Arduino LED Matrix Kit

Arduino LED Matrix Kit was developed so that you can work with an 8x8 LED Matrix, an integrated circuit MAX7219, and an Arduino. In the project, you will draw, using an easy and short code, a Happy Face. Next, you´ll draw an Happy Face in Action. Then you´ll be capable of generating Symbols, Numbers and Letters so that you can create an Alphabet and a 1-Digit Counter. That is, this kit is the result of the combination of three fundamental components: an 8x8 LED Matrix, a MAX7219, and an Arduino Nano while with the help of an appropriate code, you´ll do the magic.

1 830-Point Solderless Breadboard 6.5"Lx4.0"W

1 Serially Interfaced, 8-Digit LED Display Driver IC MAX7219CNG

1 DISPLAY,DOT MATRIX,HI-E RED,.78 INCH ,8x8,635nm,2V@10mA,CC/AR,16-PIN

1 0.1 uF 25 Volt 20% Ceramic Disc Capacitor

1 Capacitor Radial 10 uF 25v

1 Resistor Carbon Film 10k Ohm 1/4 Watt 5%

1 Arduino Nano V3.0

1 CABLE,USB2.0,A MALE/MINIATURE 5MALE,6 FEET,BLACK

1 Wire Jumper Kit 22 AWG 140 Pieces 14 Lengths 10 Colors 10 of Each Length

The diagram is a real representation of your project because it is a step by step of each connection between its components. Also, there is a description of pins of the main components involved in the project.

Insert the main components into the sockets of your breadboard: thai is, Arduino Nano, 8x8 LED Matrix, and MAX7219

Observe the disposition of pins of this interesting component and from the letters its pins are numbered like any integrated circuit by being its pins: left bottom-pin 1, right bottom-pin 8, right top-pin 9, and left top-pin 16.

MAX7219 is integrated circuit with 24-pin. That is, 12-pin by each line and its pins are numbered counterclockwise.

Check the polarity of the electrolytic capacitor of 10 uF before connecting the capacitors to GND and +5V from Arduino Nano and MAX7219 by checking carefully the diagram to verify the connections. Then remember that MAX7219´s pin 19 is to be connected to +5V while its pins 4 and 9 to GND.

For wiring the bottom side of 8x8 LED matrix, pins from 1-8; left to right, I´m using yellow wire and checking carefully the connections in the project´s diagram. Then remember 8x8 LED Matrix´s pins 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 will be connected respectively to MAX7219´s pins 20, 14, 11, 6, 22, 3, 16, and 21.

For wiring the top side of 8x8 LED matrix, pins from 9-16; right to left, I´m using orange wire and checking carefully the connections in the project´s diagram. Then remember 8x8 LED Matrix´s pins 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 will be connected respectively to MAX7219´s pins 17, 7, 10, 23, 2, 15, 5, and 8.

So that you can complete the project, you should connect the resistor of 10K between the pins 18 and 19 of the integrated circuit MAX7219. Once done the previous step, work with MAX7219´s pins 1, 12, and 13 to be connected respectively to Arduino Nano´s pins A2, A1, and A3.

Uploading the code (Happy Face ), you can observe that it is a code very simple. However, if you manipulate the delay of myMatrix.clear, you can change the effects of your ¨Happy Face¨ even you will have the coordinates of each LED in your 8x8 LED matrix so that you do what you want. Take the code of the following website: http://pastebin.com/RKjtfQf4

Uploading the code (Happy Face in Action), you can observe that there is a larger code. That is, there are more features added to your code. However, each figure can be manipulated by modifying the delay of myMatrix.clear. At this point, manipulate and change the figures so that you can learn what is happening. Take the code of the following website: http://pastebin.com/pUEJR3mQ

Uploading the code (Symbols), you can observe that there is a larger code. That is, there are more features added to your code. However, each figure can be manipulated by modifying the delay of myMatrix.clear. At this point, you already know to modify each figure in your 8x8 LED matrix. Take the code if necessary to verify it of the following website: http://pastebin.com/ibhjTHcV

Uploading the code (Numbers: 0-9), you can observe that there is a larger code. That is, there are more features added to your code. However, each figure can be manipulated by modifying the delay of myMatrix.clear. At this point, manipulate and change the numbers so that you can create the numbers how you want. Take the code if necessary of the following website to verify your results: http://pastebin.com/yYCBNXXq

Uploading the code (American Alphabet: A-Z), you can observe that there is a larger code. That is, there are more features added to your code. However, each figure can be manipulated by modifying the delay of myMatrix.clear. At this point, manipulate and change the letters or combine numbers, letters, and symbols so that you can do what you want. Take the code if necessary to verify the results of the following website: http://pastebin.com/nTN8Dy5C