These amazing LED panels are a great solution for creating large matrix displays. Each panel consists of six 8x8 red matrix modules, forming a 16x24 matrix. On the back, there's a HT1632C chip that handles all the multiplexing work. It has a 3 - pin SPI - like serial interface, allowing you to easily turn LEDs on or off. Although you can't set individual LED dimming (no grayscale), you can change the overall display brightness or make the whole display blink at 1 Hz. A key feature of this LED matrix module is its chainability. You can connect up to 8 panels together to create an extra - long display. The package includes one fully - assembled panel and a 10 - pin IDC cable. You'll need a microcontroller to control the display. Our tutorial uses an Arduino, but any microcontroller with 3 digital output pins can do the job. If you want to chain two displays, use the two IDC cables in the package. For 3 or more chained displays, you'll need additional cables. Check our tutorial to find out 'How many Cables do I need'. We've also written a comprehensive tutorial and an Arduino library. It not only controls the display but also manages chained displays smartly, making them look like one long matrix. The library has functions for drawing pixels, lines, rectangles, circles, and text. You'll have your display lit up in just 15 minutes!
Using this LED matrix panel is quite easy. First, connect the 10 - pin IDC cable that comes with the fully - assembled panel to your microcontroller. As mentioned, you can use an Arduino or any microcontroller with 3 digital output pins. Our tutorial shows you how to do this with an Arduino, but the process is similar for other microcontrollers. If you want to make a longer display, you can chain up to 8 panels together. For two panels, use the two IDC cables in the package. For more than two panels, you'll need to get additional cables as explained in the tutorial. Once connected, use our Arduino library to control the display. It has handy functions for drawing different shapes and text. You can change the brightness of the whole display or make it blink at 1 Hz. When it comes to maintenance, keep the panel clean and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture. Also, handle the IDC cables carefully to prevent damage. If you have any questions, refer to our detailed tutorial.
