Buce - 6-Channel LED PWM Dimmer

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Introduction

Buce (Model BLC06) is an open-source, 6‑channel WiFi LED PWM dimmer for makers and engineers.

Buce can be controlled via the Borneo Aqua Pro (iOS & Android) for real‑time channel control, presets & scenes, scheduling, OTA firmware updates, and Wi‑Fi setup/device discovery.

It is optimized for aquarium lighting but fits many LED projects. Connect a constant-current LED driver and high-power LEDs — Buce handles the control and scheduling.

Features

All-in-One Dimmer
Integrates WiFi/Bluetooth, LED PWM output, temperature/current/voltage monitoring, fan drive, buttons, indicator lights, and a built-in 36V voltage converter for comprehensive control.
State of The Art Hardware
On a coin-sized footprint, maximizes the potential of the ESP32-C3 microcontroller, providing 6 hardware dimming channels, achieving 4096-level smooth dimming, and supporting up to 19kHz phase-shifted PWM output.
Feature-Rich
Supports all commercial-grade lighting functions including multi-stage programmable dimming, location-based solar simulation, and soft start for professional applications.
Safety
Equipped with over-temperature and over-power protection, along with PID adaptive cooling fan control to ensure reliable and safe operation.
DIY Friendly
Features a 0.1" pin-header interface for easy DIY projects and customization, requiring minimal peripheral circuits. Directly connect LED driver circuits and main power supply to create intelligent high-power LED lights.
Open-Source
Buce is fully open-source hardware, certified by OSHWA, with open-source Python API, examples, and documentation available for easy integration and customization.

Quick specs

Channels: 6 independent PWM
Dimming levels: 4096
PWM freq: up to 19 kHz (configurable)
Input voltage: 5–36 V
Size: 22 × 30 mm
Thermal shutdown: >65 °C (configurable)
Interfaces: 0.1" pin header, optional INA139, external button

Fully Open Source Hardware

Buce is an OSHWA certificated open-hardware product.

Applications

Aquarium Lighting Aquarium hobbyists can use Buce to simulate natural lighting environments, promoting the health and growth of aquatic plants or corals.
Photography Lighting Photographers can set up dynamic lighting scenes to capture stunning images with precise control over brightness and color, perfect for studio or outdoor shoots.
Home Lighting DIY enthusiasts can integrate Buce into their smart home systems to create personalized lighting ambiances for different rooms and occasions, with smooth transitions throughout the day.
And More Let your creativity shine.

Dimming
Integration and Thermal Management
Other Features

Dimming

Multi-stage programmable dimming with scheduling, manual, and temporary modes.
Supports linear, logarithmic, gamma, exponential and CIE‑1931 curves.
4096 levels, soft start/shutdown, phase shifting to reduce peak driver current.
Solar simulation using astronomical algorithms.
High-frequency PWM (up to 19 kHz) and phase shifting minimize flicker and noise.

Supported Brightness Correction Curves

Integration and Thermal Management

Built-in voltage regulator and power measurement; optional INA139 for current/power.
3.3 V output for peripherals.
Fan driver (2‑wire and PWM fans) + PID control (default target 45 °C).
NTC input for temperature; emergency shutdown >65 °C.

Other Features

Automatic SNTP time synchronization.
0.1" (2.54mm) pin-header interface, convenient for DIY projects.
Communicating using CBOR over CoAP/UDP offers both reliability and high performance
Provides Open-source Python API and examples.

Feature Comparison: Buce vs. Competitors

Feature	Borneo Buce (BLC06)	TC420 / TC421	Storm / Storm X	Bluefish Mini
Device Category	Logic Controller (Open-Source)	Power Driver (Finished Product)	Logic Controller (Legacy DIY)	Logic Controller (Cloud-Based)
Output Type	3.3V Logic PWM	MOSFET Power Stage (CV)	5V Logic PWM	PWM / 0-10V Analog
Driver Requirement	External Driver Required	No (Direct Drive LED Strips)	External Driver Required	External Driver Required
Dimming Curves	Linear, Log, CIE1931, Gamma	Linear Only	Linear Only	Linear / Custom
Scheduling	Multi-stage	Time-point based	12-24hr Cycle	Multi-stage
Sun Simulation	Geo-location Based	Manual Timer Only	Manual Sunrise/Set	Geo-location Based
Moonlight	Geo-location Based	No	Yes (Basic)	Auto Moon Phase Sync
Cloud Simulation	Supported	No	Yes	Supported
Lightning / Storm	No	No	Yes	Yes
Acclimation Mode	Supported	No	No	Supported
Channels	6 Channels	5 Channels	6 (Storm) / 16 (Storm X)	6 Channels
Dimming Resolution	12-bit (4096 Levels)	8-bit (256 Levels/100 Steps)	8-bit / 12-bit (Storm X)	12-bit (4096 Levels)
PWM Frequency	Up to 19.5 kHz	~1 kHz (Low Frequency)	~1 kHz	Unknown
User Interface	Mobile App (Local WiFi + Cloud)	USB / Mobile App (TC421)	On-board LCD + Knob	Mobile App (Cloud Only)
Temporary Mode	App + Hardware Button	No	No	Yes (App)
Telemetry & Safety	PID Fan, Volt/Amp/Power Monitor	None	Fan Control (Manual)	None
Open Source	Full (HW, FW, & App)	Proprietary (Closed)	Proprietary (Closed)	Proprietary (Closed)
Form Factor	Coin-sized Module (22×30mm)	Large Metal Housing	Medium PCB with LCD	Small Plastic Case
Price	💲💲	💲💲	💲💲💲	💲💲💲💲