# Matrix Portal Sand Handles ## Overview In this project we’re making 3D printed handles for the Adafruit Matrix Portal. The Adafruit Matrix Portal is a plug-n-play dev board that makes it easier to do internet connected projects using RGB matrices. It features a Cortex M4 and the ESP32. It also has an on-board LIS3DH accelerometer.  With the STEMMA QT connector it can work with Adafruit’s 50 plus Stemma QT boards. ![led_matrices_hero-loop2.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/969/medium640thumb/led_matrices_hero-loop2.jpg?1600802046) ![led_matrices_board-hero.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/970/medium640/led_matrices_board-hero.jpg?1600802090) Matrix Portal is designed to snap on the back of RGB matrices that use a HUB75 port. It uses power over USB-C so there’s no soldering needed to get up and running. We think this makes RGB matrix projects much more compact with a single board. The handle on the side has a cut out for the PCB so you can access the on-board components. ![led_matrices_scoll-hero.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/987/medium640thumb/led_matrices_scoll-hero.jpg?1600807387) ![led_matrices_stemma-clearence-.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/988/medium640/led_matrices_stemma-clearence-.jpg?1600808250) [Sand Demo UF2](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/113/959/original/default-sand.UF2?1659561176) ## Parts Featured ### Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display [Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745) Folks love our [wide selection of RGB matrices](https://www.adafruit.com/category/327) and accessories, for making custom colorful LED displays... and our RGB Matrix Shields and FeatherWings can be quickly soldered together to make the wiring much easier. But what if we made it... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4745/guides) ![Video of a person rotating an LED matrix panel with animation resembling falling colored sand.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/4745-05.jpg) Featured ### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch [64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides) ![Two white hands hold out an assembled and powered on 64x32 RGB LED Matrix Panel - 4mm pitch. The matrix displays "Adafruit Industries LED MATRIX! 32x64 *RGB*"](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2278-00.jpg) Featured ### Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick [Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) A nice whoppin' slab of some lovely black acrylic to add some extra diffusion to your LED Matrix project. This material is 2.6mm (0.1") thick and is made of special cast acrylic that makes it perfect for glowy projects, especially matricies or NeoPixels. Unlike smoke or... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4594/guides) ![LED RGB matrix 12" x 12" with "Adafruit Industries LED Matrix" text showing, and LED acrylic slowly covering to make it nicely diffused](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/4594-04.jpg) Featured ### Mini Magnet Feet for RGB LED Matrices (Pack of 4) [Mini Magnet Feet for RGB LED Matrices (Pack of 4)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4631) Got a glorious RGB Matrix project you want to mount and display in your workspace or home? If you have one of the matrix panels listed below, you'll need a pack of these **Mini-Magnet Feet.**  We got these specifically for our RGB LED Matrices, which no longer... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4631) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4631/guides) ![Angled shot of four magnet feet.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4631-00.jpg) ### USB Type A to Type C Cable - 1ft - 0.3 meter [USB Type A to Type C Cable - 1ft - 0.3 meter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4473) As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This   **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop. USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4473) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4473/guides) ![Angled shot of a one-foot-long, black, USB Type A to Type C Cable](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4473-02.jpg) ### Right Angle USB Type C Adapter - USB 3.1 Gen 4 Compatible [Right Angle USB Type C Adapter - USB 3.1 Gen 4 Compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4432) As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit, and speaking of _adapting_, this **_right angle_**  _ **adapter** _ is USB C socket-to-plug. USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4432) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4432/guides) ![Angled Shot of the Right Angle USB Type C Adapter - USB 3.1 Gen 4 Compatible.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4432-07.jpg) # Matrix Portal Sand Handles ## 3D Printing ## Parts List STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Parts are designed to 3D print with minimal support material. Original design source may be downloaded using the links below. - Left-Matrix-Handle.stl - Right-Matrix-Handle.stl ![led_matrices_handle.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/975/medium640/led_matrices_handle.jpg?1600804326) [Download CAD files from Thingiverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4604260) [Download CAD files from Prusa Printers](https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/41426-handles-for-rgb-matrix-sand) ## Fusion360 links [Edit Handles](https://a360.co/4aNTiWr) ## Slicing Parts Slice with setting for PLA material. The parts were sliced using CURA using the slice settings below. - PLA filament 215c extruder - 0.2 layer height - 10% gyroid infill - 60mm/s print speed - 60c heated bed - 4% support density ![led_matrices_slice.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/974/medium640thumb/led_matrices_slice.jpg?1600803658) # Matrix Portal Sand Handles ## Assembly ## Align Handles Position both handles so they are aligned with the screw mounts on the back of the matrix.  Use M3 screws or our [magnet thumb screws](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4631) to secure the handles to the matrix display. ![led_matrices_handle-align](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/977/medium640/led_matrices_handle-align?1600804658) ## Plug in Matrix Portal The HUB75 port press fits into data in port on the back of the matrix.   ![led_matrices_handle-installed.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/978/medium640/led_matrices_handle-installed.jpg?1600804668) ## Power Cables The included power cables attach to the power and ground screw mounts with the included screws.  The female side of the power cable plugs into the VCC and GND pins. ![led_matrices_power-cable.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/979/medium640/led_matrices_power-cable.jpg?1600804728) ## Attach USB cable A USB C cable plugs into the USB port on the Matrix Portal.  Use a right angled USB cable or right angle extender to keep the wiring minimal. Use a USB battery pack like our small [2200 mAh USB Battery Pack.](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1959) ![led_matrices_battery-pack.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/980/medium640/led_matrices_battery-pack.jpg?1600804820) ## Attach Acrylic  Our [Black LED acrylic](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) softens up the LEDs and keeps the colors looking vibrant.  You can attach acrylic to the display using ProTapes glue dash sheets. Just attach small pieces to the corners and remove the protective backing. Then just line up the acrylic with the edges and stick it over the display. This makes the display show up much better on camera so you can have it in the background of your video calls. ![led_matrices_glu-squares.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/981/medium640/led_matrices_glu-squares.jpg?1600805025) ![led_matrices_align-acrylic.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/982/medium640/led_matrices_align-acrylic.jpg?1600805449) ## Guide Products ### Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display [Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745) Folks love our [wide selection of RGB matrices](https://www.adafruit.com/category/327) and accessories, for making custom colorful LED displays... and our RGB Matrix Shields and FeatherWings can be quickly soldered together to make the wiring much easier. But what if we made it... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4745/guides) ### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch [64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides) ### Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick [Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) A nice whoppin' slab of some lovely black acrylic to add some extra diffusion to your LED Matrix project. This material is 2.6mm (0.1") thick and is made of special cast acrylic that makes it perfect for glowy projects, especially matricies or NeoPixels. Unlike smoke or... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4594/guides) ### USB Battery Pack - 2200 mAh Capacity - 5V 1A Output [USB Battery Pack - 2200 mAh Capacity - 5V 1A Output](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1959) A smaller-sized rechargeable battery pack for your [Raspberry Pi](http://www.adafruit.com/raspberrypi) or [Raspberry Pi B+](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1914) (or [Arduino](http://www.adafruit.com/arduino), or  No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1959) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1959/guides) ### Mini Magnet Feet for RGB LED Matrices (Pack of 4) [Mini Magnet Feet for RGB LED Matrices (Pack of 4)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4631) Got a glorious RGB Matrix project you want to mount and display in your workspace or home? If you have one of the matrix panels listed below, you'll need a pack of these **Mini-Magnet Feet.**  We got these specifically for our RGB LED Matrices, which no longer... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4631) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4631/guides) ### USB Type A to Type C Cable - 1ft - 0.3 meter [USB Type A to Type C Cable - 1ft - 0.3 meter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4473) As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This   **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop. USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4473) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4473/guides) ### Right Angle USB Type C Adapter - USB 3.1 Gen 4 Compatible [Right Angle USB Type C Adapter - USB 3.1 Gen 4 Compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4432) As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit, and speaking of _adapting_, this **_right angle_**  _ **adapter** _ is USB C socket-to-plug. USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4432) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4432/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit MatrixPortal M4](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-matrixportal-m4.md) - [16x16 NeoPixel Matrix Square Pixel Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/16x16-neopixel-matrix-square-pixel-display.md) - [Espresso Water Tank Meter](https://learn.adafruit.com/espresso-water-tank-meter.md) - [Adafruit IO IOT Hub with the Adafruit FunHouse](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-hub-with-the-adafruit-funhouse.md) - [Close Encounters of the MIDI NeoPixel Visualizer Kind](https://learn.adafruit.com/midi-neopixel-visualizer.md) - [Christmas Soundboard with NeoTrellis M4](https://learn.adafruit.com/xmas-sound-board.md) - [MagTag AR Tarot Card Reading](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-tarot-cards.md) - [Matrix Portal Flow Visualizer](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-flow-visualizer.md) - [Tombstone Prop-Maker RP2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/tombstone-prop-maker-rp2040.md) - [MagTag Google Calendar Event Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-google-calendar-event-display.md) - [Scroll an SMS Text Message on your RGB Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/scroll-an-sms-text-message-on-your-rgb-matrix.md) - [eInk Literature Quotes Clock for MagTag](https://learn.adafruit.com/eink-literary-quotes-clock-for-magtag.md) - [Last-Minute Halloween Accoutrements with HalloWing](https://learn.adafruit.com/last-minute-halloween-accoutrements-with-hallowing.md) - [MagTag Covid Tracking Project IoT Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/magtag-covid-tracking-project-iot-display.md) - [QT Py Lego](https://learn.adafruit.com/qt-py-lego.md) - [50 Cent CPI Tracker for MagTag](https://learn.adafruit.com/50-cent-cpi-tracker-for-magtag.md)