Moon Wall Lamp with Moonphase Simulation

2026-10-17 Update the firmware and installer
2026-09-14 Updates

- Add a rainbow and color cycle program
- Add a installer for easier setup the pico without command line

Moon phase demo

Quick guide to install the pico:

1. Download moonlamp-installer-windows.zip from the link above and unzip it.
https://github.com/Felteshobbies/moonlamp/releases
(macOS and Linux builds are there too.)

2. Plug the Pico into USB and start moonlamp-installer.exe.

3. If it says MicroPython is missing: unplug the Pico, hold down the
BOOTSEL button, plug it back in while still holding, then release. Click
Install MicroPython and wait.
4. Click Install firmware.
5. Fill in your Wi-Fi name and password, and your latitude and longitude
(needed only for the "Real moon" program).
6. Enter how many LEDs you fitted, and where the first LED of the strip
sits, read off the rim like a clock face - 12 at the top, 3 right,
6 bottom, 9 left. Not sure which LED is the first? Press Find pixel 0:
one LED lights, and you nudge it with ±1 LED until the lit one really is
at the bottom.
7. Click Save and restart, wait a few seconds,  then with succesfully connection to your wifi you can control the lamp via http://moonlamp 

To update later: start the same program and click Install firmware again.
Your settings are kept.




What's new to the original

• Reworked the frame so the LEDs are no longer visible from the side

• Added a click-together frame system and mounting brackets for a more rigid assembly

• Updated all models to print without supports

• Added alternative parts for the Prusa XL — fewer segments, fewer seams

• Added an optional domed moon relief for much more dramatic shadows

Description

Firmware/Software link from github you will find below.

Print instruction from the original project are still valid.
Moon relief parts i printed with variable layer height in PLA without supports. (Quarter moduls need bed supports)
Print frame parts upside down without supports.


It is no rocket science, but some experience with microcontrollers, electronics and the command line is helpful. A future release may include a one-click installer to make setup easier.


If you want to modify it, FreeCAD files are included.

The lamp can show the current phase of the moon, updated live. The domed relief is what makes this work: it raises the centre of the disc by 20 mm, so light entering from one side of the ring is blocked from crossing to the other.

The firmware computes sun and moon positions on the device over wifi NTP and location.

Six programs: a demo that runs a full lunation in a minute, live moon phase, "real moon" that only lights up while the moon is actually above your horizon and follows its altitude in brightness and colour temperature, a slow colour cycle, a night light, and a manual mode. Earthshine on the dark side is simulated as well.

Everything is set up from a browser: on first boot the Pico opens its own Wi-Fi network and serves a setup form. After that there is a small web interface for LED counts,  program, brightness, ring geometry and output options.

What you need

Github repo:
Felteshobbies/moonlamp

Firmware installer download:
https://github.com/Felteshobbies/moonlamp/releases