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Why settle for one LED when you can have loads? And even better, twice as many LEDs! With our 16x8 LED Matrix Backpack, we've made it a breeze to double your project's matrix capacity. You can easily fit two 8x8 matrices on one convenient board.
These matrices are multiplexed. Normally, controlling 64 LEDs needs 16 pins, and 128 LEDs would require 24 pins - that's a lot! Driver chips like the MAX7219 can help, but they involve a ton of wiring and take up much space. Our 16x8 LED matrix backpack solves this problem. It works great with the matrices in our Adafruit shop, making it super easy to add a bright display.
This backpack is perfect for scrolling or small video displays. In our demo, words flow from one matrix to the other, just like a sign at a mini car dealership. We powered it with a Trinket (not included), keeping the whole setup compact.
The backpack uses a HT16K33 driver chip. It has a built - in clock for multiplexing the display. With constant - current drivers, it offers ultra - bright, consistent color (the images are at the dimmest setting to protect our camera), and 1/16 step dimming via a simple I2C interface. Each backpack has three address - selection jumpers, allowing you to connect up to 8 x 1.2' 16x8 units on a single I2C bus.
- A fully tested and assembled 16x8 1.2' LED Backpack
- 2x ultra - bright round 8x8 yellow - green matrices
- 4 - pin header
You'll need to do a bit of soldering to attach the matrices to the backpack, but it's easy and only takes about 10 minutes. We also have a detailed tutorial on soldering, wiring, and controlling the display. We've written a great library for the backpacks, so you can start displaying images or numbers in under half an hour. If you've been hesitant about matrix displays due to complexity, this is your answer!
Using this product is a piece of cake. First, you'll need to solder the two ultra - bright round 8x8 yellow - green matrices onto the fully tested and assembled 16x8 1.2' LED Backpack. It's easy and only takes about 10 minutes. We've got a detailed tutorial to guide you through the soldering process. Next, connect the 4 - pin header as needed. You can use a Trinket to power the setup (but it's not included). For the wiring, use the simple I2C interface. Each backpack has three address - selection jumpers, which let you connect up to 8 x 1.2' 16x8 units on a single I2C bus. As for controlling the display, we've written a great library for the backpacks. You can get it up and running in under half an hour to display images on the matrix or numbers on the 7 - segment. Just follow our tutorial, and you'll be good to go. When it comes to maintenance, keep it away from excessive moisture and heat. If you notice any issues, refer back to our tutorial or check the connections. And remember, the HT16K33 driver chip has a built - in clock, so you don't have to worry too much about multiplexing the display. Enjoy using your new LED matrix display!
