August is just around the corner, and with it arrives a global event that I can only describe as orchestrated chaos… University move-in day. Parents, friends with pickup trucks, and fellow students will come together to haul thousands of moving boxes up flights of stairs into tiny dorm rooms, and the new residents will set upon the timeless task of decorating their new place. Whether it’s a Pulp Fiction movie poster (you know the one), a tie-dyed tapestry, or some houseplants; decorating their dorm room is a rite of passage for many young adults. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your rising freshman, the Smart Fairy Light Dimmer is an excellent option to help them up that “wow” factor.
Designed to work with an ESP8266 or ESP32, this board lets you repurpose any string lights you may have picked up from the discount bin at your local store, and give them new life as an IoT-compatible light. The code provided in the Documentation Files lets you set the controller up with your local wifi network, is compatible with Google’s Home Assistant, has room for sensor peripherals, and even includes an SHTC3 temperature and humidity sensor. All that flexibility promises lots of fun ways to customize your setup! The board can also support up to two separate strings of lights, with a maximum output of 5V.
Based in New York, be sure to keep an eye on the store JeffResc. They’re big fans of smart products, and given the documentation, support, and different purchasing options for the Smart Fairy Light Dimmer, their next product will be one to keep an eye out for!
