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IKEA Mood-light Conversion using PIC12F683P

Introduction This little project was one of my first projects with microcontrollers. First, I made the circuit then, for years, I was wondering what I could do with it, until one day I came across this IKEA plastic bag dispenser. I knew immediately, it would make a perfect “housing” for my mood light.

Tags: #mood-light#pic12f683p
Ibrar Ayyub By Ibrar Ayyub
Published

At a glance

CategoryHome Automation & Security
PIC modelPIC12F683
Reading time~3 min

Summary of IKEA Mood-light Conversion using PIC12F683P

This project converts an IKEA plastic bag dispenser into a mood light using a PIC12F683 microcontroller. The author utilized leftover LED strips powered by a 12V wall wart, with a 7805 regulator providing stable 5V for the chip. Software PWM generates three color channels since the PIC has only one hardware channel. The mechanical design leverages the dispenser's solid frame, mounting points, and large holes for cables and fabric covering.

Parts used in the IKEA Mood-light Conversion:

  • LED strips (multiple colors)
  • 12V / 1A wall wart
  • 7805 voltage regulator
  • PIC12F683 microcontroller
  • ICSP header
  • TTH components
  • IKEA plastic bag dispenser
  • White fabric

Mood-light Conversion

Hardware
I had a few LED strips leftover from previous projects in different colours. They can be operated directly from 12V DC with no extra components. For this reason, I chose to use a standard 12V / 1A wall wart as the power supply. A 7805 provides stable 5V for the PIC.

At the heart of the circuit is one of the smallest PICs, a PIC12F683, which has only 8 pins. It only has one PWM channel but I needed 3 channels for the three colours, so I had to implement 3 channels of PWM in software. Since when I made this circuit I was a complete beginner with PICs I mostly “harvested” the code from various web sites, trying to understand some basic programming techniques. In the process I tailored the code found to my specific circuit.

There is an ICSP header also included on the board for easy development.

The components are all TTH components, very easy to solder.

Mechanical construction
The plastic bag dispenser from IKEA is a perfect fit for this purpose: it has a solid frame that is easy enough to customize using some not too powerfull power tools, white in colour, it already has mounting points on the back for easy hanging on the wall and the frame has large holes on it so that cables and the white fabric I got for it to cover can pass through them easily.

 

For more detail: IKEA Mood-light Conversion using PIC12F683P

  • Why was the IKEA plastic bag dispenser chosen?
    It has a solid frame, mounting points, and large holes for cables and fabric.
  • How are the LED strips powered?
    They operate directly from a standard 12V / 1A wall wart without extra components.
  • What provides stable 5V for the PIC?
    A 7805 voltage regulator supplies stable 5V for the microcontroller.
  • Does the PIC12F683 have enough hardware PWM channels?
    No, it has only one channel, so three channels were implemented in software.
  • Can the circuit be easily reprogrammed?
    Yes, an ICSP header is included on the board for easy development.
  • Are the components difficult to solder?
    No, all components are TTH and described as very easy to solder.
  • What power supply voltage is required for the LEDs?
    The LED strips require 12V DC to operate directly.
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Ibrar Ayyub

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough...