How to Install WLED on an ESP32 Board from a Chrome Web Browser: A Demo with ANAVI Miracle Emitter and XIAO ESP32C3
WLED: Open-Source LED Control Firmware
WLED is a powerful open-source firmware designed to control addressable LED strips, including popular NeoPixel models such as WS2811, WS2812B, TM1809, and more. Supporting both ESP32 and ESP8266 devices, WLED has become a favorite among DIY lighting enthusiasts. With its built-in local HTTP server, WLED offers a sleek, modern UI that allows users to manage their LED strips from any device on the same network. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with Home Assistant, enabling smart home automation, voice control, and advanced lighting effects.
Why Use WLED?
WLED provides an effortless and user-friendly way to control LEDs without the need for complex programming or additional hardware. Its compatibility with various smart home ecosystems makes it a versatile choice for lighting automation.
Installing WLED via Web Browser
A major advantage of WLED is its ease of installation. You can directly flash WLED firmware onto an ESP32 board using only a web browser?no additional software or drivers required. This tutorial demonstrates how to install WLED using Google Chrome and the ANAVI Miracle Emitter, which features the XIAO ESP32C3 RISC-V microcontroller.
Steps to Install WLED on ESP32
1. Open Google Chrome: Ensure you are using Chrome, as it supports Web Serial, which is required for flashing the firmware.
3. Connect Your ESP32 Board: Plug the ESP32 board (e.g., XIAO ESP32C3) into your computer via USB.
4. Select Your Device: Click the Install button on the website, then choose your ESP32 board from the available list of devices.
5. Flash the Firmware: Follow the on-screen instructions to install WLED onto your ESP32 board.
6. Connect to WLED: Once installed, your ESP32 will create a Wi-Fi network. Connect to it and complete the setup by configuring your LED strip settings.
About the ANAVI Miracle Emitter
The ANAVI Miracle Emitter is an open-source IoT development board designed for controlling NeoPixel LEDs. It offers support for multiple I2C sensors and a mini OLED display, making it a versatile choice for various IoT and lighting applications. The board?s PCB was designed using KiCad, a popular open-source software for electronic design. Soon, it will be available via crowdfunding on Crowd Supply.
Conclusion
Installing WLED on an ESP32 board has never been easier, thanks to the web-based installation method. Whether you are new to LED projects or an experienced maker, WLED offers an intuitive and powerful solution for creating stunning lighting effects. Pairing it with the ANAVI Miracle Emitter further enhances its capabilities, making it a fantastic tool for smart lighting and IoT projects.
