As part of my arduino/general microcontroller development I purchase a variety of interesting boards and modules, oneof these is a 8×8 LED array which is controlled by a MAX7219. these modules are low cost and are nice for beginners level projects, you can display text, numbers and characters amongst other things.
Here is a typical module
max7219 8×8 matrix
To make life easy there is a python module already available with a couple of examples. Open up a console window and type in the following
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git clone https://github.com/rm-hull/max7219.git sudo python max7219/setup.py install
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You connect the module to you Raspberry Pi as follows, the Gnd (39) is for a Raspberry Pi 2. You can use another Gnd connection for another model.
| Pi GPIO header | Pin Number | 8×8 module |
|---|---|---|
| MOSI / GPIO 10 | 19 | DIN |
| SCLK / GPIO 11 | 23 | CLK |
| 5v | 2 | Vcc |
| GND | 39 | GND |
| CS0 / GPIO 8 | 24 | CS |
Create a file called test.py, I created this in the Examples folder of the max7219. Enter the following code using your favourite text editor
[codesyntax lang=”python”]
#!/usr/bin/env python
import max7219.led as led
device = led.matrix(cascaded=1)
device.show_message("PIBITS")
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Save and run the example by typing the following in at the command line
[codesyntax lang=”bash”]
sudo python max7219/examples/test.py
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Links
MAX7219 Dot Led Matrix Module MCU LED Display Control New Module Kit For Arduino
5pcs/lot MAX7219 Module Dot Matrix Modules for Arduino Control FZ0148 Free Shipping Dropshipping