DIY Ultrasonic Mist Maker using ESP8266 and Ultrasonic Humidifier Module

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

ESP8266 ESP-01 5V, 1 Channel WiFi Relay, Module Things Smart, Home Remote Control, Switch Rs. 886.00
USB to UART/ESP8266 Adapter Programmer for ESP-01 WiFi Modules with CH340G Chip Rs. 99.00
Ultrasonic Sensor Module HC-SR04 Rs. 89.00
1200mAh 18650 Li-ion Bat – Reliable 3.7V Power Cell Rs. 129.00
LDR Light Sensor Module Rs. 49.00
Arduino UNO R3 Board (Compatible) – ATmega328P Microcontroller with USB Cable Rs. 999.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: LED Strip / NeoPixel / WS2812
Battery Charger Module TP4056
Transistors (BC547 / 2N2222 / TIP / MOSFET)

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How It Works

This DIY ultrasonic mist maker integrates wireless lighting and fog control into a single cohesive system powered by an ESP8266 ESP-01 Wi-Fi microcontroller. At the heart of the power distribution is a TP4056 module, which safely manages the charging of a 3.7V 700mAh Li-Po battery. Because the ESP8266 logic and the high-current ultrasonic humidifier module operate in different domains, an IRF540N MOSFET acts as an electronic switch, allowing the low-power microcontroller output to safely trigger the high-output mist generation without damaging the board. For the visual synchronization, a chain of five WS2812 addressable LEDs receives data packets to produce dynamic lighting effects. System configuration and firmware flashing are initially handled via a USB to TTL converter module or an Arduino UNO, while network discovery is aided by tools like Angry IP Scanner. Once configured, the setup connects via Wi-Fi to receive real-time data packets from VixenLights software running ESPixelStick firmware, simultaneously coordinating atmospheric fog emission and WS2812 color changes. Additionally, an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) can be incorporated into the circuit to monitor ambient lighting conditions, enabling automated behavioral adjustments based on environmental light levels.

Why Build This

Design and implement a wireless, network-controlled mechatronic prop suitable for advanced undergraduate staging or interactive art installations.

Integrate power management, MOSFET-based load switching, and addressable LED data protocols into a battery-backed, portable enclosure.

Bridge network lighting control protocols (VixenLights and ESPixelStick) with hardware-level analog transducers like ultrasonic humidifier modules.

Real-World Application

Holiday displays, party decorations, ambient room lighting with atmospheric fog effects, and synchronized stage effects.

Skills You'll Learn

Wi-Fi microcontroller programming

MOSFET high-load switching

Li-Po battery power management

addressable LED data routing

wireless lighting protocol integration

sensor integration using LDRs

Safety Precautions

Ensure proper insulation and heat shrinking on solder joints to avoid short circuits. Handle lithium-polymer batteries with care during charging and placement.

Technology Tags

ESP8266

ESP-01

ULTRASONIC HUMIDIFIER

WS2812B

NEOPIXEL

VIXENLIGHTS

ESPIXELSTICK

WI-FI

OPTO-ISOLATOR

MOSFET

LDR

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I program the ESP8266 ESP-01 module if it doesn't have an onboard USB port?

You will need to use a dedicated USB to TTL converter module or an Arduino UNO wired to the appropriate TX, RX, VCC, and GND pins, along with a CH340 driver installed on your computer, to flash the ESPSFlashTool and ESPixelStick firmware.

Why is an IRF540N MOSFET required between the ESP8266 and the ultrasonic humidifier module?

The ESP-01 output pins operate at 3.3V and can only supply minimal current, which is insufficient to drive the ultrasonic module directly. The MOSFET acts as a solid-state switch controlled by the ESP8266 to safely handle the higher power demands of the mist maker.

Can I power the WS2812 LEDs and the ultrasonic module directly from the 3.7V Li-Po battery?

Yes, the system is designed around a 3.7V 700mAh Li-Po battery managed by a TP4056 charging circuit, but you must monitor your total current draw to ensure the battery can handle simultaneous mist generation and bright LED illumination without dropping voltage too quickly.

Gallery

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