Shopping Guide
Automated Translation
This documentation has been automatically translated from Polish. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may be lost in translation. If you notice any errors or unclear passages, please refer to the Polish version or contact the author.
Note: This manual uses Polish screenshots, but the Firmware itself (Admin panel), on-screen messages shown on the LED display, and the Firmware uploader website are all available and translated to English. The firmware will display English messages and have an English GUI.
Poland-Specific Information
This section contains information specific to Poland, including:
- Prices in Polish Złoty (zł) – approximate conversion: 1 EUR ≈ 4.3 zł, 1 USD ≈ 4.0 zł
- Availability at Action stores – a discount retail chain operating primarily in Poland and a few other European countries
- Shipping limitations – the author cannot ship internationally
If you're outside Poland, you may need to find alternative local suppliers or purchase from international online retailers like AliExpress.
To build the LED display, you'll need to purchase several electronic components. Here's a detailed shopping guide.
LED Panel
This is not an advertisement!
I'm listing stores and products here to make shopping easier for you - but this is not advertising! Nobody pays me for this, I get nothing from these purchases and unless stated otherwise - these are not affiliate links! I financed the project creation and purchase of test devices myself, subsidizing "this business." Even if occasionally I'm able to resell some parts, enclosures or controllers - I do it at cost, and all surplus and donations for this purpose are used to finance further project development.
You can just as well buy these or compatible components elsewhere. Just please, definitely check if they'll fit.
The LED panel is the system's display/screen. In this project, we use the branded LED fun screen 16x64 panel by B.K Light manufactured for and sold at Action store chain:
Action - Pixel LED Screen 37x9 cm
- Matrix Resolution: 16x64
- Model: ACT1025
- Item no.: 3217438
- EAN: 4057722024612
- Dimensions: 374mm x 92mm (~40cm wide, 9cm tall)
- In the box: panel, USB-C to USB-A cable, mini stand, double-sided tape for window mounting
The panel has a resolution of 16x64 colored LED pixels, controlled (originally) via the iPixel Color app.
The panel was designed to be mounted (for example) on shop windows or in trucks, so it doesn't have a rigid enclosure. The LEDs are embedded in a transparent silicone-like material and the kit includes double-sided adhesive tape. The Action panel uses a stiffer PCB and ships with small separate black plastic feet/stands (they are rather provisional). Panels from AliExpress are much more flexible and come on a tape.
Other Panel Sizes
The controller also supports other panel sizes:
Panel 32x32 from Action
Pixel LED Board (LED pixel board)
- Matrix Resolution: 32x32
- Model: ACT1026
- Item no.: 3217439
- EAN: 4057722024636
- Dimensions: 130mm x 130mm x 12mm
- In the box: square panel in housing with stand, integrated USB-A cable
This panel is compact and square, costs ~65zł (~€15 / $16) - perfect for a desk.
This panel has a built-in cable!
The 32x32 panel is designed as a desktop frame (or wall mount) and therefore comes in a small black housing with a built-in stand, mounting holes and an integrated USB-A power cable.
This means that instead of the USB-C adapters used with the elongated panels, you'll need a charger with two USB-A outputs and a short USB-A → USB-C cable to power the controller. The controller does not need to be physically next to the panel — it can sit near the charger as long as it stays within the panel's WiFi and Bluetooth range.
Cheaper LED Panels from AliExpress
Reverse-engineering the panel's communication protocol and writing the controller took several weeks. During this time, panels started disappearing from Action shelves - either sold out or it's a seasonal product. Worse, Action by nature of its business model sells only in brick-and-mortar stores.
But Action didn't develop this product itself 
In the controlling app's code, you can see dozens of supported product variants and models. Quick searches on AliExpress allow finding the "base" product - nearly identical panels, without Action branding, controlled by the same app!
When buying on AliExpress, search for something like: Scrolling Advertising LED Sign USB Bluetooth App and look for similar thumbnails:
The panel should have 16x64 pixels, similar dimensions to the Action one (374x92mm), and (in screenshots) you can see it's controlled by the iPixel Color app.
The Ali panel has a flexible board (it's more like thick rubberized tape), and arrives "rolled up." Electronic components are also visible on both sides of the LED matrix - the Action panel uses opaque black gel there. The included USB-A to USB-C cable is longer and has a power switch.
Usually the panel will be cheaper! Price is typically 60-80 zł (~$15-20), and if you shop often on Ali, use coins or hunt for sales - you can get it down to 50 zł (~$12-13)! In the box, compared to the Action one, there won't be plastic feet, but they add a remote instead 
Currently supported are panels with 16x64 (elongated) and 32x32 (square) resolution, but I'm working on adding support for matrices: 16x32 (short), 20x64 (taller) and 16x96 (longer)
Where to buy: AliExpress
Search for: Scrolling Advertising LED Sign USB Bluetooth App 16x64 or LED pixel panel bluetooth 16x64
Approximate price: 60-80 zł (≈€14-19 / $15-20) including shipping
Action panel advantages:
- Readily available in brick-and-mortar stores in Poland and select European countries
- Local warranty
- No waiting for shipping
- Good price
Action panel disadvantages:
- Availability varies by location
- May be sold out during promotional periods
- Only available in physical stores
AliExpress panel advantages:
- Wider selection
- Can be ordered from anywhere in the world
- Often includes additional accessories (remote control)
- Usually cheaper
AliExpress panel disadvantages:
- 2-4 week shipping time from China
- No local warranty
- Potential customs fees (outside EU)
- Can't verify quality before purchase
Which panel to choose?
If you have access to Action stores, buy the panel there – it's cheaper, faster, and comes with a local warranty. The AliExpress option is good if Action doesn't have stock or you live outside Poland.
Controller: ESP32 Boards
ESP32 family boards are super cheap microcontrollers, usually with small (4MB!) memory, but supporting both WiFi and Bluetooth. There are dozens of variants of these boards - that's why for this project I chose 3 types that are cheap, small, ready to use, and capable. Their common features:
- Small size, usually 2 x 3 x 0.5 cm in housing
- Low price, from 8 to 25 zł (~$2-6)
- Power and programming via USB-C
- Built-in or included mini WiFi antenna
For advanced users...
The firmware will probably work on other ESP32 boards too - if you have something in a drawer and know what you're doing - but I haven't tested everything and I'm only providing ready builds for these 3 listed boards
The choice of board depends on what you have available and what's easier to buy - functionally they're nearly identical.
Important!
Check the exact letters/numbers of the board designation before purchasing - they are very important! If it says C3, don't buy C2 or zero or Beetle - these are different devices! In China they produce clones of clones - they might work, but e.g., won't fit in the enclosure.
Where to buy?
- AliExpress - if you have coins, there's a promotion, you can wait. Important to make sure you selected the right board, because sometimes there are several variants sold in one store. And unfortunately, there's a risk you'll receive a defective or counterfeit board that won't work. Although this is an increasingly rare (almost anecdotal) problem, and AliExpress usually offers a hassle-free return process including through Paczkomaty - but it's always a few days delay.
- Botland and Kamami - Polish electronics stores, you definitely won't get a counterfeit, the board will definitely work (and if not - you have quick returns possible within 14 days and warranty), prices are higher and at such amounts there may not be free shipping.
Watch what you click!
Especially with links and pages on AliExpress - results may show a mix of correct and similar but different devices! Similarly, within one page, the cheapest or most popular option is often shown in the thumbnail. When adding to cart, check three times which variant and what's being added! It's very easy to accidentally buy the wrong thing!
Thanks to the magic of buying two...
When buying such cheap boards, especially from China, always buy at least two - in case one arrives defective or dies/burns out from sudden overvoltage or manufacturing defect.
Recommended Models
You need one of the following models. Choose based on availability and price:
ESP32-C3 SuperMini
- Cheapest board, on Ali promotion can be even 5 zł (~$1.25)! But price around 10 zł (~$2.5) is also perfectly OK
- For this board I prepared an enclosure for 3D printing
Advantages:
- Very cheap
- Widely available
- Compact size
Disadvantages:
- Internal PCB antenna – shorter WiFi range, can be problematic in larger homes or with thick walls
- Lower quality control
- May have WiFi connectivity issues
WiFi Range Warning
The ESP32-C3 SuperMini has an internal antenna, which significantly reduces WiFi range compared to boards with external antennas (Seeed Xiao variants). If you have WiFi issues, consider upgrading to a Seeed Xiao model.
Seeed Xiao ESP32-C3
- Better quality and more "branded"
- Has external antenna - better if you have WiFi range problems
- Available in Poland for about 25 zł (~$6):
- ...or in China, not much cheaper:
Advantages:
- Good balance of price and performance
- External WiFi antenna
- Good availability
- Better quality control
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than SuperMini
- Less powerful than S3
Seeed Xiao ESP32-S3
- Best and most efficient - although in our use you won't see the difference anyway
- Very popular among hobbyists
- Also has external antenna - better if you have WiFi range problems
- Most expensive, price about 40 zł (~$10) in Poland:
Advantages:
- Most powerful variant (dual-core processor, more memory)
- External WiFi antenna – best range
- Best choice for future firmware features
- Popular with good community support
Disadvantages:
- Most expensive option
How Many Controllers?
You need one controller per LED panel. If you want to build multiple displays (e.g., for different rooms), buy multiple controllers and panels.
Enclosure
You can 3D-print an enclosure I prepared for the ESP32-C3 SuperMini on Printables: https://www.printables.com/model/1538171-akszon-led-skaut-esp32-c3-supermini-case-with-boot
I'll prepare enclosures for other boards soon; in the meantime you can use other compatible models (I haven't tested them):
- for SeeedXiao ESP32-S3: https://www.printables.com/model/1143379-snap-fit-case-for-seeed-studio-xiao-esp32s3
Cables
For elongated panels (16x64) you may also need:
-
Angled USB-C adapter - to hide the cable behind the panel
Search for:
USB Type C Male to female Adapter 180 Degree U-shaped
- USB-C splitter - to power both panel and controller with one power supply/cable
Search for:
USB C Cable Splitter Type C 1 to 2 Extension Cable Wire
For desktop panel (32x32):
- You will need a short
USB-A → USB-Ccable to power the controller. This cable is so common that you may find one in a drawer—the same type often included with many small rechargeable gadgets.
In China you can find a wide selection of adapters and cables, averaging about 10 zł (~$2.5) each.
Power only!
We use these adapters at the end to power the configured controller and LED panel. These are usually "power only" cables/adapters, not having data transmission wires. For programming the controller, use a better, thick USB-C "data cable" containing data transmission wires.
For the 32x32 panel with the built-in USB-A cable, you need a charger with two USB-A outputs!
USB-C Cable
Purpose: Powering the controller and initial firmware installation
Where to buy: Any electronics store, AliExpress
Approximate price: 5-15 zł (≈€1-4 / $1-4)
Data Transfer Cable Required!
For firmware installation, you need a data transfer cable (not just a charging cable). Many cheap cables only have power wires and won't work for programming. Use a quality cable or one that came with a phone/tablet.
Power Supply / USB Charger
Although it's obvious, for the LED panel and controller you need a USB charger matching your power cable(s). The Action or AliExpress LED panel kit doesn't include a charger! Such a power supply should provide stable 5V and have a capacity of at least 2A - which is 10W. The AliExpress panel has clear markings that it requires a 2A charger, and the Action panel documentation mentions the same. The charger's power output is usually described in fine print on its housing. If you don't have a splitter, the charger should have two outputs. Tests have shown that typically, when displaying glucose, the display with controller set draws about 250mA, but this value can rise to over 400mA when updating readings or connecting to WiFi.
Oldie but goodie
You can buy any dedicated USB charger on Allegro, Amazon or AliExpress, but older phone chargers work great for this purpose. You usually have these in a drawer - they're too weak to quickly charge modern smartphones, but for the set's needs, 2 amps and USB 2.0 is perfectly sufficient. Give it a second life!
Interestingly, tests showed that the LED panel doesn't always work with the latest "super chargers" USB-C - probably due to lack of support for power negotiation protocols like PD.
Panel 32x32
For the 32x32 panel with an integrated USB-A cable, you need a charger with two USB-A ports.
Total Cost Estimate
| Component | Price Range (zł) | Price Range (EUR) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Panel (Action) | ~86 | €20 | $22 |
| LED Panel (AliExpress) | 50-80 | €12-19 | $13-20 |
| ESP32-C3 SuperMini (recommended) | ~10 | €2.5 | $2.5 |
| OR: Seeed Xiao S3 (if weak WiFi) | ~40 | €9.5 | $10 |
| USB-C Cable (data) | 5-15 | €1-4 | $1-4 |
| Power Supply (≥2A) | 10-20 | €2-5 | $2.5-5 |
| USB-C Adapters (optional) | 10-20 | €2-5 | $2.5-5 |
| 3D Enclosure (optional) | 10-30 | €2-7 | $2.5-8 |
| TOTAL (budget Action) | ~110-150 | €26-35 | $28-37 |
| TOTAL (budget AliExpress) | ~75-125 | €17-29 | $19-31 |
| TOTAL (recommended w/ Action) | ~120 | €28 | $30 |
Shopping Tips
- Recommended setup: Action panel (~86 zł / €20 / $22) + ESP32-C3 SuperMini (~10 zł / €2.5 / $2.5) = ~120 zł / €28 / $30 complete set
- Cheapest option: AliExpress panel (~50-80 zł / €12-19 / $13-20) + ESP32-C3 SuperMini (~10 zł / €2.5 / $2.5) = ~75-100 zł / €17-23 / $19-25
- Seeed Xiao S3 only when needed: Buy the more expensive S3 (~40 zł / €9.5 / $10) only if you have WiFi range issues with SuperMini
- Buy in bulk: If you're ordering from AliExpress, consider buying multiple controllers – they're cheap and shipping costs are similar for 1 or 3 pieces
- Check local maker groups: Sometimes you can find used panels or controllers cheaper
- Quality matters: Don't go too cheap on the USB cable – a bad cable will cause endless frustration during setup
Struggling with sourcing? Maybe i can help...
I don't plan to become a manufacturer or sell ready-made panels or kits commercially. However, I have accumulated spare parts during testing and can 3D print enclosures. If you need a panel but have trouble sourcing the parts yourself – message me on Messenger – I might be able to sell and ship parts to you within Poland via InPost Paczkomat. Note that shipping costs will apply, as I don't have a business account with InPost/Allegro and can't subsidize the project. I also can't guarantee availability of parts. Even if you buy parts from me rather than sourcing them yourself – configuration and maintenance are your responsibility; this is not a 24/7 tech support subscription
International shipping: Unfortunately, I cannot ship internationally at this time.
Next Steps
Once you have all the parts, proceed to Firmware Installation.