In this tutorial we will learn how to use 8×8 LED Matrix to display images, scrolling text, and few more transitions with VEGA ARIES Boards. These displays are so popular that almost all modern outdoor LED displays use them to display characters, symbols, and images.
MAX7219 Dot Led Matrix Module
An 8×8 dot matrix display typically has 16 pins, 8 for each row and 8 for each column. All rows and columns are wired together in order to reduce the number of pins.This technique of controlling a large number of LEDs with fewer pins is referred to as Multiplexing. While using this multiplexing technique you have to refresh the display all the time to keep the image stable. The MAX7219 Chip, which handles all of the control and refresh part. We just need to send serial commands through the 4-pin SPI interface, and it will take care of the rest.
ARIES v3.0
The ARIES v3.0 is a fully indigenous and a “Made in India” product to get started with basic microprocessor programming and embedded systems. This board is built upon a RISC-V ISA compliant VEGA Processor with easy-to-use hardware and software. For more details about ARIES v3.0 boards please refer to the ARIES development boards and Ecosystem.
Prerequisites
- Windows 10 or above/Linux (64 bit)
- Arduino IDE
- VEGA ARIES Board support package
Hardware Required
- ARIES v3.0 Board
- MAX7219 Dot Led Matrix Module
- USB type C to USB type A cable.
- Jumper wires
Note: All of the following boards can be used for this project
Libraries Required
Download the MD_MAX72XX Library from Tools >> Manage Libraries
Circuit Diagram
Connections
| MAX7219 LED MATRIX | ARIES V2.0 Board |
| VCC | 3V3 |
| GND | GND |
| DIN | MOSI-0 |
| CS | GPIO-10 |
| CLK | SCLK-0 |
Procedure
Open and set up the Arduino IDE as described in Getting Started with ARIES v3.0.
- Make sure you have selected ARIES v3 Board from Tools -> Board -> VEGA Processor: ARIES Boards -> ARIES v3
- Select Tools -> Flash Mode -> Enabled
- Select Programmer as VEGA FLASHER from Tools -> Programmer -> VEGA FLASHER
- Also select appropriate port from Tools -> Port -> COM* (ARIES Board)
Now, Open Files -> Examples -> Under Examples for ARIES v3 -> SPI-> LEDMatrix -> LEDMatrix_MAX721
Now, Upload the sketch in ARIES v3 board and open the serial monitor at 115200 baud rate.
Output
When the code is uploaded, text message “VEGA PROCESSORS ” will display on LED Matrix. LED matrix will also display images, scrolling text, and few more transitions with VEGA ARIES Boards as shown below.
