# Moon Phase Clock for Adafruit Matrix Portal
## Overview
Danger: If you are using the Adafruit Matrix Portal **M4**, you must [update the firmware](https://learn.adafruit.com/upgrading-esp32-firmware/upgrade-all-in-one-esp32-airlift-firmware) on the AirLift co-processor on your board to version 3.0.0 or later. This is due to changes at the website the code uses for moon data. This is not an issue with the Matrix Portal S3.
It’s hard work being a werewolf, and I don’t just mean cleaning blood stains out of the carpet or dealing with fleas in the house.
It’s this messy business of the full Moon. Most wall calendars and news sources, if they even mention Moon phases, there’s about a 50/50 chance that they’re **off by a full day** (explained on the “Moon Facts” page). You might be out at a fancy event wearing a rental tuxedo when things turn weird. There goes your deposit. So awkward.
The _only_ way to get a _correct_ Moon phase for your time and location is with **math** and **science**. Our Matrix Portal Moon phase clock lets you know where things stand _right here and now,_ portraying the Moon’s phase more accurately than a printed calendar, and whether it’s currently in the sky or has set.
So now you can **prepare**. No tux! Stay home and put on a comfortable flannel shirt like werewolves do.
This project requires:
- Adafruit [**Matrix Portal M4**](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745) board
- Any of our **64x32** pixel “HUB75” (_not_ NeoPixel) RGB LED matrices (other sizes are _not_ supported by this code)
- **USB C** cable
- USB **power supply** with output of 2 Amps or more
- **WiFi** internet access
- An [**Adafruit IO**](https://io.adafruit.com) account (the **free basic plan** will suffice, we’re just using this to set the time)
- An insatiable hunger for human flesh
This guide will get the software running on the bare Matrix Portal hardware. Mounting or supporting the clock in an enclosure or frame is left as an exercise to the reader.
Next we’ll connect the Matrix Portal board and LED matrix. _Do not_ over-tighten the screws on the power terminals or they can shear off. This is best done in human form.
## Parts
### 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)
### USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long
[USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474)
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/4474)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4474/guides)
You can use a USB C power supply or a USB micro B with a [micro B to C adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4299)
### Official Raspberry Pi Power Supply 5.1V 3A with USB C
[Official Raspberry Pi Power Supply 5.1V 3A with USB C](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4298)
The official Raspberry Pi USB-C power supply is here! And of course, we have 'em in classic Adafruit black! Superfast with just the right amount of cable length to get your Pi 4 projects up and running!
Best for use with Pi 4 series, [Pi...](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5814)
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4298)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4298/guides)
### 5V 2.5A Switching Power Supply with 20AWG MicroUSB Cable
[5V 2.5A Switching Power Supply with 20AWG MicroUSB Cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1995)
Our all-in-one 5V 2.5 Amp + MicroUSB cable power adapter is the perfect choice for powering single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or anything else that's power-hungry!
This adapter was specifically designed to provide 5.25V, not 5V, but we still call it a 5V USB...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1995)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1995/guides)
### Micro B USB to USB C Adapter
[Micro B USB to USB C Adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4299)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit, and speaking of _adapting_, this _ **adapter** _ has a Micro B USB jack and a USB C plug.
USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power....
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4299/guides)
If you'd like your LEDs diffused, some acrylic may help
### 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...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4594/guides)
Adafruit carries a number of 64x32 RGB LED Matrices, varying between the space between LEDs (pitch) and whether rigid or flexible. Choose your favorite - larger pitch means the display is larger, width and height-wise but with the same number of pixels, and larger may be easier to read further away. Smaller for near your desk, for example.
### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 3mm pitch
[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 3mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2279)
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/2279)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2279/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...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides)
### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 5mm pitch
[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 5mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2277)
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 the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked really...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2277)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2277/guides)
### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 6mm pitch
[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 6mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2276)
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 the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked really...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2276)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2276/guides)
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/moon-phase-clock-for-adafruit-matrixportal/prep-the-matrixportal.md)
## Featured 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)
### 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...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4594/guides)
### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 3mm pitch
[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 3mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2279)
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/2279)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2279/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...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides)
### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 5mm pitch
[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 5mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2277)
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 the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked really...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2277)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2277/guides)
### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 6mm pitch
[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 6mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2276)
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 the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked really...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2276)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2276/guides)
### 64x32 Flexible RGB LED Matrix - 4mm Pitch
[64x32 Flexible RGB LED Matrix - 4mm Pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3826)
If you've played with multiplexed RGB matrices, you may have wondered "hey, could we possibly manufacture these on a thin enough PCB, so it's flexible?" and the answer is **Yes!** [T](http://www.adafruit.com/?q=64x32%20RGB)
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3826)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3826/guides)
### 64x32 Flexible RGB LED Matrix - 5mm Pitch
[64x32 Flexible RGB LED Matrix - 5mm Pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3803)
If you've played with multiplexed RGB matrices, you may have wondered "hey, could we possibly manufacture these on a thin enough PCB so it's flexible?" and the answer is **Yes!** [T](http://www.adafruit.com/?q=64x32%20RGB)
No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3803)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3803/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit MatrixPortal M4](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-matrixportal-m4.md)
- [Stream Deck controlled RGB Message Panel using Adafruit IO](https://learn.adafruit.com/stream-deck-controlled-rgb-message-panel-using-adafruit-io.md)
- [RGB Matrix New York Times Title Scroller](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-matix-nyt-text-scroller.md)
- [Matrix Portal New Guide Scroller](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-new-guide-scroller.md)
- [Image Correction for RGB LED Matrices](https://learn.adafruit.com/image-correction-for-rgb-led-matrices.md)
- [Matrix Portal Scoreboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-scoreboard.md)
- [Scroll an SMS Text Message on your RGB Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/scroll-an-sms-text-message-on-your-rgb-matrix.md)
- [Shake Away 2021 with MatrixPortal](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrixportal-shake-away-2020.md)
- [Adafruit Protomatter RGB Matrix Library](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-protomatter-rgb-matrix-library.md)
- [Expressive Pixels for Adafruit Matrix Portal](https://learn.adafruit.com/expressive-pixels-for-matrix-portal.md)
- [RGB Matrix Portal Room CO2 Monitor](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-room-co2-monitor.md)
- [RGB Matrix Slot Machine](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-matrix-slot-machine.md)
- [Matrix Portal RGB Display Handbag](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-rgb-display-handbag.md)
- [Adafruit RGB Matrix FeatherWings](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-matrix-featherwing.md)
- [Animated GIF Player for Matrix Portal](https://learn.adafruit.com/animated-gif-player-for-matrix-portal.md)
- [Motion Sensor Bat](https://learn.adafruit.com/motion-sensor-bat.md)