You will need to get into a command line via the HDMI monitor, ssh or console cable. You will also need to make sure your Pi is on the Internet via a WiFi or Ethernet connection.

From the command line, use the following commands to run the installer script:

The LED-matrix library is (c) Henner Zeller [email protected] with GNU General Public License Version 2.0 http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.txt

Earlier versions of this guide used our own fork of this library. That’s deprecated now, but still available if you have existing code built atop it. Otherwise, use this installer script and latest code.

When first run, the script will explain its plans and give you the option to cancel.

Of particular note here: any existing installation will be replaced. If there is a directory called “rpi-rgb-led-matrix” in the current working directory, its contents will be overwritten. If this is a problem, cancel and make a backup. Otherwise, sometimes reinstalling is exactly what you want.

Next the script will ask you what kind of adapter you’re using between the Pi and RGB matrix: either an Adafruit RGB Matrix Bonnet, or RGB Matrix HAT with RTC. If you select the latter, you’ll also be asked if you want to install additional drivers for the realtime clock. If you are using the Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet then select Adafruit RGB Matrix Bonnet.

Then you’re asked whether you need the absolute best image possible from the LED matrix, or can accept slightly reduced quality for the sake of simplicity.

The "quality" setting requires soldering the GPIO4 and GPIO18 pins together. See previous section for details. If you are using the Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet you should select "quality". The Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet does not require any additional soldering. The single matrix bonnet and HAT require additional soldering for the quality choice.

The “convenience” setting requires no changes and sound still works. For many casual projects this might look good enough. There’s an occasional bit of flicker from the matrix, that’s all.

If you're using a single matrix bonnet or HAT, and you’re not sure, or if you just want to get started experimenting with your new gadget, select “convenience” for now. You can make the change and reinstall the software later if needed.

The script will confirm your selections and offer one more chance to cancel without changes.

There’s a lot of software to update, download and install, so it may take up to 15 minutes or so to complete. Afterward, you’ll be asked whether you want to reboot the system. If you’ve selected to install RTC support (for the Matrix HAT + RTC) or have made a change in the “quality” vs “convenience” setting, a reboot is required.

All other settings (LED matrix size, number of “chained” matrices and so forth) are specified at run-time.

Once the Pi has rebooted, log back in and continue to the Testing Install section.