NE555 PWM LED Dimmable Lamp DIY Soldering Kit – 8.5W 5V

Build Your Own Dimmable LED Desk Lamp – NE555 PWM DIY Soldering Kit

The LOTHYE NE555 PWM LED Dimmable Table Lamp DIY Kit is the perfect hands-on electronics project for hobbyists, students, and makers who want to explore real-world circuit design. Using the classic 555 timer IC and pulse-width modulation (PWM) technology, this kit lets you assemble a fully functional, brightness-adjustable desk lamp from scratch — ideal for learning soldering, PWM theory, and MOSFETs in action.

⚠️ Note: This kit is intended for buyers with prior electronics and soldering experience. We guarantee all components are in good condition upon delivery, but successful assembly depends on the builder's skill level. Please review all instructions carefully before purchasing. Batteries are not included.

Key Features

• PWM Dimming Circuit: Adjusts LED brightness smoothly using a built-in potentiometer with integrated switch — no flicker, no strobe at 30 KHz operating frequency.
• 24 × 0.5W LED Beads: 5mm straw-hat white LEDs deliver a cool daylight color temperature of 6000–8000K with illumination ranging from 20 to 1000 LUX.
• Dual Power Options: Run the lamp via USB Micro (5V / 1.7A) or add an optional 3.7V 18650 rechargeable battery (not included) with the on-board TP4056 charging circuit.
• High Efficiency: PWM control wastes minimal power as heat — circuit efficiency up to 90%.
• Metal + ABS Housing: Sturdy mixed-material casing for durability and clean aesthetics.
• Educational Circuit Design: Includes charging circuit (TP4056 IC), PWM signal generator, and LED driver board — three functional subsystems to build and understand.

Technical Specifications

How the Circuit Works

The NE555 timer operates in astable mode, generating a PWM signal at approximately 30 KHz. A potentiometer (RP1) with an integrated on/off switch controls the duty cycle — rotating it clockwise increases the pulse width, which in turn increases LED brightness. The PWM signal gates an N-channel MOSFET (Q1) to drive the LED array efficiently. The optional TP4056 charging module handles Li-ion battery management with constant-current/constant-voltage charging at ~580mA (set by a 2K resistor), with red/green indicator LEDs for charge status. When USB power is connected, a P-channel MOSFET (A03415) isolates the battery; on battery power alone, the MOSFET conducts to supply the 555 circuit seamlessly.

What's in the Box

• All PCB components for the NE555 PWM dimming circuit
• 24 × 5mm straw-hat white LED beads
• Metal + ABS lamp housing
• USB Micro power cable (1m, 2A)
• Potentiometer with built-in switch
• Circuit schematic and assembly guide

Note: 18650 battery and charging module are optional/sold separately. Batteries are NOT included.

You May Also Like

• Electromagnetic Induction Tester – Coil & Circuit Fault Detector
• Air Compressor Pressure Gauge 0-10/0-12/0-25 Bar | DIY Tool
• 18 Pc Basswood Carving Blocks – Whittling Wood Kit for Carvers

Learn more: OSHA on eye and face protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need soldering experience to assemble the NE555 LED dimming kit?

A: Yes. This DIY soldering kit is designed for electronics enthusiasts who already have basic circuit-building and soldering skills. The kit includes a schematic and assembly guide, but it does not walk complete beginners through soldering from scratch. If you are new to soldering, we recommend practicing on a basic kit first before attempting this NE555 PWM lamp project.

Q: Can I use this LED table lamp kit without a battery?

A: Absolutely. The kit supports two operating modes. In plug-in mode, simply connect the included USB Micro cable (5V / 1.7A) and short pins 2–3 of port P1 on the 555 control board — no battery or charging module required. If you later want cordless operation, you can add an optional 3.7V 18650 Li-ion battery (not included) along with the TP4056 charging module.

Q: What does PWM dimming mean and how does it control the LED brightness?

A: PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. Instead of reducing voltage to dim an LED (which can affect color), PWM rapidly switches the LED on and off at 30 KHz — far faster than the eye can detect. A wider "on" pulse means brighter output; a narrower pulse means dimmer output. This method is highly efficient (up to 90%) and produces no visible flicker or strobe effect.

Q: Is there a risk of strobe or flicker with this lamp?

A: No. The NE555 PWM circuit operates at 30 KHz, which is well above the human visual threshold for perceiving flicker. The result is a smooth, stable light output at any brightness level set by the potentiometer.