# Practical guide to building a WLED controller

## Introduction

In this post I’ll try to explain how to make a controller for putting wled software on. This will be a more practical guide with specifically chosen components compared to the [generic explanation on the wled website.](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/getting-started/). 

## Requirements

- Laptop
- Soldering kit
- 3D printer
- [1x Any wled compatible 5V led strip](https://kno.wled.ge/basics/compatible-led-strips/) (for 12V see [12V Led strip](#12V Led strip))
- [1x Corresponding power supply either 5V or 12V](https://aliexpress.com/item/4000594896227.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.54.7e3179d2NBrEyk&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld)
- [1x JST 3 pin connectors either male or female depending on led strip](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32835731618.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.44.7e3179d2NBrEyk&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld)
- [1x Permanent solder prototype breadboard](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000301371545.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.11.7e3179d2NBrEyk&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld)
- [1x 100 till 1000 Micro Farad (uF) capacitor](https://aliexpress.com/item/33012727271.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.22.7e3179d2NBrEyk&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld)
- [1x DC Power Plug Adapter](https://aliexpress.com/item/32990194795.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.28.7e3179d2NBrEyk&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld)
- [3.3V to 5V Logic Level Converter](https://www.tinytronics.nl/shop/en/communication-and-signals/level-converters/spi-i2c-uart-bi-directional-logic-level-converter-4-channel)
- [2x M3 Screws 5mm](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004949292330.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.41711802QL8sXx)
- [4x M3 Screws 8mm](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004949292330.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.41711802QL8sXx)

## Using 12V Led strip