Description

Designed by James Akers

The Weblink Backpack is a custom-designed PCB that turns any neon tube into a wirelessly controllable light. Built around the XIAO-form-factor ESP32, it packs the most convenient way we’ve seen to blink, dim, and animate neon into a compact board that mounts right where you need it.

Because it runs on the ESP32, the Weblink Backpack hosts its own captive-portal web interface—no app to install, no cloud account, no fuss. Connect from your phone or laptop, pull up the control page, and adjust your tube’s behavior on the fly. It’s a natural fit for artists who want dynamic control over their neon work without wiring up a bank of physical controls.

The onboard software is under active, ongoing development by James, with improvements pushed regularly. The firmware is fully open source, so makers who like to tinker can dig into the code, contribute, or flash their own modifications.

Repository: codeberg.org/JamesCodes/ESP32-Captive-Portal-Neon-Dimmer

DESIGNED for Tech22 Gen3-8K30 (8kV/30mA) transformer with Control wires or transformer with control wires.

Highlights

• Custom PCB built on the XIAO ESP32 form factor
• Wireless control via built-in captive-portal web interface—no app required
• Dim, blink, and animate neon tubes on demand
• Open-source firmware with continuous updates
• Compact “backpack” board designed to mount cleanly to your setup

Designed by neon artist James Akers and offered exclusively through Taming Lightning, the storefront built for neon makers!

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