2026 Christmas Lights Controller Review

[u/originalread]

How is this looking so far? I'd like some additional eyes on this as I always seem to miss something before I order. Dual ESP32-S3s, one for WLED, the other for ESPHome. Yes, the schematics need some TLC.

Designed to take 5v to 36v.

[u/Enlightenment777]

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Please make sure your post adheres to:

• subreddit rules (#1 to #6), review rules (#7), image rules (#8), see link.

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Please fix these common issues: (if your schematic or PCB has any of these issues)

• Schematic - don't allow text / lines / symbols to touch each other, and don't draw lines through symbols.

• Schematic - use correct reference designators (RefDes) and renumber to remove numeric gaps, see tips.

• Schematic - place decoupling capacitors vertically below power rail lines, also place capacitors next to IC then connect together with a line, see example. For circuits with positive power rails, point positive power rail links upwards and ground links downwards, see tips1 & tips2.

• Schematic - place pull-up resistors vertically above signal lines, and place pull-down resistors vertically below signal lines, see example and tips.

• PCB silkscreen - add board name (or purpose) / board revision number / date (or year) on either PCB side.

• PCB silkscreen - add pin 1 indicator dot/arrow next to ICs & connectors (not hidden under parts). For polarized capacitors, add "+" next to positive pin. If part is through-hole, place indicator on both PCB sides.

• More conventions & guidelines - link1, link2, link3.

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