Buce is a coin-sized, Wi-Fi-enabled, pluggable core module that integrates essential hardware functions for professional-grade aquarium LEDs, including 6-channel PWM control, power regulation, and thermal management. It is designed for DIY makers and small manufacturers and features proven firmware and an easy-to-use mobile app, making it an exciting new option for aquarium enthusiasts.

Bacopa is the driver and carrier board for the Buce core module. It features 6 built-in constant-current LED driver outputs (700 mA × 3 & 350 mA × 3). Each channel can drive up to 9 series-connected LEDs when using a 36 V power input, with a maximum rated LED power output of up to 108 watts. It also integrates an LED current monitoring circuit and reverse polarity protection. You can easily use the Buce & Bacopa to DIY your next awesome lighting project.

Ulva-6 is Buce’s complete LED fixture reference design for nano reef tanks. It integrates a stage-grade high-performance constant-current driver with powerful 6-channel dual-chip LEDs, delivering the optimized spectrum for coral growth while fully leveraging the Buce controller’s capabilities. Its full-aluminum heatsink enclosure and coordinated hardware-software protection ensure long-term stable and reliable operation.

Control LEDs Like Never Before

Buce handles the core electronics and mobile app, allowing hobbyists and small manufacturers to focus on LED arrangement, color blending, and enclosure design for innovative aquarium lighting. By delivering these professional capabilities in an open-source, tiny pluggable module, Buce empowers makers to innovate freely and has the potential to reshape the future of aquarium lighting.

Engineering sample. Production version will have a black PCB with gold-plating.

Not only is it great for reef and planted tanks, we think people will love using Buce for home lighting and even photography lighting setups. With Buce’s comprehensive features, open communication protocols, and exceptional performance, its applications are limited only by your creativity.

Features & Specifications

Buce Controller Module

- Model: BLC06MK1 (with integrated PCB antenna)
- MCU: ESP32-C3 with 4 MB flash
- Dimensions: 22 × 30 mm (0.87 × 1.18 in)
- Interface: 0.1 in (2.54 mm) pin header
- Wide input voltage range: 15 - 36 V DC
- Auxiliary output: 3.3 V @ 50 mA (for external peripherals)

• Dimming & Control Features
  • Channels: 6 independent PWM control channels
  • Dimming resolution: 4,096 steps (12-bit)
  • PWM frequency: 19 kHz (flicker-free)
  • Technology: Phase-shift PWM support
• Thermal & Power Management
  • Thermal monitoring: Built-in support for 3950 NTC thermistor
  • Cooling system: Adaptive fan control using a PID algorithm
  • Fan driver: Built-in regulated voltage output (3.5 - 12.2 V)
  • Power monitoring: Integrated voltage sensing & external INA139 support
  • Protection: Real-time over-power and over-temperature protection
• User Interface & Connectivity
  • Control Interface: A push button for temporary light-on & WiFi reset
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz

The full datasheet in PDF format is available here.

Bacopa Driver / Carrier Board

• Model: BLM06MK1
• Dimensions: 22 × 33 mm (0.87 × 1.3 inches)
• 6-Channel constant current output:
  • 3 × 700 mA channels
  • 3 × 350 mA channels
• Wide Input Voltage Range: 15 to 36 V DC
• Integrated Texas Instruments INA139 current monitoring circuit
• Reverse polarity protection
• Interfaces:
  • 1 × 7-pin, 2.0 mm pitch, PWM output socket (for parallel connection of more drivers)
  • 1 × 2-pin, 2.0 mm pitch, fan socket
  • 1 × 4-pin, 2.0 mm pitch, PWM fan socket
  • 1 × 2-pin, 2.0 mm pitch, 3950 / 10 kΩ NTC thermistor socket
  • 1 × 2-pin, 2.0 mm pitch, push button socket
  • 1 × 12-pin screw terminal, 3.8 mm pitch, LED driver output
• Flexible integration: Can be used as a standalone module or soldered as an embeddable component onto an LED PCB

Ulva-6 Reef LED

• Controller: Buce core module
• Rated Power: 60 W
• Lens angle: 90°
• Suitable aquarium size: up to 40 cm (15.7 in)
• 6-channel:
  • Dual-Chip Royal Blue (450 nm) × 3
  • Dual-Chip Blue (475 nm) × 3
  • Dual-Chip Cool White (10000-15000k) × 3
  • Dual-Chip Violet (420 nm) × 1 & Dual-Chip Ultra-Violet (395 nm) × 1
  • Dual-Chip Red (620 nm) × 1
  • Dual-Chip Green (520 nm) × 1
• Fully metal chassis
• Prioritizes safety and operational stability
• Dimensions:
  • 16.3 × 16.3 × 3.6 cm (6.4 × 6.4 × 1.4 in)
  • 0.74 kg (1.63 lbs)

Firmware & Mobile App

• Easy-to-use UI
• Manage multiple scenes and devices
• ESPTouch-based Wi-Fi provisioning: Connect to 2.4 GHz networks without using hotspot mode
• Dimming:
  • Manual dimming mode
  • Programmable scheduled mode with multi-stage dimming and an easy setup mode
  • Astronomical algorithm-based sun simulation mode
  • Smooth fading on/off transitions
  • Configurable dimming curves: Linear, CIE1931, Logarithmic, Exponential
• Automatic SNTP time synchronization
• Wireless firmware OTA update support
• Provides open-source Python client library

Open Source

Buce is based on open source technologies and aspects of the project are available for you to modify and improve. The PCB designs, firmware, and mobile app are all fully open source, and available in our GitHub. Buce is an OSHWA-certified open-hardware product, and these files are made available to anyone under the CERN-OHL-S-2.0 license, with the firmware and mobile app available under the GPL3.0 license.

The design files for the Ulva-6 aluminum PCB, along with those of the Bacopa board, will be open-sourced after the crowdfunding campaign concludes. The chassis and tank mount for the Ulva-6 are commercial, off-the-shelf products.

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