DIY Custom Ambient Light for Your PC: Create a Stunning Visual Experience on a Budget with Arduino and RGB LED Strip

If you are a PC enthusiast, you know the value of customizing your setup to suit your style and preferences. One great way to do this is by adding ambient lighting to your PC setup. This can create a more immersive and dynamic visual experience, adding depth and dimension to your gaming, movies, or work. In this blog, we will explore how to create a cheap custom ambient light for your PC using Arduino, RGB LED Strip, and a LED frame.

The ambilight that I’ve built is completely DIY and uses RGB LEDs with integrated controllers and an Arduino. Lights will change based on what you have in your screen.

Materials:

• Arduino Nano
• WS2812B RGB LED Strip
• LED Frame
• Jumper wires
• USB cable
• Soldering iron
• Solder wire
• Heat shrink tube
• Power supply

Steps:

1. Assemble the LED frame by following the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the frame is large enough to fit behind your monitor and that it is securely mounted.
2. Cut the RGB LED strip to the length of the LED frame. Make sure to cut it at the designated cutting points on the strip.
3. Connect the power supply to the LED strip. The power supply should be rated to match the voltage and current requirements of the LED strip.
4. Solder jumper wires to the LED strip's data input and ground. Connect these wires to the Arduino Nano's digital pin 6 and ground pin, respectively.
5. Connect the Arduino Nano to your computer using a USB cable.
6. Install the FastLED library in your Arduino IDE. This library allows you to control the LED strip using Arduino code.
7. Write the code for your custom ambient light. The code should use the FastLED library to control the color and brightness of the LED strip. You can customize the code to suit your preferences and style.
8. Upload the code to the Arduino Nano.
9. Test the LED strip to ensure that it is working correctly.
10. Insert the LED strip into the LED frame, making sure that each LED lines up with the corresponding slot in the frame.
11. Connect the power supply to the Arduino Nano and turn on your PC. The LED strip should light up, displaying the colors and patterns you programmed in the code.

Creating a custom ambient light for your PC is an excellent way to add some personality and style to your setup. With a little bit of DIY know-how and some inexpensive materials, you can create a custom ambient light that is tailored to your preferences and style. So why not give it a try and see how it can transform your PC experience!

This setup is very cheap but only works on a PC. You cannot use this for your Blu-ray player or standalone TV. This could work on an Android TV but not tested.

Below is the final working version,

And here are some pics of the completed product,

Cost of Components

• Arduino (Nano is preferred Cost: INR 300/)
• RGB LED Strip (Cost: INR 350/-)
• LED 5V Power Adapter (Cost: INR 250/-)
• Frame for setting up the LED Strip (Cost: INR 200/-)