These instruction apply to the 0.8" Matrix only! If you have a Bi-Color or 1.2" square matrix, follow the links on the left side of the page.
When you buy a pack from Adafruit, it comes with the fully tested and assembled backpack as well as a 8x8 matrix in one of the colors we provide (say, red, yellow or green). You'll need to solder the matrix onto the backpack but its an easy task.
Remove the parts from packaging and place the LED matrix OVER the silkscreen side. It can go 'either way' - the matrix is symmetric so as long as it goes onto the front it will work in any orientation. Do not solder the matrix over the chip on the back of the backpack - it will not work then!
Now you're ready to wire it up to a microcontroller. We'll assume you want to use a 4pin header. You can also of course solder wires directly. Place a 4-pin piece of header with the LONG pins down into the breadboard.
That's it! now you're ready to run the firmware!
