# AdaBox 016

## Introduction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK3Hz-vrSto

# Hi there!

[If you're looking to subscribe to AdaBox, click here!](https://www.adafruit.com/adabox)

If you're here, it's because you were given the gift of electronics with an AdaBox! Perhaps you are a beginner who is getting started with your AdaBox. Or maybe you just want to relive what it's like being a beginner at electronics again. But most of all, you want to learn how to build and make creative, awesome stuff with electronics, displays, graphics, and coding! ([If, rather than learn all that, you'd like to look at pictures of cats instead, please check https://www.adafruit.com/galleries/cats-of-engineering](https://www.adafruit.com/galleries/cats-of-engineering))

And, you're in luck: there's _never_ been a better time. Seriously. We're not just saying that. It's wild how great a time this is for you to learn electronics, LED displays, coding, graphics, and Internet-connected WiFi projects using images with LOTS of LEDs!

Gone are the days where you need thousands of dollars of equipment and a physics/math background. Nowadays, if you want to learn to work with electronics and code microcontrollers, you can jump right in for $100 or less and any sort of computer. And we're talking about learning _a lot_ of electronics, graphics, coding, and wireless action - from the basics of setting up a microcontroller, to customizing your graphics on a beautiful LED matrix display, and doing it wirelessly! Soon you'll be turning your wall into your very own personalized Times Square!

# Who is this for?

Anyone who is interested in learning how to program and build interactive projects, and with access to a modern web browser. That's pretty much the minimum. Remember, this guide is specifically for people who have purchased or received an AdaBox subscription!

**You don't need to know a lot of physics or math** , and just like an Art Degree isn't required for making art and being creative, **you _don't_ need to have a computer science or mechanical engineering degree**. It helps if you're comfortable using computers but that's a skill most people pick up through life.

**If you know how to program already - great! If not, don't worry, we'll teach you enough to be dangerous.**

# Who **isn't** this for?

While you can follow along without an AdaBox, it will not make as much sense unless you have _all_ of the components and more which either came as a gift or purchased yourself - remember, the goal is helping beginners!

This guide is also not for goats. Goats are awesome, but [they'd rather be doing Yoga](https://www.latimes.com/style/pets/la-hm-pets-goat-yoga-20170827-story.html).

If you're an expert, please visit our thousands of other tutorials and jump right in at [learn.adafruit.com](https://learn.adafruit.com/)

# Who are you?

Great question. This is me:

https://youtu.be/VDIwnLllLZQ

I'm Ladyada, and I love to teach people how to build stuff and how they can be creative with technology.

So, are you ready?

Let's do this thing!

# AdaBox 016

## Unboxing Adabox 016

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/644/medium800/led_matrices_Adabox_16_Packaging_top_card_CROP_2020_09.jpg?1602525348)

 **It's just a BLINK to the left, and then a SPARKLE to the the ri-i-i-i-ight...**  This Halloween we're going to glam it up, and shine brighter than ever! In this ADABOX we'll give you 2000+ rainbow pixels to customize for the ultimate expressive display.  
  
**With a bit of a mind flip... ** make a mesmerizing digital sand box or huge spooky eyes for your windowsill.  **Space out on sensation....**  playing your favorite animated GIFs or the latest tweets.  **Nothing can ever be the same...** once you have a Matrix Portal and a 64x32 RGB Matrix display! This WiFi-connectable display is like a little bit of Times Square brought into your home.  
  
**A huge thank you to Digi-Key for going above-and-beyond to help support Adafruit over the last few months.**  Digi-Key's support made this box possible, and we are so excited to see what you will build!  
  
**So come up to the ADABOX lab and see what's on the slab. I see you shiver with antici...**

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/642/medium800/led_matrices_4708_kit_v2_2k_2020_10.jpg?1602525047)

## AdaBox 016 Contents
## Adafruit Matrix Portal

The star of the show! With a powerful SAMD51 processor, it can easily drive an RGB Matrix display while juggling other tasks. Add in an ESP32 WiFi co-processor and you've got full connectivity. Plugs right into the back of any RGB Matrix, and is powered over USB C.

![led_matrices_4745_iso_2k_2020_09.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/646/medium640/led_matrices_4745_iso_2k_2020_09.jpg?1602527269)

![led_matrices_4745_kit_2k_2020_09.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/647/medium640/led_matrices_4745_kit_2k_2020_09.jpg?1602527326)

![led_matrices_4745_quarter_2k_2020_09.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/648/medium640/led_matrices_4745_quarter_2k_2020_09.jpg?1602527443)

![led_matrices_4745_demo_2k_2020_09.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/649/medium640/led_matrices_4745_demo_2k_2020_09.jpg?1602527486)

## 64 x 32 RGB Matrix

Over 2000 colorful LEDs - the most LEDs of any ADABOX! Plug it into the **Matrix Portal** and use our Arduino or CircuitPython libraries to draw and animate.

![led_matrices_RGB_LED_Matrix-demo_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/651/medium640/led_matrices_RGB_LED_Matrix-demo_2k.jpg?1602527725)

![led_matrices_RGB_LED_Matrix_panel_front_copy.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/665/medium640/led_matrices_RGB_LED_Matrix_panel_front_copy.jpg?1602530436)

![led_matrices_RGB_LED_Matrix-kit_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/666/medium640/led_matrices_RGB_LED_Matrix-kit_2k.jpg?1602530473)

## LED Diffusion Acrylic

This black acrylic adds some extra diffusion to your LED Matrix project. This material is made of special cast acrylic that makes it perfect for glowy projects.

![led_matrices_black_diffusion_acrylic_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/652/medium640/led_matrices_black_diffusion_acrylic_2k.jpg?1602527787)

## Adhesive Squares

This strong and transparent adhesive is perfect for mounting the LED acrylic to the front of your matrix.

![led_matrices_uglu_stickers_x_6_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/653/medium640/led_matrices_uglu_stickers_x_6_2k.jpg?1602527831)

## 5V 2.4A Power Supply + USB C Adapter

Once you've programmed your matrix, you can power it with this supply for a stand-alone display. If your location doesn't use US plugs, use a low-cost plug adapter.

![led_matrices_5.25V_2.4A_power_supply_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/654/medium640/led_matrices_5.25V_2.4A_power_supply_2k.jpg?1602527883)

![led_matrices_USB_microB_to_C_adapter_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/656/medium640/led_matrices_USB_microB_to_C_adapter_2k.jpg?1602527907)

## Bent Wire Stand

Keep your kit upright while you're working on it with this simple but effective stand.

![led_matrices_wire_tablet_stand_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/657/medium640/led_matrices_wire_tablet_stand_2k.jpg?1602527939)

## M3 Machine Screws

Use two on the Matrix Portal to attach power cables. The rest can be used if you want to mount the Matrix display using the M3 bosses.

![led_matrices_C12221_top_ORIG_2020_10_copy.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/679/medium640/led_matrices_C12221_top_ORIG_2020_10_copy.jpg?1602541860)

## Face Mask

Stay safe, stay covered!

![led_matrices_black_cloth_PPE_mask_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/659/medium640/led_matrices_black_cloth_PPE_mask_2k.jpg?1602528174)

## Ear Saver

We love these flexible ear savers, they hook onto the loops of a mask behind your head - keeping your delicate ears from chafing.

![led_matrices_rubber_ear_saver-iso_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/660/medium640/led_matrices_rubber_ear_saver-iso_2k.jpg?1602528230)

![led_matrices_rubber_ear_saver-demo_2k.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/661/medium640/led_matrices_rubber_ear_saver-demo_2k.jpg?1602528266)

# AdaBox 016

## Shipping Demo

If you'd like to re-load the shipping Adabox demo, download the UF2 below, then load it onto your matrix portal by double-clicking the Reset button and then dragging the UF2 over onto the **MATRIXBOOT** drive.

[ADABOX016_DEMO.UF2](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/096/257/original/ADABOX016_DEMO.UF2?1603404018)
# AdaBox 016

## Matrix Portal

# AdaBox 016

## Matrix Portal Creature Eyes

# AdaBox 016

## Halloween Countdown Display

# AdaBox 016

## Tombstone Matrix Portal

# AdaBox 016

## Moon Phase Clock

# AdaBox 016

## Scoreboard

# AdaBox 016

## Network Connected Clock

# AdaBox 016

## Custom Scrolling Quote Board

# AdaBox 016

## YouTube On Air Sign

# AdaBox 016

## Matrix Display Handbag

# AdaBox 016

## Weather Display

# AdaBox 016

## Bitcoin Value Display

# AdaBox 016

## Purple Air AQI Display

# AdaBox 016

## Learn Guide Scroller

# AdaBox 016

## IoT Twitter Listener Party Parrot

# AdaBox 016

## Pixel Art and Animation Display

# AdaBox 016

## Animated GIF Player

# AdaBox 016

## Protomatter RGB Matrix Library

# AdaBox 016

## Image Correction for Matrices

# AdaBox 016

## Creating Projects With CircuitPython Matrix Portal Library

# AdaBox 016

## 3D Printed Matrix Portal Handles

# AdaBox 016

## Matrix Panels in CircuitPython


## Related Guides

- [Adafruit MatrixPortal M4](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-matrixportal-m4.md)
- [MUNNY Glowing Friend with Bluetooth Control!](https://learn.adafruit.com/munny-lamp.md)
- [Adafruit IO Basics: Schedule Actions](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-basics-scheduled-triggers.md)
- [Glowing Lotus Flower - Electronic Origami for Beginners](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-lotus-flower-electronic-origami-for-beginners.md)
- [Purple Air AQI Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/purple-air-aqi-display.md)
- [How to Convert a JVC Videosphere into a Monitor for Raspberry Pi and Desktop Computers](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-a-videosphere-as-a-digital-monitor.md)
- [Scroll an SMS Text Message on your RGB Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/scroll-an-sms-text-message-on-your-rgb-matrix.md)
- [Light Up Paper Dragon Wall Sconce](https://learn.adafruit.com/light-up-paper-dragon-wall-sconce.md)
- [LED Matrix Display for Bitmap Pixel Art and Animation](https://learn.adafruit.com/pixel-art-matrix-display.md)
- [Your First Power Switch Relay Project - Circuit Playground Smart Plug](https://learn.adafruit.com/beginner-first-project-power-switch-relay-circuit-playground-smart-plug.md)
- [Matrix Portal New Guide Scroller](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-new-guide-scroller.md)
- [RGB Matrix Automatic YouTube ON AIR Sign](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-matrix-automatic-youtube-on-air-sign.md)
- [Using the Slamtec RPLIDAR on a Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/slamtec-rplidar-on-pi.md)
- [LED Protest Sign](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-protest-sign.md)
- [Matrix Portal Flow Visualizer](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-flow-visualizer.md)
- [Wirelessly Program a Circuit Playground Bluefruit Using the File Glider App ](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-transfer-files-to-a-circuit-playground-bluefruit-using-the-fileglider-app.md)