WLED VS Tasmota

https://kno.wled.ge/

Many 'effects' already prepackaged. Plus the ability to schedule time based changes (on/off/change pattern/etc.). Includes a web server to provide "app like" control over a phone or PC. Also includes integrations for several "home control" systems and a http API for programmatic control from another system. Can even synchronize plural controllers into a whole 'net' (note, I've not used this feature yet).

Small ESP32 boards (with wifi capability) such as this example (no affiliation, just an example that works):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y8X1GK7

WS2811 LED strings [1] (of which there are an infinite variety) suitable for outdoor use. One example (no affiliation):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYZF1WCR

Suitable power supplies, outdoor weather sealed boxes, and wiring (all left to you to locate).

Willingness to assemble the pieces and some time to do so. Having a soldering iron is helpful here, although one could possibly get by with screw terminal blocks inside weatherproof boxes if need be for many of the 'connections'.

[1] Or other 'programmable LED' strings for which WLED is compatible (it works with numerous different programmable LED standards, browse the WLED website for details).

I think you're one of todays lucky 10000 [0] learning about WLED [1] today :)

[0] https://xkcd.com/1053/

[1] https://kno.wled.ge/

I’ll do you one better: Here is the WLED main site - they cover everything - however you want it for your vehicle is up to you! (If you want to see a truck I personally worked (with 2 other main guys doing the woodwork and wiring) on that was probably the “most expensive” project with these controllers, check out the SEMA entered “Realtree Stormtrooper truck” - a LOT of time went in to that and almost a year of prep, not a fan myself, but custom electronics are what I like doing)

Did you use the esp32.bin? If so, you should instead use ESP32-C3 here: https://github.com/Aircoookie/WLED/releases/download/v0.14.0/WLED_0.14.0_ESP32-C3.bin

Friend replaced all his govee cintrollers with WLED.

Multiple WLED controllers

Everything works pretty flawlessly with it.

Conbee 2 ist still my current stick because I am experimenting with the Matter/Thread Support on the Home Assistant Yellow, sadly without success though.

My best recommendation if you want to tinker with smart devices is get anything that you can flash Tasmota on. (List of Devices https://templates.blakadder.com/ )

Tasmota is an amazing piece of software that runs on your smart device for example a power plug.

https://tasmota.github.io/docs/

Get MQTT running on your Home Assistant device, or any in your network and start connecting stuff to it.

I have Shelly powerplugs flashed with Tasmota and that opens up so many possibilities.

Firmware and embedded systems engineers will love this project; Tasmota is firmware for ESP8266 and ESP32 based devices that allows you to more easily configure your devices. The catch with this new update is that direct migration for versions earlier than 8.1 are no longer supported. If you're using anything higher, you can directly migrate to this latest version. Tasmota 14.0 adds a bunch of new commands, support for new hardware such as temperature and pressure sensors, and lots more. Read up on all the new devices, modules, and how to migrate in the Tasmota release notes.

All of my office devices are connected to Sonoff S31 smart plugs, flashed with Tasmota on their own locked-down VLAN, and can be controlled via voice, Alexa, Tasker automation on my Android, NFC tags at my office door and various scripts triggered via my StreamDeck (on Linux). This all works fantastic, and I can turn on or off my devices, including my printer, when I start or end my day at work.

The best alternative firmware example for true IOT devices is Tasmota [1]. Erase manufacturer firmware for every ESP devices the day after purchase to avoid those careless manufacturer firmwares.

[1] https://tasmota.github.io/docs/