Best BASIC Controllers for WLED! (QuinLED, Athom, Smlight, + more)

Chris Maher: / @chrismaherdiy
Chris Maher's Domestic Automation guide: • PLUG n' PLAY Motion Se...
I've left affiliate links below for any of the products used - if you decide to buy one, using the link will help me financially at no additional cost to you! Thanks!
-- Products in this video --
Athom LS4P: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmM...
Athom LS2812: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdG...
Athom LS8P: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBg...
Athom LS3P: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEk...
SMLIGHT (Ali): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF0...
SMLIGHT (Amazon): amzn.to/491LbUU
GLEDOPTO (Ali): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFB...
GLEDOPTO (Amazon): amzn.to/3QiuygC
Domestic Automation: amzn.to/3OxJWol
QuinLED Dig-2-Go (Allnet): shop.allnetchina.cn/collectio...
QuinLED Dig-2-Go (Dr.Zzs US): www.drzzs.com/shop/dig2go/
QuinLED DigUno (Allnet): shop.allnetchina.cn/collectio...
QuinLED DigUno (Dr Zzs US): www.drzzs.com/shop/dig-uno-di...
Neon Rope (AliExpress): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCB...
Neon Rope (Amazon): amzn.to/4at3qnp
Triangular LED Matrix (AliExpress): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFU...
Pixel Bullet LED Lights (AliExpress): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEN...
Pixel Bullet LED Lights (Amazon): amzn.to/3SAkII8
12V FCOB LED Strip (AliExpress): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFa...
12V FCOB LED Strip (Amazon): amzn.to/3UeWTqE
24V COB LED Strip: amzn.to/3x9t6Xw
-- The Stuff behind me --
Eve Flare Lamp: amzn.to/3VJaBTg
Desk Architect's Lamp: amzn.to/3ihPdUf
Monitors: amzn.to/3ZgN63r
Monitor Mounts: amzn.to/3vN1z9M
Mouse: amzn.to/3It7595
Keyboard: amzn.to/3ik7jon
StreamDeck: amzn.to/3wqEfyY
Desk Microphone: amzn.to/3IwCYxz
Acoustic Panels: amzn.to/3wnALNV
Chair: amzn.to/3XAgfoX
Studio Headphones: amzn.to/3WVnffR
Under-Cabinet Speakers: amzn.to/3IxkHQP
Camera: amzn.to/3imNq04
Desk Backlighting Strip: amzn.to/3vJvLCX
Desk Backlighting Controller: www.athom.tech/blank-1/wled-h...
Desk Backlighting Power Supply: amzn.to/3IwduAD
Desk Board: amzn.to/3CwFbFy
Desk Brackets: amzn.to/3GJHDeh
-Filming setup-
Camera: amzn.to/3jOsb7C
Charger/Batteries: amzn.to/3k0fVRr
Camera Stand: amzn.to/3XifZux
Microphone: amzn.to/3WRpYXV
Monitor: amzn.to/3vMcnoB
Key Light: amzn.to/3WTJkvo
----
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @makeitworktech
Buy Me a Coffee if you want:
www.buymeacoffee.com/makeitwo...
Website:
www.makeitwork-tech.com/
The socials:
▶FOLLOW on Twitter: / makeitworktech
▶FOLLOW on Instagram: / makeitworktech
▶FOLLOW on Facebook: / makeitworktech
▶FOLLOW on Reddit: / make_itt_work
▶JOIN my Discord: / discord
▶CHECK OUT my GitHub: github.com/makeitworktech/hom...
▶CHECK OUT my Amazon Shop: www.amazon.com/shop/makeitwork

[@makeitworktech]

-- Products in this video -- Athom LS4P: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmMXoOV Athom LS2812: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdGT4G1 Athom LS8P: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBgOXsH Athom LS3P: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEkFs9H SMLIGHT (Ali): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF0Lu3f SMLIGHT (Amazon): amzn.to/491LbUU GLEDOPTO (Ali): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFBJlLx GLEDOPTO (Amazon): amzn.to/3QiuygC Domestic Automation: amzn.to/3OxJWol QuinLED Dig-2-Go (Allnet): shop.allnetchina.cn/collections/quinled/products/quinled-dig2go-portable-digital-led-controller-kits QuinLED Dig-2-Go (Dr.Zzs US): www.drzzs.com/shop/dig2go/ QuinLED DigUno (Allnet): shop.allnetchina.cn/collections/quinled/products/quinled-dig-uno-v3r7-digital-led-controller QuinLED DigUno (Dr Zzs US): www.drzzs.com/shop/dig-uno-diy-rgb-led-controller-w-wled-preassembled/ Neon Rope (AliExpress): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCBR5XT Neon Rope (Amazon): amzn.to/4at3qnp Triangular LED Matrix (AliExpress): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFUXv0p Pixel Bullet LED Lights (AliExpress): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DENAvm5 Pixel Bullet LED Lights (Amazon): amzn.to/3SAkII8 12V FCOB LED Strip (AliExpress): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFaoj0h 12V FCOB LED Strip (Amazon): amzn.to/3UeWTqE 24V COB LED Strip: amzn.to/3x9t6Xw

[@ChrisMaherDIY]

Great video!! I'm going to have to check out a few of these myself! Thanks for putting this together. I cant even imagine how long it must have taken! Thanks for the shoutout :)

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks Chris! Glad you enjoyed!

[@Filipvdb]

Perhaps not the best comment here, but to explain a bit where the physical design of the QuinLED-Dig-Uno came from: The fuse was originally intentionally put in front of the ESP board, because the ESP boards used in earlier models did not have proper feedback protection and you could blow stuff up by connecting the main power and USB at the same time.. Next to that it is also a little push to remind people to turn off the power while playing with wires, as the most common mistakes are creating shorts on power and data pins by changing things around while the board has power.. Of course like you mention this is more advanced, hence the Dig2Go was created. Also do note that proper USB-PD power supplies will often not be able to deliver anything more than 3A at 5V, so there is a good reason for limiting it in hardware.. It also has a build in relay :)

[@makeitworktech]

Makes sense! Good that QuinLED rolled out the Dig2Go as an alternative! I think there's still room for a controller that competes with the Athom LS4P between the Dig2Go and the DigUno.

[@Filipvdb]

@@makeitworktech Oh for sure, I just answered the question in the video. I'm a little bias so not going pro/con on other brands, specially because personally I have no experience with them.

[@Dr44dst44l]

@@makeitworktech I don't think a good controller can't be much smaller than the Dig2go, it's got en Electronic relay function for disconnecting power to the leds when off. And all kind of Safety features that prevents you from burning down your house. On a little not quinled did a test on those athom controllers in a livestream that eplains why these controllers don't do so good at 24v or long wires between controller and Ledstrip

[@kinto92]

+1 on QuinLED! I have the Octa but I haven't used it yet. It supposed to be for the stairs. On Athom, there's a WLED controller that works for Digital and Analog. I used the analog for my white LED strips.

[@makeitworktech]

Yeah, I can't wait to cover the Octa in my next video!! I haven't tried any analog strips yet, but good info!

[@theSWBFman]

Great video! There are very few videos comparing different controllers, and I think this one might have the most controllers in a single video. An interesting note is that Gledopto has released 2 (8 variants) new controllers recently. One is an updated version of the one you showed, and one is a copy of Athom's new mini controller except it comes with a built-in mic. Would love to see you review those ones as well! edit: I just realized half the comments start with variations of "great video!" LOL

[@OGKenG]

Speaking of first projects, my first one was a strip around my two living room windows on an ESP8266. I then bought a couple of ESP32s and tinkered with them. When I moved, I upgraded to a QuinLED DigQuad for my living room windows, bookcase and china hutch. I've since bought a DigUno (headboard on the bed and a bedroom window) and two Dig2Go boards for a Christmas tree and on top of the bookcase. My original ESP8266 now lives behind the living room TV as a cheap man's TV backlight.

[@makeitworktech]

Sounds like a great way to jump into WLED!

[@leinitta1760]

Outstanding Video!!! I am waiting to get my first dig uno. It seems like Quinn has put a ton of thought into designing the best & safest device for led projects.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks, yes, and there's a lot of documentation on his controllers!! Just wait until you see the next one with the advanced controllers!

[@markxexar9386]

I have a soft spot for Athom since they got me into this WLED hobby. However the main issue I have is that they frequently drop the WiFi connection. So I tried QuinLED DigUnos. I set up heartbeat uptime monitors. Multiple Athom units had the same WiFi drops while the DigUnos were rock solid. Since then I hsve become a huge fan of QuinLED’s line up. I do agree with your comments that DigUno is a bit more DIY than a basic model. For a basic model the DigToGo is amazing. As long as you are ok with 5V (I generally prefer 24V) then built in sound reactive and the convenience of USB power is great. Then is it nice that you can move up in the line to DigQuad or Octa, which I used to power large xLights Xmas lightshows. The only gap in the range is for analog where I use Shelly RGBW2, and QuinLED will soon have a product for that.

[@sandphotoNL]

Great video! Have been wanting to try some things with WLED for a while now. What would really add to the video though would be a table at the end with all the pros and cons of each controller in one overview (adding each controller when you're talking about it). Now I have to listen to what you're saying, make a mental table in my mind or rewind and write things down. A picture (table in this case) would help a lot. Think columns like 5V, 12V, 24V, # of terminals, fuse y/n, (approx) price, size, beginner/advanced user, case included y/n, etc. Looking forward to the sequel!

[@makeitworktech]

I have a table... Maybe I'll make a written version and put it there! Great feedback, and thanks!

[@brightsalot]

I haven’t watched this yet and I’m new to trying to DIY my own LED lighting, but I’ve had ADHD my whole life and struggle with executive functioning skills such as working memory. That means, for me, it can be difficult to hold on to information, shuffle it around, and manipulate it while working with it in my head. (I also have a math disability so numbers in particular fly in one ear and right out the other when I’m not intensely concentrating on them.) Having visual aids helps with that. Plus who doesn’t love a good spreadsheet!?! 😁

[@saliston]

I have two ls4p and it runs great.

[@makeitworktech]

yeah, love em!

[@andy_warb]

I recently bought a QuinLED Dig-Uno for lighting up my office and it's a little beast. I have it running 10m of 60 leds per meter RGBW leds and it's doing holding up really well. Only thing it's missing is a nice case but it took me all of five minutes to model one up and get it printed!

[@makeitworktech]

Yeah I actually found one on thingiverse. That's what I ended up using!

[@gerryf7015]

Nice one Aaron. The reason for the 5A and 10A fuse on the Dig Uno outputs, is because an edge injection (beginning or end) is never more than 4Amp (5A fuse). A mid-point injection can be 8A max (10Amp fuse) - 4Amp in both directions. All to do with voltage and current flow - would have to go back to your college Thévenin's Theorem!!

[@makeitworktech]

Ah ok, that makes sense I think (to a mechanical engineer :-D) thanks!

[@gerryf7015]

@@makeitworktech Well, I still like you!! Electrical engineer!!

[@makeitworktech]

@@gerryf7015 also known as "wizard" to us mech E guys haha

[@TheSlimHim]

Regarding the Dig2Go at 11:52, although what you said is accurate, you implied it can't do sound based effects out of the box but it can; it uses the UserMod instead of the fork.

[@makeitworktech]

You have to install that though, right? I have not tested that

[@TheSlimHim]

@@makeitworktech Nope! , comes pre-installed! Though you might need to go into settings and enable it, that I can't remember.

[@markxexar9386]

Sound effects were an available option in the standard install for my D2G. Just brillant for a matrix display!

[@markstanchin1692]

Hello, thanks for the video. I can’t locate the latest more advanced controller video.

[@makeitworktech]

Hi, that one is still in the works! I've had to do an overhaul of my workbench, so it's prevented me from doing a full test of them

[@brenopontes3041]

I have a GLEDOPTO and it flickers so bad with my 24v 720led COB strip (even with very short data cables). Just purchased the Athom one, fingers crossed it gets rid of the flickering

[@gerryf7015]

One issue with the GLEDOPTO is their terminals - the push and release one. They have a terrible hold and cannot take any 16 or 18 awg wire, You really have to jam the wire into the terminal to get them to hold. Might be your issue.

[@makeitworktech]

I had no issues with my Athom - hope it works for you!

[@TehKrys]

smlight does have touch button at the top, it's printed where it is on the sticker.

[@makeitworktech]

Yes, I wondered if it was under there. Do you have to configure it in WLED?

[@TehKrys]

@@makeitworktech it works out of the box. When you touch it there is a red light indicator

[@TheSuperStroker]

Great videos - but u gotta leave info on the screen longer for us slow readers

[@makeitworktech]

Sorry! Noted for the next one!

[@Braindead154]

Are there any controllers that don’t need the neutral and hot? I’m independently powering all of my LED strips and don’t need passthrough power from the WLED device. I just want to connect them all via data cables.

[@makeitworktech]

The controller needs to have power to function... How will it connect to WiFi?

[@Braindead154]

@@makeitworktech sorry, it turns out I was referring to power injection. I just want to bring data back from each strip to the WLED device. The WLED device will have its own power and the strip will also have its own power. I’m roughing in a space with vaulted ceilings. I’m going to pass 3 low voltage cables to each strip from the media cabinet. Two of those low voltage cables will be for +/-, the other for data. Data cables will go to WLED device. The +/- will go to a 24V DC power supply. The power supply will be connected to an outlet inside the media cabinet that is controlled by a normal light switch. Hopefully I’m speaking sense here. Everything should be completely hidden. Strips will shine line up the vaulted ceiling “creating” more height in the room

[@makeitworktech]

@@Braindead154ah ok I get it. nice sounds like a fun project!

[@notthesnail]

I would not suggest upgrading WLED on a DigUNO via home assistant, with or without sound reactivity. If you don't use the QuinLED custom compiled versions of WLED, you will get some very strange behaviour. Some effects won't use all the LEDs, yet others will. Turning off the LEDs might leave a single LED lit. Some effects will use different colours than those selected, but only for a portion of the LEDs.

[@robdh4]

I know not your platform, but do you know if wled can interface with smart things?

[@TinyDoGO4444]

I agree this channel is perfect for home assistant. Lots of us use smartthings because of the ease of use. Do you have any knowledge on WLED and Smartthings?

[@gerryf7015]

Not a SmartThings person, but to a search for Automating WLED With SmartThings And webCoRE

[@makeitworktech]

I've looked into this previously but it looks like the device status isn't synced, only updated when triggered from ST. That means if you turned the light off via WLED app, ST would think it was still on. Maybe they've gotten further, but I'm not sure. github.com/toddaustin07/edge_WLED

[@makeitworktech]

I've looked into this previously but it looks like the device status isn't synced, only updated when triggered from ST. That means if you turned the light off via WLED app, ST would think it was still on. Maybe they've gotten further, but I'm not sure. github.com/toddaustin07/edge_WLED

[@tmnt9001]

The official wled doesn't have sound reactive features yet? Could have sworn I've read something on their website. Thanks for the heads up!! 😅

[@makeitworktech]

Apparently you can add it via usermod!

[@tmnt9001]

@@makeitworktech I was just checking their release list and yes, you can do that! 😁 Any tutorials on how to do it? Didn't find anything... 😅

[@makeitworktech]

@@tmnt9001 I've never tried, I'll have to give it a shot!

[@AYUSHELECTRONIC-gr5po]

I want to play scrolling text in multi language wled how work. ?

[@makeitworktech]

not sure about multi language, sorry!

[@gedgicat2063]

I get the comments ref the dig uno, so why not recommend the dig2go instead as a basic controller?

[@gerryf7015]

The Dig2Go only supports 5V strips, the DigUno support 5/12/24V strips and also power injection.

[@Filipvdb]

@@gerryf7015 You mean like the Athom one in the list but better? :D

[@makeitworktech]

Only supports 5V strips and supplied by USB-C. Also price is higher than others