Night Sky Navigator - Shopping List

Updated for 12V ARGB LED approach with individual LEDs through drilled holes

Electronics - Already Have

Item	Notes
12V ARGB LED string (4x50 = 200 LEDs)	Individual LEDs on string, Christmas light style. WS2811 chips. For drilling through star holes.

Electronics - Need to Purchase

Item	Qty	Notes	Est. Cost	Source
Arduino Mega 2560	1	54 digital pins for all the buttons/LEDs	$35-45	Amazon, Adafruit
Buck converter (12V→5V)	1	Step down for Arduino. Get 5A rated for headroom. LM2596 module works well.	$8-12	Amazon
12V 5A power supply	1	Dedicated to Night Sky Navigator. 5A handles 200 LEDs + Arduino comfortably.	$15-20	Amazon
Illuminated arcade buttons (30mm)	8	Toggle buttons for constellation control	$25-35	Amazon, Adafruit
Push buttons (non-illuminated)	3	New Puzzle, Check Answer, Reset	$5-10	Amazon
3-position rotary switch	1	Difficulty selector (Easy/Med/Hard)	$5-8	Amazon, Mouser
220Ω resistors	10	For button LED indicators (8 needed + spares)	$5	Amazon
10kΩ resistors	10	For button pulldowns if needed	$5	Amazon
22 AWG stranded wire (assorted colors)	100 ft	Red, black, plus 2-3 signal colors	$15-20	Amazon
JST connectors	1 kit	For clean, disconnectable LED connections	$10	Amazon
Screw terminals	10	For power distribution	$8	Amazon
1000µF capacitor (25V)	2	Across power input to smooth voltage	$5	Amazon
Heat shrink tubing	1 kit	Insulation for all connections	$8	Amazon
Project enclosure	1	For Arduino and power electronics	$15-20	Amazon

Panel & Mounting

Item	Qty	Size	Notes
Plywood or MDF panel	1	4' × 6'	Black painted. Drill holes for each star.
Matte black paint	1 qt	—	For panel background
French cleats or Z-bars	1 set	—	Wall mounting
Wood backing frame	~20 ft	1×2 lumber	Frame for rigidity

Tools Required

Tool	Notes
Drill + assorted bits	For star holes (size to match LED diameter)
Soldering iron + solder	For wiring connections
Wire strippers	For 22 AWG
Multimeter	Essential for testing 12V→5V conversion
Hot glue gun	For securing LEDs in holes
Heat gun or lighter	For heat shrink

ARGB LED Notes

Your 12V ARGB string LEDs:

These are individually addressable like WS2812B but run on 12V
Use WS2811 chip (12V variant)
Data signal is still 5V logic, so Arduino can drive directly
Check the data wire - usually labeled DIN or DATA

Wiring Approach

12V power supply feeds LEDs directly
Buck converter steps 12V→5V for Arduino
Arduino data pin (Pin 6) connects to LED string data input
Common ground between Arduino, LEDs, and power supply

Installation

Drill holes sized for LED diameter
Push LEDs through from back of panel
Hot glue to secure
Paint touch-up around holes if needed

Cost Estimate

Category	Estimate
Electronics (excluding LEDs you have)	$150-190
Panel & mounting	$50-80
Tools (if needed)	$50-80
Total	$200-270

Does not include 12V ARGB LEDs you already have.

Quick Shopping Links

Amazon searches:

"Arduino Mega 2560"
"LM2596 buck converter 5V"
"12V 5A power supply"
"illuminated arcade button 30mm"
"3 position rotary switch"
"JST connector kit"
"22 AWG stranded wire kit"

FastLED Library:

For Arduino code, use the FastLED library with WS2811 chip type:

Arduino IDE: Sketch → Include Library → Manage Libraries
Search "FastLED" and install
Use FastLED.addLeds<WS2811, PIN, RGB>(leds, NUM_LEDS);