Maker Builds Walnut Console for Physical Smart Lighting Control

Controlling smart home lighting through a phone app is convenient, but it lacks the physical satisfaction of touching a knob. Maker Alex Dufetel decided to address this gap by building a custom lighting console that brings tangible feedback to digital controls. The device, constructed from solid walnut with machined aluminum components, allows users to adjust brightness and select rooms through direct physical interaction rather than scrolling through a screen.

The console connects to Home Assistant, a popular open-source platform for smart home management. It features a large rotary knob that cycles through different rooms or light groups, with the current selection displayed on a small color screen. Four vertical faders allow for precise brightness adjustments, while four additional buttons provide quick access to saved lighting presets. This setup aims to replace the abstract nature of app-based controls with a more intuitive, hands-on experience.

Motorized Faders Mirror Digital State

A key feature of Dufetel’s design is the use of motorized faders, which can move independently under software control. When a user switches to a new room using the central knob, the four faders automatically slide to positions that match the current brightness levels of the lights in that space. This bidirectional communication ensures that the physical interface always reflects the actual state of the smart home, even if changes are made through other devices or voice assistants.

This synchronization creates a seamless bridge between digital automation and physical control. If a light is dimmed via a phone app, the corresponding fader on the walnut console will physically move to reflect that change. While this adds a layer of mechanical complexity, it provides a clear visual and tactile confirmation of system status, reducing the need to check a screen to verify settings.

Prototype Stage and Future PCB

According to GN technics/smarthome, the internal electronics are currently in a prototype phase. The build relies on breadboards, WAGO connectors, motor drivers, and numerous jumper wires to handle connections. This setup allows for rapid testing and modification but is not suitable for a permanent installation. Dufetel plans to replace this temporary wiring with a custom printed circuit board (PCB) in the future, which will streamline the internal layout and improve reliability.

To facilitate development, Dufetel created a miniature lighting system for testing purposes. This test rig consists of sixteen diffused LEDs arranged in a four-by-four grid, where each row represents a different room. This setup allows him to test the fader movements and room switching logic without affecting the actual lights in his house. Such a development environment is crucial for debugging control algorithms before integrating them into the main system.

From Personal Project to Potential Product

The enclosure of the console is already approaching the look of a finished product. The body is crafted from solid walnut, while the large control knob and fader caps are machined from aluminum. The current faceplate is painted wood, which Dufetel notes is a temporary solution. He intends to replace it with a black anodized aluminum version to match the durability and aesthetic of the other components.

Although Dufetel originally built the console for personal use, interest from the online community has prompted him to consider commercializing the design. He is currently evaluating whether the device could be produced as a product for other smart home enthusiasts. Those interested in potential future releases can sign up for notifications on his website, indicating a shift from a private maker project to a potential niche consumer product.