Step back in time with this classic LED matrix display board. It consists of six 5x7 pixel LED matrices (creating an effective 30x7 display area) plus a decimal point, using the charming Lite-On LTP-305 matrices. You can choose to use 1 to 6 matrices in green and/or red. It's perfect for building a retro scrolling message display, a tiny 30-band spectrum analyser, or a retro clock. The Micro Dot pHAT also pairs well with our other pHATs and HATs. Combine it with the pHAT DAC to display the audio spectrum or with the Enviro pHAT to show temperature, pressure, and light readings. As The MagPi noted in their four-star review, it's 'certainly a cut above the standard seven-segment alternative'. You can get it as a bare pHAT or as a kit with 6 red or green LED modules that you'll need to solder. Features include 3x IS31FL3730 LED matrix driver chips, the ability to drive up to 6x LTP-305 green and/or red LED matrices, up to 30x7 pixels, a Micro Dot pHAT pinout, compatibility with Raspberry Pi 3B+, 3, 2, B+, A+, Zero, and Zero W, a Python library, and female headers and display that require soldering. We've created a comprehensive Python library to make using it easy, along with an assembly guide and a getting started guide. Note that our software does not support Raspbian Wheezy.
Using the Micro Dot pHAT is a breeze. First, if you've got the kit, solder the LED modules to the board following the assembly guide. Then, connect it to your compatible Raspberry Pi. You can start using the Python library to control the display. To create a retro scrolling message, use the functions in the library to program the text. For a spectrum analyser, combine it with the pHAT DAC. When using it with the Enviro pHAT, it'll display temperature, pressure, and light readings automatically. Remember, the software doesn't support Raspbian Wheezy, so make sure your Raspberry Pi has a compatible operating system. When it comes to maintenance, keep the board clean and dry. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture. If you're not using it for a long time, store it in a safe place to prevent damage.
