NeoPixel C9 Bulb Diffusers

Sometimes, good things go away – such as the frosted C9 bulbs. You know, the ones where the paint chips off. Yeah, those frosted C9 bulbs of Charlie Brown goodness.

This IS About the Diffuser

No offense, Arduino. I love you and want to give you a great big bear hug because you are amazing, but you’re represented quite well in the wwworld and I don’t have much to add.

But, the world seriously needs to bring back the nostalgic C9 bulb, and that’s what I’m here for.

This is NOT About the Arduino, Code, or Power

I’d rather not cover things that have already been covered.

A friend and I designed a proper C9 LED diffuser for the WS2T811 12mm NeoPixel LEDs.

These, specifically: https://amzn.to/34T22It

By proper, I mean, we modeled the C9 diffuser after an actual C9 bulb. Because that’s how proper is done.

AND it clips on! Consider that properer.

It clips on. With tabs. No glue necessary.

Download the C9 .STL

Download the C9 Diffuser STL model from Thingiverse
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3331268

Slice It However You’d Like

Spiral or Fuzzy. I prefer fuzzy.

Option 1: Vase Mode (Spiral Mode)

Vase mode only really works for 1 bulb at a time. Just be sure to add 1-2mm of “bottom” layers so the tabs get printed with full thickness & strength.

Option 2: Slice It Fuzzy w/ Cura (<– do this)

I print an entire bed of these C9 diffusers overnight using the “Fuzzy” mode in Cura. Cura’s fuzzy mode hides the seams exceptionally well. (or so it…seams.)

Fuzzy Wuzzy Wuz A Cura Setting:

You may need to adjust your fuzzy settings to achieve the effect you like. Here are the settings to get the effect I like w/ PLA:

  • Fuzzy Skin: CHECK
  • Fuzzy Skin Thickness: 0.15mm
  • Fuzzy Skin Density: 1.25mm
  • Fuzzy Skin Point Distance: 0.8mm

and that’s how Fuzzy Wuzzy the Bear rolls at Christmastime.

What Material?

Shoot, that’s up to you! I’ve printed these in PET-G and PLA. After a year, both look great. But, mine haven’t been in direct sunlight. (in other words, I used PLA but don’t take my advice…. try for yourself and drop me a note if you find something you love or hate!)

I’m personally a huge fan of Hatchbox’s predictably consistent filament:

What 3D Printer?

I don’t think it really matters for these puppies (puppies = a nickname for C9 diffusers), but I used my trusty Creality Ender 3 (typically in the $200 range). It is (and has been) my go-to printer for everything even though I have a bigger, newer printer.