Summary of Internet connectable LED Matrix from $29
This article introduces a new Arduino-compatible, internet-connected LED matrix display available for pre-order on Crowd Supply. Priced from $29 with early bird pledges, it features ESP8266 microcontrollers and IS31FL3731 drivers to support 32x9 or 64x9 pixel grids in six colors. The device offers extensive customization via an Arduino library for text scrolling, animations, and API data retrieval, powered by USB or a LiPo battery with onboard charging.
Parts used in the Internet connectable LED Matrix:
- ESP-12 module
- IS31FL3731 LED matrix drivers
- 0603 LEDs
- MCP73831 Battery charger
- JST connector
- Micro USB power input
- Power on/off switch
- .stl file for 3D-printable enclosure
- NOVA programmer
Makers, developers and electronic enthusiasts may be interested in a new Arduino programmable Internet connectable LED matrix display launched via the Crowd Supply website this week, which is now available to back with early bird pledges available from just $29. The LED display is available in six different colours including white, blue, red, orange, green and purple. Watch the demonstration video below to learn more about its design and construction using IS31FL3731 LED matrix drivers, ESP8266 and offering a LiPo battery charging circuit.
Features of the Internet connectable LED matrix include :
– Single-color 32 x 9 or 64 x 9 LED matrix display with several color options
– ESP8266 controllable and programmable via Arduino
– Includes an Arduino library that enables: show text, scroll text, show 8-bit .bmp image, make animations, get info from a website/API, change brightness etc.
– Two or four IS31FL3731 LED matrix drivers
– USB or Li-ion battery power, including an onboard battery charger
– Unused ESP8266 accessible from pins on board for further hacking
– An .stl file for 3D-printable enclosure is available
Full specifications of the LED Matrix include :
Microcontroller: ESP8266 based
– ESP-12 module
– 1 MB flash, 82 kB flash
– 160 MHz frequency
– Four I/O and I2C pins available for hacking
LEDs: 0603
– Total of 288 (32 x 9) or 576 (64 x 9) LEDs
– Colors: white, blue, red, green, orange or purple
– Charlieplexed configuration
LED drivers: IS31FL3731
– 144 LEDs driver
– 8-bit brightness control
– Buffer for 8 frames
– I2C communication at 400 kHz
Battery charging: MCP73831
– Standard CC/CV circle
– 500 mA charge current
– Standard JST connector
– Micro USB power input
– Battery voltage measurement via ADC
– Power on/off switch
Arduino library:
– Enables easy, out-of-box usage
– Includes various examples, such as show text, scroll text, show .bmp images and animations, connect to a network, get information from the internet, change brightness etc.
NOVA programmer:
– External programmer
– Extremly simple reprogramming
– “Plug and Play”
Dimensions:
– 32 x 16: 104 x 39 x 7.2 mm (4.09” x 1.53” x 0.28”)
– 64 x 16: 185 x 39 x 7.2 mm (7.28” x 1.53” x 0.28”)
Source: Internet connectable LED Matrix from $29
- How can I control the display?
The display is controllable and programmable via Arduino using an included library. - What color options are available?
- Can I display images on the matrix?
Yes, the Arduino library allows you to show 8-bit .bmp images. - Does the device have a built-in battery charger?
Yes, it includes an MCP73831 circuit for Li-ion battery charging. - Is there a way to hack unused pins?
Yes, the unused ESP8266 is accessible from pins on the board for further hacking. - What dimensions does the 64 x 9 version have?
The 64 x 16 version measures 185 x 39 x 7.2 mm. - Can I get information from a website?
Yes, the library enables connecting to the network to get info from websites or APIs. - Is there an external programmer available?
Yes, the NOVA programmer is an external tool that allows simple reprogramming.
