Copper Wire Starry Sky Lamp - Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 - dumpling—li - CodeCraft Hub
Scene: Education. Edge AI application on CodeCraft Hub for Education use cases.
Devices / BOM: Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3, Grove Shield for Seeed Studio XIAO, Grove - LED String Light
Education application on CodeCraft Hub. The "Copper Wire Starry Sky Lamp" is an interdisciplinary maker project fusing astronomy, coding, and digital fabrication. Students code dynamic star effects and assemble a laser-cut desktop lamp, harmonizing scientific inquiry, astronomical learning, and functional aesthetics.
Documentation
1. Project Introduction
1.1 Project Background
This project is suitable for tech enthusiasts for hands-on practice, as well as for school and extracurricular STEAM makerspaces. Centered on the theme of exploring the vast starry sky and astronomical nature, it integrates AI conversational programming, open-source hardware, and digital fabrication. Rather than a step-by-step "craft class," this is an open workshop that encourages active exploration, enabling students to experience a complete engineering closed loop from concept to physical artifact through independent creation, completing a vivid interdisciplinary exploration.
1.2 Project Overview
This series consists of three independent projects based on Seeed Studio XIAO-ESP32 series mainboards. Relying on the Codecraft platform, students will collaborate with AI using natural language to generate code that drives various dynamic light effects, ultimately creating their own intelligent light and shadow installations. This document focuses on detailing the full workflow for Project 2: Copper Wire Starry Sky Lamp .
Project 1: Programmable Moon Phase Lamp : 3D printed enclosure + WS2812 RGB LED strip.
Project 2: Copper Wire Starry Sky Lamp : Laser-cut array pattern + traditional copper wire decorative light string.
Project 3: Illuminated Mooncake Pendant : 3D printed micro enclosure + COB LED.
1.3 Pedagogical Implementation Plan
Target Grade: Grades 7–9 (Ages 12+), no prior programming experience required.
Format: 1 person per kit. Ensures every student independently runs through the entire process: "Prompt Writing - Hardware Wiring - Structural Assembly - Debugging & Optimization."
Duration: Half-day experiential workshop (single session of 2–3 hours).
1.4 Core Objectives
AI Collaborative Programming : Learn prompt engineering and use AI tools to assist in code writing and debugging.
Hardware Control & Assembly : Master wiring control between ESP32-S3 and lights, understanding the principle of using driver modules to manage high-current loads.
Engineering Practice & Troubleshooting : Master laser cutting fundamentals and cultivate independent troubleshooting skills.
Design Thinking : Break away from standard answers and create unique works through personalized light effect designs.
Interdisciplinary Cultural Integration : Combine technological creation with astronomical and cultural themes to experience the fusion of technology and the humanities.
Deploy steps
- Project Overview
The "Copper Wire Starry Sky Lamp" is an interdisciplinary maker creation fusing astronomy, programming, and digital fabrication. It guides students to use code to simulate twinkling stars in the night sky, exploring the structure of constellations and ancient wisdom of observing and recording events via stars through hands-on practice. Combined with a laser-cut constellation structure, students will build a desktop starry sky lamp that balances scientific learning with aesthetic ambiance, achieving a deep integration of scientific inquiry, astronomical enlightenment, and living aesthetics.
- Project Materials
2.1 Hardware & Structural Components
Main Controller & Expansion: Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 × 1, XIAO Expansion Board × 1
Lighting: Grove - LED String Light (dual-wire micro copper wire light string with driver module)
Structure: Laser-cut "starry sky" enclosure parts (wood / acrylic / corrugated cardboard)
Power Supply: 3.7V Lithium Battery or 5V Type-C power supply
💡 Hardware Expansion Note This project defaults to using the XIAO ESP32-S3, but it is also fully compatible with the XIAO ESP32-C3. If switching to a C3 mainboard during creation, simply update the controller model in your AI prompts; the wiring and programming logic remain identical.
2.2 Tools & Equipment
Computer / Laptop: Chrome / Edge browser recommended
Type-C Data Cable: Must support data transfer
Tools: Hot melt glue gun, double-sided tape
- Hardware Wiring
1. Main Controller Assembly : Insert the XIAO ESP32-S3 vertically and firmly into the XIAO Expansion Board.
2. Copper Light String Connection
Connect the white 2-pin connector of the light string into the output port of the Grove driver module.
Connect the Grove driver module to the D1 port of the XIAO Expansion Board using the Grove cable.
3. Computer Connection : Connect the expansion board to the computer using a Type-C data cable for power supply and firmware flashing.
⚠️ Cautions
Driver Board Required: The copper wire light string must NOT be connected directly to the XIAO ESP32-S3 GPIO pins. It must be powered through the Grove driver module; otherwise, the GPIO pins cannot supply sufficient current and may damage the mainboard.
Prevent Short Circuits: Although the copper wires have an insulating coating, avoid applying excessive force when bending or assembling to prevent scraping off the insulation lacquer and causing a short circuit.
- AI Programming Inquiry
Access the platform & AI programming: Open the Codecraft platform （ Click here to open the link ） in a web browser and create a new project.
4.2 Conversational Programming (Example Prompts)
Guide students to input prompts step by step to verify hardware and achieve the final lighting effects.
Stage 1: Basic Illumination (Verify Hardware Communication)
"I am using a XIAO ESP32-S3 mainboard connected to a Grove - LED String Light driver module and copper wire light string via pin D1 on the expansion board. Please write a program using ESP32's LEDC (PWM) control to keep the light string steadily lit at medium brightness."
<small> Note: If using XIAO ESP32-C3, simply replace "S3" with "C3" in the prompt. </small>
Stage 2: Dynamic Breathing (Experience Interactive Control)
"Keeping the hardware conditions unchanged (S3 mainboard, D1 pin, LEDC control). Please make the light string gradually brighten and dim like starlight, pausing briefly at maximum and minimum brightness to create a soft breathing effect."
Stage 3: Random Starry Twinkle (Core Project Logic)
"Keeping the hardware conditions unchanged. Please remove the smooth breathing gradient and generate a random brightness value in each loo…
- Structural Design & Laser Cutting
The structure of this project is divided into the "Main Frame" and the "Starry Sky Cutout Panel." You can directly download the drawings for laser cutting.
Starry-Sky.dxf
Fixing-Plate.dxf
💡 Pedagogical Note For individual creation or short-term workshop experiences, you can directly download the existing drawings for rapid production. For systematic STEAM curriculum development, students can be guided to learn 2D vector design or work with materials like corrugated cardboard to independently design custom exterior structures and constellation patterns, experiencing the full workflow from structural design to programming and debugging.
- Assembly & Final Debugging
Arrange the Light String: Use hot melt glue to evenly coil and fix the micro copper light string behind the starry panel, ensuring the LED beads are spread uniformly so light radiates through the cutout holes in front.
Install Panel: Align and snap the laser-cut "Starry Sky Panel" tightly onto the main frame.
Standalone Operation: Disconnect the computer data cable, power the device independently using a 3.7V lithium battery, and power on to verify the starry sky light effects.
- Online Flashing & Community Sharing
7.1 One-Click Online Flashing
Click the "One-Click Flash" button directly to download and run the program on your hardware.
Flash firmware to your device (in-app tool on CodeCraft Hub).
7.2 Publishing & Open-Source Sharing
1. Export Firmware : In the Codecraft code window, click Download and save the generated firmware file (.bin) to your local computer.
2. Publish Project : Go to SenseCraft App Store > My Applications > Create Application > Upload , and fill in the project description, BOM list, firmware, and other required details.