Dot Matrix Display

In this project, we’ll display the Colourful rays on an 8x32 LED Dot Matrix using an Arduino and a MAX7219-based LED matrix display.

AdvancedFull instructions provided5 hours39

Things used in this project

Hardware components

LED Dot Matrix Display, Red

Female/Female Jumper Wires

Breadboard Mates Pi Adaptor

SparkFun Qwiic Ideation Kit

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Desoldering Braid, Dri-Wick

Story

This project is a fun and beginner-friendly way to learn how microcontrollers like Arduino control LED matrix displays. It teaches key concepts like SPI communication and display animation while letting you showcase messages like "Hackster" in a creative way.

It’s perfect for tech events, personal branding, or just exploring hardware programming. Simple to build, easy to customize — and a great gateway into the world of embedded systems.

Code

Dot Displays

#include <MD_Parola.h>
#include <MD_MAX72xx.h>
#include <SPI.h>

#define HARDWARE_TYPE MD_MAX72XX::FC16_HW
#define MAX_DEVICES 4     // 4 modules = 32 columns (8x4)
#define CS_PIN 10         // Chip Select pin

MD_Parola display = MD_Parola(HARDWARE_TYPE, CS_PIN, MAX_DEVICES);

void setup() {
  display.begin();
  display.setIntensity(5); // Set brightness (0-15)
  display.displayClear();
  display.displayScroll("Loops", PA_CENTER, PA_SCROLL_LEFT, 100);
}

void loop() {
  if (display.displayAnimate()) {
    display.displayReset(); // Repeat scrolling
  }
}