp32-C3-C05 (Can I even build WLED for the C3?). Any issues with driving 45 LEDs from one 8266? What would I need for that? I would need some programming pins (tx,rx, gnd, d0). I would need a 5V to 3.3V power supply (like an LM1117? It has been a while since I needed one of these). It only needs to power the esp, and only down from 5V to 3.3V. So a buck converter seems like overkill (is it?). What do I have to do for the antenna? Cut a hole? Just make sure the copper pours aren’t covering the antenna? I don’t want anything to reach outside of the triangle, but I don’t mind a cutout. If I also added a USB mini, micro, or USB-C connector, I could make the whole thing a lot neater. 45 LEDs at 60mA is over 2.5A, but I could limit it in software. It will be too bright to look at if I let it use all 60mA. I think I have some SMD usb mini connectors in the basement. What would you do differently? Please share your ideas. It will take a few weeks to get the PCBs, so it probably makes sense to think about what else I could add for a day or two before making the order. ---
**Author:** ![jeffeb3](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/jeffeb3/32/969_2.png) [@jeffeb3](https://wled.discourse.group/u/jeffeb3)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2022, 11:39pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/2 "2022-05-24T23:39:53Z")
And, if there are any open source designs for WLED boards that you think I should see, please link them for me. I am happy to learn from the lessons of others! ---
**Author:** ![ALDIY](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/aldiy/32/2716_2.png) [@ALDIY](https://wled.discourse.group/u/ALDIY)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 11:53am UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/3 "2022-05-26T11:53:33Z")
i only seen this on discord ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/d/dcd1b7b36e75b393f66dd4f36f3f2b4358d3341c.jpeg) [Universal WLED wemos shield - Share Project - PCBWay](https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/WLED_wemos_shield.html) ---
**Author:** ![jeffeb3](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/jeffeb3/32/969_2.png) [@jeffeb3](https://wled.discourse.group/u/jeffeb3)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 6:43pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/4 "2022-05-26T18:43:05Z")
That is a slick project. Thanks for pointing that out. That project looks like it is just the LEDs (which would be fine, honestly). A lot of them in there too. ---
**Author:** ![jeffeb3](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/jeffeb3/32/969_2.png) [@jeffeb3](https://wled.discourse.group/u/jeffeb3)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 7:01pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/5 "2022-05-26T19:01:50Z")
I decided to stuff the esp8266 in there. The esp32-C3 is the same footprint, but I don’t see a wled build for it. I could probably build it myself, but the esp8266 will work just fine (45 leds). AFAIK, the C3 needs different build flags. At least, it did when I built tasmota for it. Things are a little cramped, and I learned a bit more. But I can build one with the ESP and the other two just daisy chained on. > **[Triforce LED - EasyEDA open source hardware lab](https://oshwlab.com/jeffeb3/triforce2)** > > In EasyEDA open source hardware lab, open source square pools all kinds of electrical design engineerings together to realize resource sharing easily. I didn’t do a USB connector. I will just solder bare wires to the DIN connector and add a power supply with a crimped on connector (like a dupont or a molex). The two things I haven’t decided yet are: - Should I add some mounting holes? I have the current neopixel jewels just hot glued on. I am leaning towards omitting them. There just isn’t enough space for an M3 hole, and I don’t want to mess with M2 or smaller. - Should I order it with HASL (cheap) or ENIG (about $15 more). I am not planning on eating the boards, and there aren’t any teeny tiny parts, so I am leaning towards the HASL. I don’t care about shelf life, and I will be hand soldering, so adding a little flux won’t hurt. ---
**Author:** ![srg74](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/srg74/32/3018_2.png) [@srg74](https://wled.discourse.group/u/srg74)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 8:15pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/6 "2022-05-26T20:15:09Z")
![pyramid](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/1/1a18a8aca233c208048d9fc75dea8a1d9c20761d.jpeg) Here is pyramid with similar idea. ---
**Author:** ![jeffeb3](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/jeffeb3/32/969_2.png) [@jeffeb3](https://wled.discourse.group/u/jeffeb3)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 9:46pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/7 "2022-05-26T21:46:17Z")
That pyramid is cool! Do you have a link to any details? ---
**Author:** ![jeffeb3](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/jeffeb3/32/969_2.png) [@jeffeb3](https://wled.discourse.group/u/jeffeb3)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 9:51pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/8 "2022-05-26T21:51:03Z")
![screenshot-2022-05-26-1653601659](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/9/96ccef916e8a557a111cea9f58f268ca878df2e9.png) ![screenshot-2022-05-26-1653601638](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/b/bc492010d7ef710a89949852a2ca9d4839cbc8e7.png) ![screenshot-2022-05-26-1653601616](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/2/23cefd6061fd168965208283abfc729110ab5632.png) ![screenshot-2022-05-26-1653601605](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/2/2568bfcde2ec1bb67ee24d875f45e8f071d1bf07.png) I opted to order it without the holes, and in HASL. I hope I am close enough to get something working. I ordered 5x, and plenty of LEDs for several of them. The PCBs cost $10 and the parts I was missing were $15, including slow shipping (should be less than 3 weeks though). Wish me luck! If it works, I might order some more. I am also eager to try using just one at a time, even though I designed it for 3. It might be nice to keep it compact. ---
**Author:** ![ALDIY](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/aldiy/32/2716_2.png) [@ALDIY](https://wled.discourse.group/u/ALDIY)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 10:48pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/9 "2022-05-26T22:48:18Z")
In my limited testing with cubes and led fixtures , there is no advantage to the MCU being attached to the leds PCB . As there is room inside the fixture ,it would be good solution to add any shield to the base of the pyramid . I am concern if you make this then replacing the triangle with the MCU in case of a led failure is going to be an issue . In the example below I would just replace one of the sides and still keep the MCU . I like the pyramid Seg74 posted ( he is one who designed the shield ) but not sure of the details ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/wled/original/2X/9/964b48497cfce1553743e6bc6df09784dedf1ded.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![srg74](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/srg74/32/3018_2.png) [@srg74](https://wled.discourse.group/u/srg74)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2022, 10:54pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/10 "2022-05-26T22:54:47Z")
Details: - ESP12-F module - Relay for power cut off - IR receiver - headers for serial upload Most important part powered by WLED 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![jeffeb3](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/jeffeb3/32/969_2.png) [@jeffeb3](https://wled.discourse.group/u/jeffeb3)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2022, 12:04am UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/11 "2022-05-27T00:04:47Z")
The advantage of having it attached is just fewer wires to make. But I can still use an external mcu. I just wouldn’t install the esp. I am going to be doing all the soldering myself. No PnP machine here. ---
**Author:** ![ALDIY](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/aldiy/32/2716_2.png) [@ALDIY](https://wled.discourse.group/u/ALDIY)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2022, 12:22am UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/12 "2022-05-27T00:22:12Z")
how can i get one ? ---
**Author:** ![srg74](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/srg74/32/3018_2.png) [@srg74](https://wled.discourse.group/u/srg74)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2022, 2:21am UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/13 "2022-05-27T02:21:17Z")
Get one of what? Pyramid or PCB? ---
**Author:** ![ALDIY](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/aldiy/32/2716_2.png) [@ALDIY](https://wled.discourse.group/u/ALDIY)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2022, 2:24am UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/14 "2022-05-27T02:24:32Z")
Pyramid ---
**Author:** ![tonyno](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/tonyno/32/242_2.png) [@tonyno](https://wled.discourse.group/u/tonyno)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2022, 12:45pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/15 "2022-05-27T12:45:45Z")
How is the wifi signal? Looks like you have copper below the antenna. ---
**Author:** ![jeffeb3](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/jeffeb3/32/969_2.png) [@jeffeb3](https://wled.discourse.group/u/jeffeb3)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2022, 3:06pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/16 "2022-05-27T15:06:18Z")
I haven’t gotten the pcbs yet. I did manage keep the pour away from the antenna. I had a cutout in the board, but it looked wonky. There is an LED there, so there are some traces. I will let you know when I get it. ---
**Author:** ![jeffeb3](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/jeffeb3/32/969_2.png) [@jeffeb3](https://wled.discourse.group/u/jeffeb3)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2022, 3:08pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/17 "2022-05-27T15:08:42Z")
Do you have a post about your build somewhere? Are the pcbs available? (I don’t believe you owe me anything, but those are the details I was curious about). I would be pretty happy to have a little pcb pyramid on my desk. But one project at a time (haha, yeah right). ---
**Author:** ![ALDIY](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/aldiy/32/2716_2.png) [@ALDIY](https://wled.discourse.group/u/ALDIY)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2022, 5:36pm UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/18 "2022-05-27T17:36:18Z")
Like you I would like to test a little led pyramid . I am not sure but is it possible to get a pyramid ( with/without an MCU ) without going via PCB way ? like from Serg or other places ---
**Author:** ![srg74](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/srg74/32/3018_2.png) [@srg74](https://wled.discourse.group/u/srg74)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2022, 1:35am UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/19 "2022-05-28T01:35:39Z")
I have to check what I have in my storage box. It might happen I have few boards around. Regarding design files, have to check too. ---
**Author:** ![srg74](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/wled.discourse.group/srg74/32/3018_2.png) [@srg74](https://wled.discourse.group/u/srg74)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2022, 1:37am UTC](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417/20 "2022-05-28T01:37:59Z")
I don’t have another one assembled, sorry. It’s kind of long process and I think it’s not worth it to make production unit. Will be too expensive. [Next page](https://wled.discourse.group/t/triangle-custom-pcb/5417.md?page=2)