Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Module DIY Kit

Overview

This is an 8x8 Bi-color (Red & Green) LED Matrix (60mm x 60mm) Driver Module DIY Kit.

The LED Matrix Driver Module is driven by 2 MAX7219 ICs and is suitable for use with most micro-controllers including the popular Arduino open source hardware.

Basic soldering skill is required to assemble the kit as it is designed using only through-hole electronics components.

** Note that the two MAX7219 ICs are not included in the kit but is required for complete assembly of the kit.

Assembled LED Matrix Driver Modules can be chained together to make up a longer display.

Parts List (Note: Item 3 is needed but not included in the kit)

Item	Image	Name	Description	Qty
1		PCB	Bare Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Module PCB	1
2		LED Matrix	60mmx 60mm 8x8 Bi-color (Red Green) LED Dot Matrix	1
3		IC1, IC2	MAX7219 IC (*This part is not included in the kit)	2
4		IC Socket	24 pin IC socket	2
5		J1, J2	12 pin female straight header	2
6		J3	6 pin female right angle header	1
7		J4	6 pin male right angle header	1
8		R1, R2	12Kohms resistor	2
9		C2, C4	10uF electrolytic capacitor	2
10		C1, C3	0.1uF ceramic capacitor	2

Kit Assembly

With all through-hole electronics components selected for this kit, only basic soldering skill is required to assemble it. The silk-screen text on the PCB should be provide sufficient information for you to place and orientate the parts correctly before soldering them.

Do take note to orientate the parts correctly for items 2, 3 and 9.

 

You may view the following YouTube video for information on assembly of the kit.

Demos

You may view the following YouTube video to see a demo using this kit

Block Diagram of Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Module

Below shows the block diagram for the Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Module which hopefully will come in handy if there is a need to perform troubleshooting if the assembled module does not function properly.

 

Been wondering why the MAX7219 Display Driver IC chips are not included in the kit !!!

Currently, the price disparity of the MAX7219 chip from various suppliers is too great. This chip is available on ebay and some other online stores for a third or less than those from reputable suppliers.

You may like to check out the link below for views on why this is so;

http://tronixstuff.com/2013/05/16/the-max7219-led-display-controller-real-or-fake/

Although it would be great for all the parts to be included in the kit for completeness, we decided not to include this part in the kit and it is up to you to source for it to complete the kit assembly. 



Kit Purchase

You may purchase this Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Module DIY Kit from Tindie.

Bi-color LED Matrix Driver Module DIY Kit