# Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer ## Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRqPQdOblF4 Turn your garden into a nighttime wonderland with a twinkling lighted crystal-lined pathway. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to build your own modular, weather-resistant pathway lights that are anything but ordinary. These lights are fully controllable using the free, open-source WLED software, so you can create dazzling light shows right in your backyard with no coding required. Sync multiple strips together using your local WiFi network. Control and program the lights with your smart phone or any web-enabled browser, enabling them to come on at sunset and turn off again at whatever time you choose.  ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/209/medium800/proximity_gardenpath_hero.jpeg?1725910566) I rent my art out for events, so I wanted to build something that was sturdy, modular, and easy to transport. I built 16 independent 4-foot sections of track with connectors at each end so I can plug them in to each other in a variety of different configurations.  This guide will show how to do that, but of course it's fine to simplify and just use one long track for a permanent backyard install. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/210/medium800/proximity_crystal-strips.jpeg?1725912211) ## Skills & Materials This is an intermediate level project. You'll need to be familiar with soldering connectors to LED strips -- check out our [How to Solder NeoPixels](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-glow-how-to-solder-neopixels-a-beginners-guide/soldering-strips) guide for a primer -- and you'll need to get a little messy with silicone sealant. The programming and coding is the easy part. You'll need to install the software and do a little configuration, but WLED gets you to the fun part quickly: design and create your own light animations and playlists with the easy-to-use app. ### Parts ### Material Quantities How much or how many of each piece will depend on the size and layout of your installation. Grab your tape measure and check the layout page of this guide before you order so you get enough of everything. ### Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2 - 8MB Flash + 2 MB PSRAM [Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2 - 8MB Flash + 2 MB PSRAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5400) One of our star Feathers is the [Adafruit HUZZAH32 ESP32 Feather](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3405) - with the fabulous ESP32 WROOM module on there, it makes quick work of WiFi and Bluetooth® projects that take advantage of Espressifs most popular chipset. Recently we had... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5400) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5400/guides) ![Top view of black rectangle-shaped microcontroller.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5400-13.jpg) If you're installing in multiple areas and would like to sync over longer distances, try the Feather ESP32 w.FL antenna. This will extend your range considerably! The antenna is not included with the Feather so be sure to grab one of those too. ### Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2 w.FL Antenna - 8MB Flash + 2 MB PSRAM [Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2 w.FL Antenna - 8MB Flash + 2 MB PSRAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5438) One of our star Feathers is the [Adafruit HUZZAH32 ESP32 Feather](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3405) - with the fabulous ESP32 WROOM module on there, it makes quick work of WiFi and Bluetooth® projects that take advantage of Espressifs most popular chipset. Recently we had... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5438) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5438/guides) ![Angled shot of rectangular microcontroller.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5438-10.jpg) ### Part: WiFi Antenna quantity: 1 WiFi Antenna with w.FL / MHF3 / IPEX3 Connector [WiFi Antenna](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5445) In choosing the density of your pixels, you have some options. Adafruit sells pixel reels at 30, 60, and 144 lights per meter. I found that the 60 LEDs per meter lights gave me really smooth animations and a decent light-run length. WLED runs into memory limitations after around 800 pixels in a run, so consider the total number of pixels you'll have when planning out your installation. If you need more than 800 pixels, get a second microcontroller and sync the sections together. WLED makes this easy. ### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 60 LED [Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 60 LED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1138) You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! You wanted **twice the LEDs**? We got it (well, its 1.875 times as many but that's within a margin of... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1138) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1138/guides) ![Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip reel wired to a microcontroller, with all the LEDs in a rainbow](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1138-00.jpg) ### 5V 10A switching power supply [5V 10A switching power supply](https://www.adafruit.com/product/658) This is a beefy switching supply, for when you need a lot of power! It can supply 5V DC up to 10 Amps, running from 110V or 220V power (the plug it comes with is for US/Canada/Japan but you can use any plug adapter for your country, or just replace the cable with a standard computer/appliance... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/658) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/658/guides) ![5V 10A switching power supply brick with IEC power port.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/658-07.jpg) Here are the connectors and power adapters I used. I used a LOT of them -- my design is modular 4-foot tracks, and each track section had connectors.  ### Part: Female DC Power Adapter quantity: 1 Female DC Power adapter - 2.1mm jack to screw terminal block [Female DC Power Adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/368) ### Part: 3 Pin JST Connectors quantity: 1 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set [3 Pin JST Connectors](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663) ### Part: 2 Pin JST Connectors quantity: 1 2-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set [2 Pin JST Connectors](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2880) ### Additional Materials - [Garden Path Edging](https://a.co/d/fksXBr6) - 1.5" tall - Plastic Crystals - size 16mm x 22mm: [a 1 lb bag](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BHV8LLM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) will cover about 4 feet of 1.5" edging. I made 16 4-foot tracks so I needed to [buy in bulk](https://www.eventswholesale.com/vfac002lb/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh7K1BhCZARIsAKOrVqEY--sRdWb82e3jcvwYrGhxQvcWMawxgt3DH6-vXBpS05jJlzLknBoaAqZNEALw_wcB).  - [Clear Silicone Caulk](https://a.co/d/2K9DjOq) - 1 tube will cover around 7-8 feet of edging. - [1/2" Clear Heat Shrink](https://a.co/d/4ccoea8) - for weatherproofing the strips - [Power Injection Wire](https://a.co/d/iB12dHq) - in case you have longer runs of 300+ lights # Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer ## Wiring Diagram ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/304/medium800/proximity_pathlights_wiring3_bb.jpg?1726247948) ### NeoPixel Wiring #### **IN end** - Female 3-pin JST connector wired to the 3 pads on the front - Female 2-pin JST connector wired to +5v and G on the back #### **OUT end** - Male 3-pin JST connector wired to the 3 pads, oriented to match the female 3-pin connector ### Feather Wiring - Male 3-pin JST connector wired to **BAT,**   **13** and  **G**. Plug it into the female JST on the NeoPixels before soldering, to make sure the orientation is correct. ### DC Power Wiring - Male 2-pin JST connector: plug in to the NeoPixel 2-pin connector and align **+5v** side with **+** , and **G** side with **-** # Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer ## Layout Planning ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/214/medium800/proximity_gardenlights.jpeg?1725913848) Before diving into the technical aspects or placing your order, take a moment to walk through your garden and imagine how you want the lights to transform the space. Consider the key pathways, entry points, and focal areas where lighting can enhance the experience. Think about how the lights will look at night and how they will interact with the plants, trees, and other garden features. This is your chance to design something magical, so let your creativity flow. Next, sketch out a rough layout of your garden on paper or use a garden planning app. When planning the layout, don’t forget to factor in practical considerations. You'll need to think about power sources and wiring—where will the lights connect to electricity? If you're using a beefy 10a power supply you can run up to around 16-20 feet of track before needing to inject more power. If you want a longer run, you can power from both ends or from the middle of the track.  ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/285/medium800/proximity_garden_plan.jpeg?1726165546) ## Syncing vs Wired Connections WLED will sync multiple controllers over WiFi. You can sync the left and right sides of your path together so you don't need to run a wire between the two, or sync multiple areas that aren't necessarily connected.  Each separate area will need its own power supply and micrcocontroller, so take that into account when you're planning and ordering. The Feather with w.FL connector will allow a much greater range than a QT Py Pico. I had a lot of trouble getting the QT Py boards to sync reliably over distances of 20+ feet. The Feather is a better choice for larger areas. I am planning to install these tracks in a variety of different locations and wanted to make them easy to move and shape, so I made 16 separate 4-foot tracks, each with its own microcontroller connector and power connector, and I have lots of microcontrollers I can use for different areas. This gives me so many options for setup. They can go indoors or outdoors, and become stage lights or window lights when they aren't lighting up my garden path. However, the syncing isn't bullet-proof. If this is a professional installation and it HAS to be in sync, consider using a wired connection instead. # Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer ## WLED Software ## Board Choices WLED runs on several different boards in Adafruit's collection. There are different benefits to each, but the installation process is largely the same. This page contains instructions for multiple boards -- be sure to use the pinouts and installation instructions for the one you're using, **Sparkle Motion** This is our flagship ESP32 board, designed with WLED and Xlights in mind. It has 4 outputs and is set up to drive either 5v, 12v or 24v pixels. It's a workhorse of a board and for larger projects it's the clear winner. It has an onboard microphone for instant sound-reactive support, and an IR sensor built in, to make it easy to control your project with an infrared remote. It also has a couple stemma ports so you can add your own sensors or peripherals. **Sparkle Motion Mini** The Sparkle Motion Mini is a smaller version of the Sparkle Motion board. It has two LED outputs, a microphone, and two stemma ports that make it easy to add an IR sensor or other peripherals. It's got an onboard NeoPixel and a small footprint, making it perfect for wearables or smaller projects. It will power a whole lot of pixels through the onboard USB port: it's safe to draw up to 4A through this port, giving you plenty of power for most wearable projects. Info: For Sparkle Motion Mini use at least the 0.15.1 release of WLED. **QT Py Pico ESP32** The [QT Py Pico](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5395) is small and affordable, so usually my go-to for smaller costumes or wearables. It also has a range of BFF add-on boards that add functionality. [Here's a guide with more QT Py info](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-qt-py-esp32-pico/overview). The QT Py will drive up to around 30 pixels through the onboard USB port, so if you have more LEDs than that you may want to consider the Sparkle Motion Mini instead, or you can power the board through the +5v pin. Note: WLED works on the QT Py Pico but NOT on the S2 or S3 versions, at the time of writing. **Feather Huzzah ESP32 ** The [Feather Huzzah ESP32](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3405) the top of the line. It's a great choice for projects where you want to add sensors, interaction, or drive a whole lot of LEDs. It's the most reliable as well -- I've run these for two months straight with no power cycling and they just keep on truckin. Adafruit has a very wide selection of Feather Wing boards that connect to the Feather microcontroller line. The sky is the limit with these boards. It also comes in a version with a high-powered WiFi range extender! If you're trying to sync multiple instances across distance, check this one out. [Feather Huzzah ESP32 V2 w.FL Antenna](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5438) **Feather Huzzah ESP8266** The [Feather Huzzah ESP8266](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2821) will run WLED as well, but won't drive as many pixels: the ESP32 limit on WLED is around 1000 pixels per input, but the ESP8266 tops out at around 500. It's about $5 cheaper though, so for smaller projects it's a great way to save a little money and still have access to all the Featherwing options in the Adafruit store. ## Driver Update Some versions of our controllers have a new serial chip which needs a driver installed before we can install WLED. Head over to our [How to Install Drivers for WCH USB to Serial Chips](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-install-drivers-for-wch-usb-to-serial-chips) tutorial, and download and install the new driver. If you have an older QT Py with CP2102 USB-to-Serial bridge, [use SiLabs’ driver instead](https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads).   ## Install WLED These next steps require a **_Web Serial_-compatible browser**. As of this writing, that means **Google Chrome** , **Microsoft Edge** or **Opera**  “desktop” browsers. Other browsers (Safari, Firefox, Explorer and _anything_ mobile) won’t work. Visit [https://install.wled.me/](https://install.wled.me/) Plug your microcontroller into your computer with a known good USB cable. Click "Install" and select the port for your board. Depending on the USB-to-serial bridge chip on the board, you might see one _or two_ serial ports. On Mac, for instance, there might be both “/dev/cu.usbmodem[number]” _and_ “/dev/cu.wchusbserial[number]”. Use the “ **wchusbserial** ” one. ![adafruit_products_Install_WLED.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/115/287/medium640/adafruit_products_Install_WLED.jpg?1663802069) After successful installation, enter your WiFi network name and password when prompted. This must be a **2.4 GHz** WiFi network; ESP32 does not support 5 GHz networks. If it can’t connect, then as a fallback WLED will create its own 2.4 GHz WiFi access point. ![led_strips_Install_WLED.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/134/601/medium640/led_strips_Install_WLED.jpg?1737574345) Danger: Sometimes the "Connect to Wi-Fi" prompt doesn't show up. Don't panic, just see the step below on connecting your computer or mobile device to the WLED-AP access point created on the microcontroller itself! If you don't see the "Connect to Wi-Fi" prompt, you'll need to set up your WiFi network using AP (access point) mode. Open up your WiFi settings and look for a WiFi network called `WLED-AP`. (Note, this access point can take up to 30 seconds to appear sometimes.) Connect to this network using the default password `wled1234`. The WLED interface will pop up in its own captive browser window. From here, go into **Config/Wifi Settings** and enter your WiFi credentials for the access point you normally use near the top. Give your project a name in the mDNS field a little further down the page. Now you can type in "projectname.local" (where "projectname" is your mDNS name) into any web browser on the same wifi network to access your microcontroller. You can also scan the QR code below to open access point mode.  For more help and troubleshooting tips visit the [Getting Started page on the WLED knowledge base.](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/getting-started/) ![led_strips_install_no_wifi.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/134/597/medium640/led_strips_install_no_wifi.jpg?1737574050) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/104/medium640/led_strips_Screenshot_2025-03-31_at_9.39.02%E2%80%AFAM.jpg?1743439611) ![led_strips_WLED_wifi_settings.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/134/598/medium640/led_strips_WLED_wifi_settings.jpg?1737574103) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/134/599/medium800/led_strips_WLED-QR-Connect-WB.png?1737574151) ## Setup & Preferences ### WiFi Setup Head to the **WiFi Setup** screen under Config and create a good URL so you can control your project from any web-enabled device. Call it something you'll remember, that's easy to type into any web browser on your WiFi network in order to connect to your project. In Safari or Chrome on your phone or computer, type in this web address to access the WLED interface: [http://projectname.local](http://projectname.local)  (where "projectname" is whatever you put into this field). Check out the Additional Settings page for more info on accessing your project. WLED has an "access point mode" that doesn't require a WiFi network for when you're out on the go. It's also helpful to download one of the WLED apps to help manage and organize your projects. ![adafruit_products_wled_config.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/115/288/medium640/adafruit_products_wled_config.jpg?1663802411) ![led_strips_adafruit_products_WiFi_Settings_generic.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/679/medium640/led_strips_adafruit_products_WiFi_Settings_generic.jpg?1722624553) ### LED Preferences Next, head to the **LED Preferences** tab under the Config menu. Scroll down to  **Hardware Setup**. Put your total number of LEDs into the "Length" field, and change GPIO to the pin number associated with the pin you soldered to. Check the pinout diagram for the board you're using (it's the number in yellow). - [Sparkle Motion Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion) - [Sparkle Motion Mini Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion-mini/overview) - [QT Py Pico Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/assets/112309)  - [Feather Huzzah ESP8266 Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/assets/46249)  - [Feather Huzzah ESP32 Pinout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-huzzah32-esp32-feather/pinouts) ![led_strips_led_settings.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/680/medium640/led_strips_led_settings.jpg?1722624626) ## Use It ![adafruit_products_WLED_interface.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/115/394/medium800/adafruit_products_WLED_interface.jpg?1667150591) Now you can use any computer or handheld device to control your LEDs.  Make sure your device is on the same WiFi network as your board. Navigate to your custom URL (projectname.local/ ) in a web browser. You'll see a color picker above a whole bunch of color palette choices. Choose a color, choose an effect, and watch your lights animate and glow! Save your favorite combinations as presets, create playlists, control the speed and intensity of the animations, and lots more. This web app is incredibly intuitive and easy to use. Head over to the WLED wiki at [https://kno.wled.ge/](https://kno.wled.ge/) to delve into all the particulars. # Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer ## Electronics Assembly Not all connectors are color-coded, and those that are aren't always color-coded the same way. Plug your connectors into each other before you solder to make sure each wire is going to the right place. Cross-wiring your power and ground connections is easy to do and will fry your microcontroller. Be consistent with your male / female connector setup. Most LED strips (but not all) have a female connector on the IN end and a male connector on the OUT end so when I'm planning my connector layout I try to always follow this format. It's easy to remember: male OUT, female IN.  #### Feather Wiring: Male JST Connector - Red / left wire to BAT - Middle wire to pin 13 - Black / right wire to G Your connector coloration may vary! Plug the connector into its mate before soldering to be sure the connections are lining up the way you want.  ![proximity_feather_wired.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/305/medium640/proximity_feather_wired.jpg?1726249039) Cut your strips to length and count out how many pixels are in each strip. My 4' tracks have 69 pixels each. Slide a piece of [1/2" clear heat shrink](https://a.co/d/4ccoea8) onto the end of the LED strip before you solder. This will help to seal up the strip and make it weatherproof for outdoor use. Solder a female 3-pin connector to the front of the strip at the IN end (look for the tiny arrows and be sure they're pointing away from you), matching the connector orientation with the male connector you soldered to the Feather. It can be helpful to physically plug these into each other to be sure you've got it right. Flip the strip over and solder a female 2-pin connector to the back + and - pads. This will allow us to power the strip without pulling all our power through the microcontroller. ![proximity_02_2connectors_front.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/222/medium640/proximity_02_2connectors_front.jpeg?1725918285) ![proximity_03_2coonnectors_back.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/223/medium640/proximity_03_2coonnectors_back.jpeg?1725918502) This smaller 2-pin connector is only needed at the very beginning of your run, unless you have a very long run (300+ pixels). I soldered one onto every section of my modular track so I can use all the sections interchangeably, and I also have the ability to inject power every 4 feet as needed. Solder the male side of your connector to the OUT end of the strip.  TEST your strips before going any further with sealing them up. They're easy to fix right now, and once they're waterproofed it's a bit trickier to tighten a loose solder joint. ![proximity_06_neopixel_sealed.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/286/medium640/proximity_06_neopixel_sealed.jpeg?1726167252) If you're having trouble soldering to the tiny pads between LEDs, one way to make it easier is to sacrifice a pixel between strips. This way you can cut the strip and leave a full solder pad on each side, saving you some time and stress and making your connections considerably sturdier. I do this with most projects -- it may waste a small handful of lights but it makes my art more reliable, which is definitely worthwhile. ![proximity_05_sacrificial_pixel.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/306/medium640/proximity_05_sacrificial_pixel.jpeg?1726249190) #### Power Connections Insert the + and - wires from your 2-pin JST connector into the + and - holes of your screw terminal and tighten firmly. Again, it's easy to get this wrong and fry your project, so be sure to plug in the female end attached to the LED strip and check (and double check) that + is going to +5v and - is going to G. Once you're certain, seal it up with heat shrink and hot glue to keep your connections tight. If you're doing a long run of lights -- longer than around 300 pixels -- you can set yourself up for easy power-injection by adding two connectors to your screw terminal.  ![proximity_09_waterproof_power.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/307/medium640/proximity_09_waterproof_power.jpeg?1726249306) ![proximity_splitter.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/308/medium640/proximity_splitter.jpg?1726249575) #### Power Injection Cable For a long run of lights, you'll need an extra wire to bring power to the lights that are further down the line. Solder a female 2-pin connector to one end of a long run of 2-strand wire, and a male to the other end. Plug the female end into your splitter screw terminal and the other end can plug into any of the 2-pin female connectors in your run of strips. It also works to use two male connectors, one on either end, and plug a section near the beginning in to a section near the end. This doesn't seem logical -- it's the same power, and the same amount of power just routed a different way, but it works because it bypasses all the resistance created by the LEDs. ![proximity_powerinjection.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/309/medium640/proximity_powerinjection.jpg?1726250142) # Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer ## Track Assembly Plug all the light strips into one another end-to-end and test to be sure they're all working.  Once you're sure they're bullet-proof, waterproof the strips by filling your clear heat shrink (you remembered the heat shrink right?) with hot glue and shrinking it down while the glue is wet, covering the solder joints and encasing them in molten plastic. Be sure the heat shrink fuses tightly around the connectors as well. This will keep out water, dust, or any other contaminants. ![proximity_13_strips_sealed.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/318/medium640/proximity_13_strips_sealed.jpeg?1726254829) ![proximity_12_strips_test.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/319/medium640/proximity_12_strips_test.jpeg?1726254849) Warning: Be sure to avoid burns and injury when heating heatshrink. Unroll your garden edging and stake it out in the sunshine on a sunny afternoon. Let the sun warm it up and then let it cool down again, and the curl should come right out. If you don't have a sunny afternoon available, you can also straighten it out with a heat gun, but this is pretty labor-intensive. This stuff is fabulously heat-sculptable though. ![proximity_10_edging_stretch.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/321/medium640/proximity_10_edging_stretch.jpeg?1726255176) ![proximity_11_heatgun.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/322/medium640/proximity_11_heatgun.jpeg?1726255254) You'll need **clear** silicone caulk, and a lot of it. I found that one tube would cover about 7-8 feet. We're using this to glue the silicone sleeve on the LEDs to the track, and also to attach the crystal diffusers, so get more than you think you'll need. ![proximity_12_caulk.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/323/medium640/proximity_12_caulk.jpeg?1726255272) I cut the tracks to exactly the length of my LED strips and zip-tied the LEDs to the track to hold it together for gluing. In retrospect, I wish I'd kept the tracks a few inches longer than the LED strip on one end, to make them overlap a bit on the ends for a smoother line.  Any gaps in the LED strip and connectors will be obvious dark spots in your final design, so plan to get the ends of the strips as close to each other as possible.  I also drilled a hole in the track to feed the connectors through to the back. ![proximity_10_connector_ziptie.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/324/medium640/proximity_10_connector_ziptie.jpeg?1726255338) Put the lights on the opposite side of the track from the tabs, so your stakes will be hidden behind the track. Lay out the track sections on a bit of 2x4 so it lays flat on your table. Start by running a bead of silicone down the middle and gluing the LED strip onto it. Then, add a very generous amount of silicone over and around the strip and gently press the gems into the silicone. It comes out white at first, but dries clear (provided you bought the clear-drying kind -- you did, right?) ![proximity_glue_gems.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/325/medium640/proximity_glue_gems.jpeg?1726255500) ![proximity_crystal-strips.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/326/medium640/proximity_crystal-strips.jpeg?1726255658) The silicone takes 5-7 days to fully dry, but I found these were handle-able within 2-3 days. It works really well to secure the silicone sleeve to the track, and the gems all stick really firmly as well. They are flexible and bendable and I don't feel like I'm in any danger of losing gems. And the diffusion is absolutely lovely. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/327/medium800/proximity_blue_crystalls.jpeg?1726255808) # Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer ## Weather Proofing For outdoor use, put some time and energy into protecting and weather-proofing your electronics.  Adafruit carries a few different waterproof cases. If you're just dealing with mild weather and sprinklers, you could also use a waterproof iPhone case or even a ziploc bag. If you're moving these strips around a lot or putting them someplace where they will need to resist dust and windstorms and rain, consider one of the weatherproof enclosures below. They'll keep most everything out. ### Flanged Weatherproof Enclosure With PG-7 Cable Glands [Flanged Weatherproof Enclosure With PG-7 Cable Glands](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3931) Whether you're raiding tombs or traversing nuclear fallout wastelands, this is the most heavy-duty enclosure for your project! Weatherproof? Check. Tough polycarbonate cover? Check. Built-in gasket seal? Oh yeah, check. Store your project safe and sound in this **Flanged...** Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3931) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3931/guides) ![Angled shot of off-white, rectangle-shaped, flanged enclosure.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3931-00.jpg) ### Small Plastic Project Enclosure - Weatherproof with Clear Top [Small Plastic Project Enclosure - Weatherproof with Clear Top](https://www.adafruit.com/product/903) Store your project safe and sound in this nice weatherproof box with a clear top. We picked up this box because we like the machinable ABS plastic body and tough clear polycarbonate cover, the built in weatherproof gasket seal, and the easy-open screws that can be taken apart as many times as... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/903) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/903/guides) ![Small weatherproof enclosure with clear lid.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/903-00.jpg) The power supply carried at Adafruit is not rated for outdoor use, but for normal weather conditions I've found that it holds up pretty well. I use gaffer's tape or duct tape to tape the area around where the power cord plugs into the supply. This ensures it never gets pulled out, and also adds a good bit of weatherproofing.  There are weatherproof outdoor power supplies available - check landscaping supply places to find these. They tend to be expensive specialty items and don't always deliver reliable power. Putting your power supply inside a plastic bag or enclosure will work just as well for heavy rain conditions. For the strips, I always make sure to seal both ends securely with clear heat shrink and hot glue. The JST connectors are surprisingly weatherproof on their own, but for a permanent install it wouldn't hurt to also cover them with gaffer's tape or duct tape.  # Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer ## Presets, Timing & Sync ## Animation Presets Once your lights are working, it's time for the fun part: creating light animations using WLED presets. This is easy and intuitive in WLED. Choose a color palette and an effect, then play with the sliders at the bottom of the Effect Mode column to customize the effect. When you find something you like, click the +Preset button in the Presets tab and give your preset a name, then save it. You can reorder them using the "Save to ID" field.  You can create hundreds of presets using the preprogrammed effects, so take some time to play around and see what looks good on your LED strip. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/540/medium800/led_strips_setup_presets.jpg?1722023074) ## Timed Light Setup For outdoor garden lights, it's lovely to have them turn on automatically when it gets dark, then turn off again at a set time so they don't stay on all night. Your garden will illuminate in the evening automatically, and it's easy to change or override this setting if you want to be out later in the night time.' #### Turning On at Dusk Open the Time & Macros config tab. Right at the top you'll see a checkbox titled "Get time from NTP server". Be sure that box is checked, then set your time zone from the dropdown.  ![proximity_Time_Settings_check.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/313/medium640/proximity_Time_Settings_check.jpg?1726252364) Further down under the Time & Macros config tab, scroll to the Time-controlled presets section. I want my lights to come on and play preset 1 at 15 minutes after sunset so here's how I set that up. ![proximity_Time_Settings-2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/312/medium640/proximity_Time_Settings-2.jpg?1726252259) #### Turning Off 2 Hours After Dusk Under LED preferences, look for a section titled Timed Light. Here you have the ability to turn the lights off a set number of minutes after they turn on.  ![proximity_timed_light.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/314/medium640/proximity_timed_light.jpg?1726252566) ### Syncing Multiple Areas Together WLED has a fantastic sync function where you can sync multiple nodes / controllers across your wifi network.  To sync your lights together, pull up the controls for the "master" controller (the one you want as your sender) and click the "Sync" button. By default, the other controllers will automatically sync up the next time the animation changes. ![proximity_sync.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/317/medium640/proximity_sync.jpg?1726254027) If you want more control over which instances are syncing with which, head to the Sync Settings page. There are 10 different groups you can choose for send & receive, which gives you a lot of control over your environment. Very cool. ![proximity_sync_setup.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/132/316/medium640/proximity_sync_setup.jpg?1726253839) The sync feature works surprisingly well.. until it doesn't. If you're having trouble syncing across further distances, here are a few things to try: 1.  Get a dedicated WiFi router for your installation and put it smack-dab in the center of your garden. The router doesn't need to connect to the internet, it just needs power. Set up a network -- this is easy to do with most router setup apps -- and connect your WLED controllers to that network. You'll need to switch your phone to this wifi when you want to control the lights, but this is a great way to go when you're installing away from your home network or if your network doesn't reach the back yard very well. 2. Use a [Feather V2 with w.FL antenna](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5438) instead of a standard [Feather Huzzah V2](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5400) or the [QT Py Pico](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5395). Using a w.FL antenna gives you a lot more range for spread-out projects. 3. Give your boards static IP addresses (find this under WiFi Setup). This can help stabilize your environment if you have more than 2-3 WLED boards you want to sync. # Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer ## WLED Additional Settings ### Brightness Limiter Find this on the LED Settings screen. WLED automatically limits the brightness of your project so your power supply doesn't get over-taxed. The default amperage is 850mA, which is a little low for most power supplies. For some projects, especially battery-powered projects, having the limiter turned on is a good idea. But if you're not getting the brightness you expect, try adjusting this number to match the amperage of your power supply or battery pack. ![adafruit_products_brightness_limiter.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/127/565/medium640/adafruit_products_brightness_limiter.jpg?1707333888) ### Access Point (AP) Mode While you're home, it's easy to control your project over your local WiFi network. But when you're out at a festival you probably don't have WiFi access. It's still possible to connect to your project and control it using WLED's Access Point Mode. Turn your project on and give it a minute or two to start broadcasting. Look in your WiFi networks and find **WLED-AP** - this is a mini WiFi network being broadcast by the microcontroller. Connect to it - the default password is "wled123". An instance of WLED will automatically pop up and you can control your project from anywhere. If you're putting your lights up in public, it's a good idea to change the AP Mode default password so strangers can't log in and control your lights. This could be a security risk. AP Mode only broadcasts for a few minutes after you boot up the board so if you don't see the WLED-AP network try rebooting. ![led_pixels_apmode.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/129/081/medium640/led_pixels_apmode.jpg?1711986345) ### WLED App There are a couple different apps available to manage your WLED projects. Name and organize your projects, and find them quickly without having to type in a URL. Check the Apple or Android store for downloads.  My favorite is "WLED Native". It allows you to organize multiple instances and easily switch between devices without having to remember any URLs.  ![led_pixels_wled_app.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/681/medium640/led_pixels_wled_app.jpg?1722625769) ### Backup Config & Presets Under Config / Security & Updates you will find a place to back up your data. It's a good idea to back up your config file as soon as you're happy with the settings. Save it as a .json file on your computer. Now you can prototype and experiment to your heart's content, and if everything breaks, just re-upload this file. Or, if you're doing another build you can use this feature to copy all your settings from one board to another. ![led_pixels_backup.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/695/medium640/led_pixels_backup.jpg?1722904724) ## Featured Products ### Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2 - 8MB Flash + 2 MB PSRAM [Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2 - 8MB Flash + 2 MB PSRAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5400) One of our star Feathers is the [Adafruit HUZZAH32 ESP32 Feather](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3405) - with the fabulous ESP32 WROOM module on there, it makes quick work of WiFi and Bluetooth® projects that take advantage of Espressifs most popular chipset. Recently we had... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5400) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5400/guides) ### WiFi Antenna with w.FL / MHF3 / IPEX3 Connector [WiFi Antenna with w.FL / MHF3 / IPEX3 Connector](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5445) That's one slim cellular antenna! At about 220mm long from tip to tip and with a cable thickness of just 0.8mm, this 2.4GHz WiFi or BLE antenna is slim, compact, and sensitive, with a 4dBi gain. The antenna is the trace on the PCB that is at the end of the skinny coaxial cable.... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5445) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5445/guides) ### Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2 w.FL Antenna - 8MB Flash + 2 MB PSRAM [Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2 w.FL Antenna - 8MB Flash + 2 MB PSRAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5438) One of our star Feathers is the [Adafruit HUZZAH32 ESP32 Feather](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3405) - with the fabulous ESP32 WROOM module on there, it makes quick work of WiFi and Bluetooth® projects that take advantage of Espressifs most popular chipset. Recently we had... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5438) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5438/guides) ### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 60 LED [Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 60 LED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1138) You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! You wanted **twice the LEDs**? We got it (well, its 1.875 times as many but that's within a margin of... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1138) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1138/guides) ### 5V 10A switching power supply [5V 10A switching power supply](https://www.adafruit.com/product/658) This is a beefy switching supply, for when you need a lot of power! It can supply 5V DC up to 10 Amps, running from 110V or 220V power (the plug it comes with is for US/Canada/Japan but you can use any plug adapter for your country, or just replace the cable with a standard computer/appliance... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/658) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/658/guides) ### Female DC Power adapter - 2.1mm jack to screw terminal block [Female DC Power adapter - 2.1mm jack to screw terminal block](https://www.adafruit.com/product/368) If you need to connect a DC power wall wart to a board that doesn't have a DC jack - this adapter will come in very handy! There is a 2.1mm DC jack on one end, and a screw terminal block on the other. The terminals are labeled with positive/negative assuming a positive-tip configuration... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/368) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/368/guides) ### 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set [3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663) These 3-wire cables are 163mm (6.4") long and come as a set. One cable has a JST SM type connector plug on the end. The other cable has a matching JST SM type receptacle connector. They are good for whenever you have 3 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug. We like the solid and... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1663/guides) ### 2-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set [2-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2880) These 2-wire cables are 16cm long and come as a set.  One side has a 2-pin JST SM type connector plug on the end.  The other side has a matching 2-pin JST SM type receptacle connector.  They are good for whenever you have 2 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug.... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2880) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2880/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-esp32-feather-v2.md) - [WiFi Jellyfish Lantern with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/wifi-jellyfish-lantern-with-wled.md) - [WiFi Mailbox Notifier](https://learn.adafruit.com/wifi-mailbox-notifier.md) - [CircuitPython Web Workflow Code Editor Quick Start](https://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-with-web-workflow-using-the-code-editor.md) - [LED Matrix Necklace Pendant](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-matrix-necklace-pendant.md) - [MP3 Playback with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/mp3-playback-with-circuitpython.md) - [CircuitPython on ESP32 Quick Start](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-with-esp32-quick-start.md) - [Monster Matrix with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/monster-matrix-with-wled.md) - [Introducing Adafruit Feather](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather.md) - [Networking in CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/networking-in-circuitpython.md) - [No-Code Battery Monitoring with WipperSnapper](https://learn.adafruit.com/no-code-battery-monitoring-with-wippersnapper.md) - [Edge-Lit Tavern Sign with WLED - Control with WiFi or IR Remote](https://learn.adafruit.com/edge-lit-tavern-sign-with-wled-control-with-wifi-or-ir-remote.md) - [Holiday Lights: Easy DIY Christmas Wreath & Garland with WLED](https://learn.adafruit.com/holiday-garland-decor-app-control-with-no-coding.md) - [Cartoon Character Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/cartoon-character-clock.md) - [Jellyfish Umbrella with easy WLED WiFi Control](https://learn.adafruit.com/jellyfish-umbrella-with-easy-wled-wifi-control.md)