Introduction: 16x8 LED Dot Matrix With MAX7219 Module
16x8 LED dot matrix with MAX7219 module
The objective of this project is: to show off the use of the module "MAX7219 dot matrix display module MCU control DIY"
In order to using it you will need the module that can be purchased on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171048735052?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
And you will need the MaxMatrix libraries files (which are 3):
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_YlEklLDDS7MDhRdWJKdmZQTnc/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_YlEklLDDS7WE9lQ1F1aFhnYlE/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_YlEklLDDS7djd5T2JDeFVsaVE/edit?usp=sharing
The sketch with the code can be found on the link below:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_YlEklLDDS7WTF0c2hlVzFCZWc/edit?usp=sharing
Or get all files at GitHub:
https://github.com/Arduinobymyself/Matrix16x8.git
See in the attached picture the interconnection diagram between Arduino module and MAX7219 module (it was used only 2 MAX7219 modules in this case):
Arduino pin 13 (alternative: pin 10) connected to the CLK pin of the module MAX7219
Arduino pin 11 (alternative: pin 8) connected to pin DIN module MAX7219
Arduino pin 10 (alternative: 9 pin) connected to pin CS module MAX7219
GND and VCC (+5V)
To expand the number of modules, you should just connect Dout pin of one MAX7219 module with the Din pin of the another MAX7219 module... and so on.
The MAX7219 Dout pin is at the top of the module while Din pin is at the botton of the module.
Remembering that you can connect modules as you want, just connecting the output of one module with the input of the other and leaving the other signals in parallel.
In the sketch, you should to modify the parameter "maxInUse" for the amount of modules that you will use.
The video is just demo.
Remember that you can modify the messages in the code itself, or use the serial console to enter the message.
http://youtu.be/uG88Tt6Apoo
A second video using four MAX7219 modules.
http://youtu.be/yFx4r-WUp5g
New features were added to this project (on November 1st, 2014):
1 - 40x8 LED dot matrix;
2 - Start scrolling button;
3 - Speed control potentiometer;
4 - Intensity control
Some buttons were added as shown in schem above.
Here it is the new video showing these new features.
http://youtu.be/beo7N1SeYoE?list=UUgx66KiICvaM682IP4u7nng
**** IMPORTANT NOTICE ****
If you are having problem/errors with "prog_ucahr" in the PROGMEM statement line
Use the following:
1 - Used for older Arduino's IDE:
PROGMEM prog_uchar CH[] = {
2 - Used for newer Arduino's IDE:
PROGMEM const unsigned char CH[] = { //used for newer arduino's IDE
Feel free to send me comments/questions/problems.
Best Regards
Marcelo Moraes
arduinobymyself.blogspot.com.br
arduinobymyself@gmail.com
Skype: marcelo.moraes
The Company
ArduinoByMyself is a non profitable entity. Our goal is to share knowledge and provide SW and HW free for everyone. We seek a better society and therefore we do not sell products but we give all the support for everyone that want build their own project and we also give support for questions and problems as they needed.
We do not make projects by ordering but every idea is valid and saved for future use if interesting (technically and didactically speaking).
There are no copyrights in our projects, you can modify and use the code and description of how to do without legal implications (we only ask you to disclose "ArduinoByMyself" blog in order that other people also have access to the information contained in it).

Participated in the
Arduino Contest
6 People Made This Project!
- MarcusBlaisdell made it!
- AgustinNunez made it!
- AgustinNunez made it!
- davebodnar made it!
See 2 More
104 Discussions
Question 2 years ago on Introduction
Dear Sir,
I am using Max7219 Dot led matrix Mcu control LED display & Parola_Scrolling program but it's working reverse. Letters & numbers are all up side down. I need your help.
Thanking you.
Parijat
4 years ago
hello!!!
can you help me?
4 years ago
I am using 8 matrix as daisy chain, sometimes the text message get blurr and keep blurr at some matrix till I switch off and on the system again, could you please tell me what would be the reason
4 years ago
I am using 8 matrix as daisy chain, sometimes the text message get blurr and keep blurr at some matrix till I switch off and on the system again, could you please tell me what would be the reason
4 years ago
hi there, can i ask something? it about of LED Dot Matrix using Arduino. How can i put a character and the character will scroll to up and down. Thank you. Please help me.
4 years ago
hi,i want to change the another language not in a english.how can i change it.please any one help me....
4 years ago
Hi Bd! Thanks a lot for sharing.
I have a huge favor to ask you. I found something extremely similar to this, but it seems that the connections between the MAX7219 and the LedMatrix are upside down. It is basically the same but somewhat upside down, and now I'm not sure which one to follow, because I don't know the risks of getting it backwards.
Could you please take a quick look at it and tell me if it is wrong?
http://wiring.org.co/learning/libraries/hellomatrix.html
Thank you very much!
5 years ago
Is it possible to set the Matrix up as 32X16? so you have 2 rows of 4 max7219s and they scroll in sequence like each16x8 acts as one module?
Reply 4 years ago
Hey hannoc,
Did you find like project what is contained 2 rows?
Reply 4 years ago
No I haven't, but I haven't been looking too hard, Im still waiting for my parts to come from china
Reply 4 years ago
I think Yes. But I had no code for this kind of project.
Thanks a lot for your comment.
4 years ago
hi Bd,
I was manage to load this cod to my
Arudino but I need to shift to right to left please any one can help me to do this project or I can build shift register 8x8 o 16x16 led matrix to I need easy code for able to edit any one please help me
I am really appreciate
king regards
Jay
5 years ago
Hi...... Admin am very new to Arduino..... am very interested in ur Max 7219 scrolling text projects..n I have successfully uploaded ur Sketch 7219_8 to my Aurdino Nano Board after editing "prog_uchar" to "const unsigned char" but nothing displays why... pls note that am only using one Max7219 8*8 Module any Pin out problem or els pls help me out
Thanxx in advance
5 years ago
Hi I am quite new with electronics. I made this project and it is working till four max.
but this is not the problem I want to use attiny85 for this project by using only one dot matrix.
will you please help me if I can use attiny.
thanks and regards
5 years ago
its been an hour still the compiling doesnt stop :D what's the problem with it ? plsss help :)
5 years ago
great video
but can u tell me how to do the same in a 8*8 single module also please give the editted sketch
5 years ago
great video
but can u tell me how to do the same in a 8*8 single module also please give the editted sketch
5 years ago
great video
but can u tell me how to do the same in a 8*8 single module also please give the editted sketch
5 years ago
great video
but can u tell me how to do the same in a 8*8 single module also please give the editted sketch
5 years ago
great video
but can u tell me how to do the same in a 8*8 single module also please give the editted sketch