Overview
I’m always looking for ways to make my home smarter and lead a more efficient life. I dreamt up this LED notification bar project after wondering how I can make use of a spare LED strip.
It’s a really simple way to get automated notifications without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s fun to play around with too. Want to know how to make your own? Keep reading!
Objectives
My main objective is to create automated notifications using an LED strip and LED controller. This will be used to indicate things like time-based reminders, weather reports, when someone is at the door and if indoor air quality changes.
Walk Reminder
When I am working from home, I walk Mollie our Labrador at lunchtime. I set reminders on my phone, but sometimes I get caught up in work or stuck on a call and I easily forget. So, I decided that I would use the LED notification bar to remind me 10 minutes before it is time to walk Mollie.
Rain Warning
I want an LED notification bar to indicate when it’s going to rain nearby. This reminds me to grab a jacket or change clothes before walking Mollie. We also have outdoor furniture and I don’t want to leave things out in the rain.
Arlo Alert
I want an LED notification car to flash red when motion is detected on my Arlo doorbell camera. This would suggest that someone is at the door and I need to answer it.
Indoor Air Quality Status
I recently automated my home’s ventilation system. Airthings sensors measure TVOC levels inside my home and initiate my ventilation system’s fan speeds for a set duration. I want an LED notification bar to notify me if TVOC exceeds a specific level. This would indicate that the indoor air quality has changed and I need to take action.
Solution
I’m going to use a combination of three LED strip products and the Smart Life / Tuya app to automate my LED notification bar.
LED Light Strip
I re-used a spare LED RGB light strip that was 1M in length. But any 5050 LED RGB light strip will work in this project. If you don’t already have a LED RGB light strip, I recommend ordering one with a Smart Life / Tuya LED controller included such as the Maxonar offering.
Wi-Fi LED Controller
I purchased a Smart Life / Tuya compatible LED controller. This device will enable me to automate my LED light strip. It has a 4 pin RGB interface for the LED strip and the other end connects to a 12V power supply.
I also found a Smart Life / Tuya USB LED controller but you need to make sure you have a 5V LED light strip to use this USB version.