Introduction
Welcome to the iCubeSmart Mini 3D LED Cube DIY Electronics Kit. This kit provides an engaging and educational experience for learning about electronics and soldering. Upon successful assembly, you will have a functional 3D LED cube capable of displaying various dynamic light animations. This manual will guide you through the assembly process, operation, and provide troubleshooting tips.
Product Overview
The iCubeSmart Mini 3D LED Cube is a do-it-yourself project designed for enthusiasts aged 15 and up. It features 512 blue LEDs arranged in an 8x8x8 cube structure, controlled by a custom mainboard. The kit emphasizes hands-on learning through soldering and offers customization options for animation effects.
Key Features:
- Educational DIY Project: Ideal for learning soldering techniques and basic electronics.
- Auxiliary Soldering Holes: Mainboard designed with holes to simplify LED soldering.
- Spare LEDs Included: Extra LEDs are provided to account for potential soldering errors.
- Pre-programmed Animations: Over 20 built-in dynamic animation effects.
- Software Modification: Users can create and upload custom animations using provided 3D software.
- Onboard Controls: Four buttons on the mainboard for adjusting display effects.
- Compact Size: Finished product dimensions are approximately 11cm x 11cm x 12cm.
Image: The assembled 3D LED Cube, showing its compact dimensions of 11cm x 11cm x 12cm.
Image: A visual comparison between the 3D8S and 3D8MINI LED cubes, highlighting their size differences. The 3D8MINI is smaller with a 1.3cm LED spacing, while the 3D8S has a 2.3cm spacing.
Components
The iCubeSmart Mini 3D LED Cube kit includes all necessary electronic components for assembly. Please verify all parts are present before beginning the assembly process.
Kit Contents:
- Mainboard (1x)
- Blue LEDs (approx. 550, including spares)
- USB Power Cable (1x)
- Tinned Wire (various lengths for connections)
- Screws and Standoffs (for mounting mainboard)
Required Tools (Not Included):
- Electric Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
- Wire Cutters/Strippers
- Multimeter (recommended for testing)
Image: A comprehensive view of all components included in the iCubeSmart Mini 3D LED Cube DIY Kit, such as the mainboard, LEDs, USB cable, and various wires.
Setup and Assembly
Assembly of the 3D LED Cube requires soldering. Please exercise caution when using a soldering iron. It is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area.
Assembly Steps:
- Prepare LEDs: Carefully bend the anode (longer leg) of each LED at a 90-degree angle. The cathode (shorter leg) should remain straight.
- Solder LED Layers: The mainboard has designated holes to assist in soldering the LEDs. Solder LEDs to form 8 individual 8x8 LED layers. Ensure all LEDs are oriented correctly (anode to anode, cathode to cathode within a layer).
- Connect Layers: Use the provided tinned wires to connect the corresponding points between each LED layer, forming the 3D cube structure. Maintain consistent spacing between layers.
- Mount Cube to Mainboard: Once all layers are connected and form a stable cube, carefully align the bottom layer's connections with the designated soldering points on the mainboard. Solder these connections securely.
- Final Connections: Connect any remaining power or signal wires from the cube structure to the mainboard as indicated in the detailed instruction sheet (refer to image 81pMG+8RFOL).
Image: A visual guide illustrating key steps in the soldering process, from preparing individual LEDs to assembling layers and connecting them to the mainboard.
Operating Instructions
After successful assembly, connect the cube to a power source and begin operation.
Powering On:
Use a 5V2A USB power adapter or a USB portable charger to power the cube. Connect the provided USB cable to the mainboard's power input port.
Mainboard Functions:
Image: An annotated diagram of the mainboard, detailing the location and function of buttons, switches, and ports.
- Function Buttons (4 buttons):
- Previous Animation
- Next Animation
- Speed + (Increase animation speed)
- Speed - (Decrease animation speed)
- Run/Pause
- Loop Mode
- ON/OFF
- SW1 Switch: Toggles between Dynamic Effect mode (SW1=1) and Audio Effect mode (SW1=0).
- RESET Button: Press this button after changing the SW1 switch setting to apply the new mode.
- SW3 Switch: Used to switch between Download Program mode and Run Program mode.
- Download Input (Type-C): Used to connect the cube to a computer for program download.
Software Modification:
The iCubeSmart provides 3D software that allows users to modify and create their own animation effects. After designing your animation, you can export the hex file and download it to the cube via the Type-C download port. The cube will then display your custom animations offline.
Image: Screenshot of the 3D software interface, demonstrating how users can simulate LED positions and create custom animations for the cube.
Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your 3D LED Cube, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Gently wipe the cube with a dry, soft cloth to remove dust. Avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaners.
- Storage: Store the cube in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Handling: Handle the cube with care, especially the LED structure, to prevent bending or breaking the LED leads.
- Power Supply: Always use a 5V2A USB power adapter. Using an incorrect power supply can damage the device.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your 3D LED Cube, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cube does not power on. | No power, incorrect power supply, loose connection. | Ensure USB cable is securely connected. Verify power adapter is 5V2A. Check for any loose solder joints on the mainboard's power input. |
| Some LEDs are not lighting up. | Poor solder joint, faulty LED, incorrect LED orientation. | Inspect solder joints for the affected LEDs and re-solder if necessary. Check LED polarity. Replace faulty LEDs with spares if identified. |
| Animations are erratic or incomplete. | Loose connections between layers or to mainboard, software issue. | Check all layer-to-layer and layer-to-mainboard connections. Ensure the program was downloaded correctly if using custom animations. Try resetting the cube. |
| Buttons are unresponsive. | Faulty button, poor solder joint on button. | Inspect solder joints for the buttons on the mainboard. |
If you are unable to resolve the issue using the above steps, please contact iCubeSmart technical support for assistance.
Specifications
- Model: 3D8MINI-ALLBLUE-KIT
- LED Type: Blue, 3mm
- LED Quantity: 512 (8x8x8 cube)
- LED Spacing: 1.3 cm (between LEDs)
- Assembled Product Dimensions: Approximately 11 cm (L) x 11 cm (W) x 12 cm (H)
- Power Supply: 5V2A USB Power Adapter / USB Portable Charger
- Recommended Age: 15 years and up
- Kit Product Dimensions (Box): 6.3 x 5.1 x 1.6 inches
- Item Weight (Kit): 7.8 ounces
Warranty and Support
iCubeSmart is committed to providing high-quality products and excellent customer service. While this is a DIY kit, we offer comprehensive technical support to assist you with any questions or challenges you may encounter during assembly or operation.
Technical Support:
We provide permanent technical support for this product. If you have any questions, require assistance with assembly, or need help with software modification, please do not hesitate to contact our technical support engineers. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the official iCubeSmart website.
