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Scrolling Text Display (A to Z Guide)

Summary of Scrolling Text Display (A to Z Guide)


This article guides users in building a mini scrolling text display using an Arduino Nano and 8x8 LED modules. It focuses on hardware assembly, including cutting plywood for the casing, soldering components like the voltage booster and battery holder, and installing existing code without requiring prior programming knowledge. The project utilizes specific tools for woodworking and electronics to create a self-contained device powered by a protected 18650 Li-Ion battery.

Parts used in the Mini Scrolling Text Display:

  • Arduino Nano
  • Two 8x8 LED Displays
  • Protected 18650 Li-Ion Battery
  • 18650 Battery Holder
  • Booster Module
  • On/Off Switch
  • Breadboard
  • Wires
  • 6mm Thickness Plywood
  • Small Wood Screws
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Oil
  • Epoxy
  • Electrical Tape
  • Sandpaper
  • Silicone Feet

In this instructable / video I will guide you with step by step instructions how to make scrolling text display with Arduino.
I won’t be explaining how to make code for Arduino, I will show you how to use existing code. What and where you need to connect and install that you could make scrolling text display like this without any previous knowledge of Arduino.

https://youtu.be/lIQ_YTP7uC8

Arduino software – https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

Code and library – http://bit.ly/arduinocodelibrary

Original link – https://github.com/riyas-org/max7219

Provided Amazon links are affiliates

Tools You’ll Need:

Materials You’ll Need:

You can follow me:

Step 1: Preview

Preview of the mini scrolling text display.

Step 2: Cutting Plywood

To make a simple box first I cut sides, top and bottom from 6mm plywood. Add painters or electrical tape to prevent any chipping.

Step 3: New Jig

If you wondering, this is my new jig for bevel cuts for my jigsaw table. It’s very simple jig, but very useful.

Clamped stop block helps to cut pieces at the same size.

Step 4: Gluing

Connect all sides with painters tape and glue them.

Step 5: Cutting Front and Back

Then I cut front and back pieces. In front piece I drilled hole and made hole for LED displays with a fretsaw.

To get straight looking cuts I trimmed inside with a jigsaw.

Step 6: Making Slot for the Chips

I routed slots for chips of the LED display, as I wanted that display would be flush with outside of the front piece.

Step 7: Components That You Need

For this build you need (links in first page):

  • Arduino Nano
  • 2x 8×8 LED displays
  • Voltage booster
  • Protected 18650 battery
  • Battery holder
  • On/Off switch

Before soldering Voltage booster to the circuit make sure to adjust it’s output voltage to 5V with potentiometer on the chip.

Step 8: Before Soldering

Download and install Arduino software – https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software

If you get prompt messages like in a picture just agree and install.

Source: Scrolling Text Display (A to Z Guide)

Quick Solutions to Questions related to Mini Scrolling Text Display:

  • How do I prepare the wood before cutting?
    Add painters or electrical tape to prevent any chipping during the cutting process.
  • What is the purpose of the jig mentioned in Step 3?
    The jig helps make bevel cuts with a jigsaw and uses a clamped stop block to cut pieces at the same size.
  • How should the LED displays be positioned on the front piece?
    You must route slots so that the display chips are flush with the outside of the front piece.
  • What voltage should the booster module be adjusted to?
    You must adjust the output voltage to 5V using the potentiometer on the chip before soldering it.
  • Do I need to write my own code for this project?
    No, you will use existing code provided via links rather than writing code from scratch.
  • What software is required to run the Arduino?
    You need to download and install the official Arduino software from arduino.cc.
  • How can I ensure straight cuts when trimming the inside of the front piece?
    Trim the inside with a jigsaw after drilling holes with a fretsaw to get straight looking cuts.
  • What power source does this device use?
    The device is powered by a protected 18650 Li-Ion battery connected through a booster module.

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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