Crowd Supply

Buce - 6-Channel LED PWM Controller

Easy-to-use embedded 6-channel smart LED PWM controller.

Introduction

The Buce module integrates every high-end feature standard in professional reef and planted tank lighting, offering a level of control and precision that rivals any flagship LED fixture on the market.

It features six independent PWM dimming channels, allowing users to customize and control lighting effects wirelessly through our easy-to-use Borneo Aqua Pro.

Applications: aquatic lighting, photography lighting, home lighting and more.

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Quick Specs

  • Micro-controller: ESP32-C3
  • Channels: 6 independent PWM
  • Driver Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV) LED drivers.
  • Dimming Levels: 4096
  • PWM Frequency: up to 19.5 kHz (configurable)
  • Input Voltage: 5–36 V
  • Thermal Shutdown: >65 °C (configurable)
  • Interfaces: 0.1"(2.54 mm) pin header
  • Supported Peripherals: INA138/INA139 current sensor / push button / NTC / fan
  • Dimensions: 22 × 30 mm

Fully Open Source Hardware

Buce is an OSHWA certificated open-hardware product.

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.

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

FeatureBorneo Buce (BLC06)TC420 / TC421Storm / Storm XBluefish Mini
Device CategoryLogic Controller (Open-Source)Power Driver (Finished Product)Logic Controller (Legacy DIY)Logic Controller (Cloud-Based)
Output Type3.3V Logic PWMMOSFET Power Stage (CV)5V Logic PWMPWM / 0-10V Analog
Driver RequirementExternal Driver RequiredNo (Direct Drive LED Strips)External Driver RequiredExternal Driver Required
Dimming CurvesLinear, Log, CIE1931, GammaLinear OnlyLinear OnlyLinear / Custom
SchedulingMulti-stageTime-point based12-24hr CycleMulti-stage
Sun SimulationGeo-location BasedManual Timer OnlyManual Sunrise/SetGeo-location Based
MoonlightGeo-location BasedNoYes (Basic)Auto Moon Phase Sync
Cloud SimulationSupportedNoYesSupported
Lightning / StormNoNoYesYes
Acclimation ModeSupportedNoNoSupported
Channels6 Channels5 Channels6 (Storm) / 16 (Storm X)6 Channels
Dimming Resolution12-bit (4096 Levels)8-bit (256 Levels/100 Steps)8-bit / 12-bit (Storm X)12-bit (4096 Levels)
PWM FrequencyUp to 19.5 kHz~1 kHz (Low Frequency)~1 kHzUnknown
User InterfaceMobile App (Local WiFi + Cloud)USB / Mobile App (TC421)On-board LCD + KnobMobile App (Cloud Only)
Temporary ModeApp + Hardware ButtonNoNoYes (App)
Telemetry & SafetyPID Fan, Volt/Amp/Power MonitorNoneFan Control (Manual)None
Open SourceFull (HW, FW, & App)Proprietary (Closed)Proprietary (Closed)Proprietary (Closed)
Form FactorCoin-sized Module (22×30mm)Large Metal HousingMedium PCB with LCDSmall Plastic Case
Price💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲

Pinout

Usage Example

Dimensions

Dimensions

Resources

  • Image blc06mk1-1
  • Image buce-bottom-coin-white-1
  • Image buce-bottom-white-1
  • Image buce-top-and-bottom-coin-white-2
  • Image buce-top-white-1

Back on Crowd Supply

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