Assembly
Talking to an LED matrix display can be tricky! The 64 x 32 LED used here has a whopping 2,048 pixels, and each can display RGB colors, which makes for a whole lot of data to sling around. Thankfully, our RGB Matrix shield paired with the Metro M4 Airlift does most of the heavy lifting.
Let's assemble the boards and the display so we can get things running!
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Shields UpFirst, add the male headers, screw terminal block, and the 8x2-pin socket to the Matrix shield, by following this guide. Be careful to match the socket polarity to the silkscreen image on the board. Be sure to also perform the clock pin mod as shown here. Then plug the shield into the Metro M4 Airlift. |
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Power ConnectionsTo provide power we'll screw the wiring harness connectors to the screw terminal blocks of the shield. Be sure to match the black wire to GND and the red wire to +5Vout. Now, simply plug the other end into the panel's power header. It can only go in one way. |
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Data CablePlug in the two ends of the ribbon cable, note that the connectors are keyed to only fit in the correct orientation. |
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Wall AdapterWe'll power the Metro M4 from the 5V 4A DC wall adapter plugged into the barrel jack. Even though USB can provide power to the board, the current isn't adequate for lighting up hundreds and thousands of LEDs! |
