4-Digit 7-Segment LED Display + Arduino

I recently got a 4-Digit 7-Segment LED Display from Sparkfun, and couldn't wait to use it. Here, I will show you how to wire it, and some sample programs to use with it!

Step 1: Display Info

This is the way the display works. It's multiplexed, so you select the digit by setting its pin (we'll get into pins later) HIGH, and you select the segment by setting its pin LOW. You display multiple digits at once by rapidly cycling through them.
The Pins (digits are numbered from the left):
Digit 1: 1
Digit 2: 2
Digit 3: 6
Digit 4: 8

Segment A: 14
Segment B: 16
Segment C: 13
Segment D: 3
Segment E: 5
Segment F: 11
Segment G: 15

Decimal Point: 7

Step 2: Wiring the Display and Button

Now, to wiring! To make it easier for you, I am going to put the Arduino pin number first, then the display's pin number.

1--14
2--16
3--13
4--3
5--5
6--11
7--15
8--7
9--1 (resistor)
10--2 (resistor)
11--6 (resistor)
12--8 (resistor)
If this is too confusing, say so in the comments, and I'll rewrite it.
Connect the button to Arduino pin 13 and 5V.
I used 1K resistors, but you could get away with less.

Step 3: Programming

I'm pretty much just putting refrence links and files here.

Display Datasheet

Timer Program (I modeled my timer after this)

Attatched Files:

_4segTimer: Timer program

_4digitAni1: Animations

The programs still need some tweaking/additions, so I'll be updating them once in a while.

Update History:

Comments

[tmahundrah]

i got it working, it is a 4 digit seven segment i got from an old DSTV Decorder, and controlling it over the serial monitor

[pugonfireyt]

Haha, me too lmao

What a coincidence

[Rocket Girl In Training]

Keep in mind that there are two kinds of 7-segment displays, common anode and common cathode. If you have a different type then Jimmacle, then this won't work for you. The one that Jimmacle used here is a common anode if the link to the spec sheet is correct. I have two different Amazon starter kits and they are both common cathode. I will try to post a tutorial soon on how to do common cathode, but here's the general idea:
Looking at the display if you number the pins like this:
1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12
Then you should connect like this:
Pin 1 goes through a 220 ohm resistor to pin 10 on the arduino and is called D4
Pin 2 goes to pin 9 on the arduino and controls segment A
Pin 3 goes to pin 8 on the arduino and controls segment F
Pin 4 goes through a 220 ohm resistor to pin 11 on the arduino and is called D3
Pin 5 goes through a 220 ohm resistor to pin 11 on the arduino and is called D2
Pin 6 goes to pin 2 on the arduino and controls segment B
Pin 7 goes to pin 6 on the arduino and controls segment E
Pin 8 goes to pin 5 on the arduino and controls segment D
Pin 9 is used for the decimal and I'm not using that
Pin 10 goes to pin 4 on the arduino and controls segment C
Pin 11 goes to pin 3 on the arduino and controls segment G
Pin 12 goes through a 220 ohm resistor to pin 13 on the arduino and is called D1

With common cathode, your D1, D2, D3, D4 calls are reversed. For example, if you want to display a numeral on the 2nd digit, put:
digitalWrite(D1, HIGH);
digitalWrite(D2, LOW);
digitalWrite(D3, HIGH);
digitalWrite(D4, HIGH);

Then, if you want to display the number "0" (all of the LEDs lit except "G"), then put
digitalWrite(pinA, HIGH);
digitalWrite(pinB, HIGH);
digitalWrite(pinC, HIGH);
digitalWrite(pinD, HIGH);
digitalWrite(pinE, HIGH);
digitalWrite(pinF, HIGH);
digitalWrite(pinG, LOW);

See the image below of a "2" being displayed in the third digit.

[gasper1]

hello again,still no success in getting the sketch to start counting.I am using a UNO v3 with a 5461A5 type readout.12 pin

Im sure it must be something simple that is causing it to non start.

[gasper1]

Can you give me some idea's why I can't get the digits to start counting. I am sure i am working with the correct code, as the other code works well.but I cannot get this start counting.All my connections are correct.

please help make an old happy !!.

Please help

[blackburdtx]

There are only 12 pins on the display but your connecting pin 1 on the Ard to pin 14 on the display.... very confusing.

[run7]

same here

[robertje]

some down in the comments:

1--10 (a)
2--7 (b)
3--4 (c)
4--2 (d)
5--1 (e)
6--11 (f)
7--5 (g)
8--3 (dot)
9--12 (resistor) (d1)
10--9 (resistor) (d2)
11--8 (resistor) (d3)
12--6 (resistor) (d4)

10 and 11 reversed for me

[дконсультант]

Tip: If you have 12-pin segment display your scheme will be like this:

1--10 (a)
2--7 (b)
3--4 (c)
4--2 (d)
5--1 (e)
6--11 (f)
7--5 (g)
8--3 (dot)
9--12 (resistor) (d1)
10--9 (resistor) (d2)
11--8 (resistor) (d3)
12--6 (resistor) (d4)

[robertje]

Used the same, except of 10 and 11, I reversed it. Using (sh)5461as panels.

[abolfazl fakour]

thank you

[aseppermana]

i has download it,but cant open in arduino IDE because that file is not pde

[KarissaA1]

Does the 4 digit file is the part one of the Segment?

[EligijusJ]

I dont get it how to wiring ?! Can anyone sent schematics or smth ? Thank You :)

[DavidB552]

yeah could we get a digram ?

[ArcAiN6]

People should also be aware that there are differences when wiring CC (Common Cathode) and CA (Common Anode) 7-Segment displays, as well as addressing them with the code, or using shift registers / led drivers.

[PaulW106]

To get the timer to work do I just copy and paste the file into the Arduino program?

[ndi francesco]

please can you post the circuit diagram ?

[npegnato]

Could I possibly get a list of comments for what's happening in either the timer or animation program? I'm using a 4 digit display for a heart rate monitor and I want to know how I can display the BMP from my Arduino.

[kittekaak1]

It runs also with an ULN 2803 instad of the 4 transistors. where can i buy in europe the sma420564 ? I have only one in my arduino kit. mfg CK