Build a protest/demonstration sign that can be seen at night. This project makes it simple to use your own graphics on the sign -- it's as easy as dragging and dropping .bmp image files into a folder.

CircuitPython running on the Feather M4 with the RGB Matrix FeatherWing drives any of our RGB LED matrix panels.

You can use the large 6mm pitch version and 3D print the provided brackets to hold LED diffusing plastic. Screw a yardstick or other thin strip of wood to the panel and you can go out and march.

Parts

Two white hands hold out an assembled and powered on 64x32 RGB LED Matrix Panel - 6mm pitch. The matrix displays "Adafruit Industries LED MATRIX! 32x64 *RGB*"
Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64x32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on...
Out of Stock
Video of a person rotating an LED matrix panel with animation resembling falling colored sand.
Folks love our wide selection of RGB matrices and accessories, for making custom colorful LED displays... and our RGB Matrix Shields...
$24.95
In Stock
Angled shot rectangular black 8 x AA battery holder with 5.5mm/2.1mm plug and on/off switch.
Make a portable power brick with plenty of juice! Use Alkaline AA's for a 12V 3000-4000mAh power supply, or rechargeable NiMH for 2000mAh 9.6V supply. Either one is good for running...
Out of Stock
UBEC DC/DC Step-Down (Buck) Converter with two sets of power wires
Your power supply problems just got SOLVED! This little circuit board may look tiny but inside is a high efficiency DC/DC step-down converter which can output up to 3 Amp at 5V without...
$9.95
In Stock
Panel Mount 2.1mm DC barrel jack
This power jack is designed to easily attach to a panel up to 8mm thick (0.315" or 5/16") and fit 2.1mm power plugs snugly and securely. Perfect for adding a power connector...
Out of Stock
5.5 / 2.1mm Barrel Connector - DC Power Plug
DIY? How about D-I-Wire! This barrel jack plug is great for adding a common power connector to the end of your wires. The jack is compatible with 5.5mm barrel jacks that have a...
Out of Stock
close up of ends of various small heat shink tubes
Heat shrink is the duct tape of electronics, it keeps your stuff all safe and kept together. Especially when wiring and soldering, use heat shrink to add mechanical strength to cables....
$4.95
In Stock
Black Nylon Screw and Stand-off Set with M2.5 Threads, kit box
Totaling 380 pieces, this M2.5 Screw Set is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker...
$16.95
In Stock
Or, instead of the MatrixPortal, you can use a Feather M4 + Matrix FeatherWing.
Angled shot of a Adafruit Feather M4 Express.
It's what you've been waiting for, the Feather M4 Express featuring ATSAMD51. This Feather is fast like a swift, smart like an owl, strong like a ox-bird (it's half ox,...
$22.95
In Stock
Video of a woman with a turquoise manicure attaching a driver board to the back of a LED matrix panel. She flips the matrix panel around reveal it lit up text in rainbow colors: "Ada
fruit
32x32
*RGB*
Ahoy! It's time to create a dazzling light up project with our new RGB Matrix FeatherWing. Now you can quickly and easily create...
$7.50
In Stock

If using MatrixPortal: a high current-capable USB power bank may be sufficient to power this. If Feather M4: many external laptop battery units can provide 9–16V for the UBEC. Either of these is worth considering if you already have one around…but otherwise, they tend to be expensive and require some experimentation. For most users, we suggest going with the Feather and the AA battery pack above.

Additional Materials

In addition to the parts above, you'll need:

  • 8 ea. AA NiMH rechargeable batteries
  • A length of 2" x 1/4" wood for a handle, such as a yard stick
  • 6 ea. M3 x 8mm screws for securing the brackets (these can be the typical Phillips head, but I really like hex drive screws)
  • 2 ea. M3 x 12mm screws for attaching the handle
  • Sheet of diffusing acrylic 385mm x 190mm x 3mm such as Chemcast Black LED Acrylic
  • Velcro or double stick foam tape to secure the battery holder
  • Zip ties

3D Printing

For the brackets and Feather cover, you'll need access to a 3D printer and some PLA or similar filament.

Tools

You'll need:

  • screwdriver
  • soldering iron and solder
  • wire strippers
  • hand drill

This guide was first published on Jun 23, 2020. It was last updated on Mar 18, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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