Summary

I wanted a piece of functional art for my "Tinker Space" that would stand out. I was inspired a long time ago by Ivan Miranda's 'YEAH' sign. After a few years I finally sat down and came up with this design. This also gave me the opportunity to work with an ESP8266 NodeMCU with addressable LEDs. Initially my plan was to make my own custom code and make it work how I wanted. While I am still working on this, I am currently using the WLED app. It is designed to be used with ESP boards and if you know little to no Arduino coding it is a very simple way to get you up and running. While simple to set up, almost plug and play, it is very powerful and is almost a turnkey solution for this project. Available for IOS and Android.

this design requires not finicky glueing, all letters bolt together with the use of m3 bolts and a corresponding nut. The face plates are all snap fit. There are also keyhole slots cut into the 'M' and 'E' to wall mount if you wish, such as I did. In all honesty this sign was designed to wall mount so making it free standing may be a challenge. If there is interest I can come up with a design that the letters run all horizontal and therefor could sit on a desk.

Print the "Housings" with the back on the build plate and with 5 perimeters so they are solid. I haven't arranged the models in the proper print orientation but can update that eventually if ti becomes a problem for poeple. Print the covers/faceplates face down with .2mm layer height. I used white PETG as it lets more light through than PLA. Since it so thin, i'm sure PLA would work fine, I just used PETG. Print

In the original model there are holes for the power supply female plug, a master power switch, and the NodeMCU USB port. In the case you dont want to use these electronics, I have included a file for the "E" that does not have holes for electronics. I recommend using tinkercad to make your own holes as it makes the handling of STL's very easy.

Important note, the LED's I opted to use and most addressable LED's for that matter, require a 5 Volt Power supply that can supply a sufficient amount of current. The Node MCU Also runs on 5 Volts. Using higher Voltage will fry the board and the LED's. So while a 12V 15Amp power supply is cheaper (oddly) don't opt for that!

In the coming days I can come up with a basic schematic to show how the wiring works.

Please post your makes and let me know your feedback!

Electronics I Used:

NodeMCU
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010O1G1ES/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MYVDXD4R63QXMPMWXMMY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Addressable LED's
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CDTEKAG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_T3M1YDB5X3FZ7T10TR3J?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Power Supply
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXN7MN3/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9ATNEFM4D9QKH265WWV7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Power Switches
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L9JWVVR/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_PTVYMERXANR0B14CMMDH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1