Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Carl Bugeja’s Mini Sphere packs 945 LEDs into a roughly 6-centimeter, baseball-sized display. Five repeated, four-layer flexible PCB panels wrap a 3D-printed geodesic support to create its curved surface. It can show programmed animations and emoji-like graphics, and respond to being picked up or shaken—but it is a tiny maker display, not a high-resolution miniature of the Las Vegas venue.
How the miniature sphere is built
The main engineering challenge is distributing addressable LEDs across a curved surface while routing power and data. Bugeja’s design uses five repeated flexible PCB panels, each shaped to fit a triangular facet in a geodesic arrangement. A 3D-printed dome and base support the panels as they form the sphere. Hackster reports a diameter of about six centimeters, with 945 LEDs and 305 capacitors across the four-layer boards (Hackster.io; Hackaday).
Yanko Design identifies the LEDs as SK6805 parts measuring 1 mm × 1 mm and names a CodeCell controller with USB-C power (Yanko Design, April 30, 2024). Because the surface consists of separate facets, graphics have to be mapped across the panels rather than laid out as if the display were one ordinary flat screen.
What it displays—and where image quality runs out
The Mini Sphere runs programmed patterns and graphics, including emoji-like images, and can react when picked up or shaken. A translucent diffuser softens the gaps between individual pixels, helping the light read as a more coherent image.
#1 Best Overall
- CONSTANT LIGHT: AC-powered continuous light for photos or videos / Mountable on standard light stand
- POWERFUL LEDS: Powerful 55-watt LED bulbs / Lights can be dimmed for precise output
- CLOSE-UP USE: Runs cool, enabling close use / Works well for macro and tight spaces / Creates a soft, directional light
- CREATIVE: Ideal for catchlights and other unique lighting effects / Color correct, enabling true-to-life skin tones
- KOAH WARRANTY: Comes with a Koah 1-year limited warranty
That treatment does not make the display high resolution. Hackaday reports that sharp lines and borders are difficult to render cleanly, and familiar shapes such as circles or eyes can look ragged. With 945 LEDs on a small curved object, the project is best understood as an animated desk display, not a monitor or a functional equivalent of the venue’s screen.
Prototype lessons and reported cost
Early versions had real reliability issues: Hackaday reports an initial board with an unfixable short, followed by problems with adhesive and durability. Hackster says temperature and humidity affected the adhesive’s tack over time. Under Bugeja’s conditions, a short bake-out before mounting the flexible PCB improved its grip. That is a report of this build’s experience, not a universal flex-PCB process recommendation.
Rank #2
- 3 Color Tunable : Short press the button to choose the desired color temperature： Warm White (3000K) / Cool White (4000K) / Daylight (6500K). With 120 degree beam angle and sphere PC lampshade, our LED bulbs illuminates an even glow in any room of your choice
- 9 Brightness Dimmable : 9 adjustable levels of brightness. Easy to adjust the brightness from 10% to 100% via pressing the “+” and “-” buttons on the manual dimmer. Soft and non-dazzling, providing enough brightness for you to perform daily grooming tasks
- Smart Memory Function : Our vanity lights can remember the setting when you last turned it off. Free you from setting the light every time
- Easy to Install : No drilling required. With included double-sided adhesive sticker fixed, our self adhesive makeup light will not fall down, slip, glide or fail easily. Leave no marks on the mirror when removed
- USB Cable Design : 5V/2A USB cable design allows multiple connecting options(USB charger, USB wall socket, power bank, laptop USB interface, etc), convenient for anywhere
Hackster and Hackaday each put the one-off project or bill of materials at roughly $250. Hackaday’s May 31, 2024 estimate includes components, PCB, controller, and mechanical parts. This is a historical reported build estimate, not a current parts quote; present component and fabrication prices may differ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep this build distinct from other MiniSphere projects
Another project called MiniSphere, by OK Design on Hackaday.io, is a separate build with different specifications. Its page describes a 75 mm sphere with 1,080 LEDs, ten flexible panels, a battery pack, IMU, and UWB radio (Hackaday.io). Those details do not describe Bugeja’s Mini Sphere.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Durable, Safe & Kid-Friendly PE Shell】- Crafted from high-grade, BPA-free PE material, this 3-inch orb is built tough to withstand drops, dust, and splashes. The softly frosted finish offers a non-slip, comfortable grip that feels great in little hands. Whether for poolside play or bedtime cuddles, it’s a worry-free gift choice for kids, friends, and loved ones.
- 【IP65 Waterproof & Floating Pool Decor】- Take the party to the water! Fully sealed and buoyant, this LED ball floats effortlessly in pools, hot tubs, or even bathtubs for a spa-like vibe. But don’t stop there—it’s equally stunning as landscape lighting for patios, backyards, gardens, walkways, or stage setups, adding a magical touch to any indoor or outdoor space.
- 【200 LEDs with 18 Dynamic Color Modes】- Illuminate your space with a rich spectrum of 11 vivid colors and 18 preset lighting modes, all powered by 200 high-density RGB LED beads. From a warm, cozy campfire glow to a lively party strobe, the brightness is perfectly balanced—bright enough to shine, yet soft enough to create a soothing, stress-free atmosphere instantly.
- 【Fast Charging, Flexible Battery Life & Smart Timer】- Skip the battery hassle! Recharge fully in just 1.5–2 hours via the included Type-C cable (5V/1A) and enjoy 7 to 48 hours of continuous glow, （depending on your brightness setting. ）The built-in auto-off timer lets you set it to shut down after 1, 60, or 120 minutes—ideal for worry-free sleep schedules or saving power during overnight use.
- 【Full Kit & Reliable Support】- Package includes: ball light*2, remote*1, 1 Type-C cable*2, and a user manual. Backed by our responsive customer service team, we’re committed to bringing premium mood lighting to every age—from kids' night lights to adults' relaxing ambiance.
Rank #4
- 【Made for Tabletop & Close-Up Lighting】: This 2 pack LED photography light kit is designed for tabletop product photos, food pictures, desk videos, video calls and daily content creation. It is not a floor-standing studio light and is not intended for lighting large rooms, full-body videos or wide scenes.
- 【Soft Fill Light for Small Products】: Each 12” USB photo light provides soft fill light for close-up shots of small products, food, crafts, jewelry, cosmetics and desk setups. For better brightness, place the lights close to the subject instead of using them across a large room.
- 【3 Color Temperatures & 10%-100% Dimming】: Choose 2800K warm light, 4800K natural light or 6500K cool light, and adjust brightness from 10% to 100%. The adjustable light helps reduce harsh shadows and improve clarity for tabletop photos and desk videos.
- 【Compact Desk Tripods with Adjustable Angle】: The tabletop tripod adjusts from 9.3" to 13.2", and the light panel rotates up to 280° for low-angle shots, flat lays, product photos and video calls. Compact size makes it easy to store, move and set up on a desk.
- 【Complete 2-Pack Portable Lighting Kit】: Includes 2 LED studio light panels with cables, 2 adjustable tripod stands, 2 mini spherical tripods, 2 USB-C adapters, and 1 user manual. Compact and easy to store, this photo light kit is practical for creators, small businesses, resellers, bloggers, and home studios.
Rank #3
- Vibrant Ambient Glow for Every Space： This LED orb light features soft color-changing effects, perfect for use as a night light in bedrooms, children's rooms, or as decorative lighting for holidays and special occasions.
- Remote Control for Easy Adjustment： Comes with a remote control to adjust brightness and lighting modes from a distance, allowing for convenient customization based on your environment and mood.
- Durable & Waterproof – For Indoor and Outdoor Use： Made from flexible and safe PE material, this light is drop-resistant and shatterproof. With an IP65 waterproof rating, it’s great for both indoor use and outdoor settings like pools, patios, and gardens.
- 800mAh Rechargeable Battery with Long Runtime： Equipped with an 800mAh rechargeable battery and 5V 1A input, this light delivers extended illumination on a single charge—no need for constant battery replacements.
- Versatile Decoration for Any Occasion： Whether for daily use or festive decor, this glowing orb light creates a magical atmosphere for parties, weddings, holidays, and home decoration—both indoors and out.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
