LED Matrix 8x8 5.5V Max7219 Cascadable (Unsoldered)

Input Pin Details:

The main input header (located at the left end) includes:

• VCC: Connect to 5V power supply. Because the display can draw up to 1A at high brightness, it’s best to power it directly from a stable supply rather than the microcontroller’s onboard regulator. Alternatively, keep brightness below 25% (level 3/15) to avoid overheating or overloading USB power.

• GND: Connect to system ground, which must be common with the microcontroller ground if using an external power source.

• DIN (Data In), CS (Chip Select / LOAD), CLK (Clock): SPI communication pins that connect to any digital output pins on your microcontroller.

Pin Connection Summary:

Arduino Wiring Example for 8x8 MAX7219 Module:

• Arduino pin 8 → DIN

• Arduino pin 9 → CS

• Arduino pin 10 → CLK

• Arduino 5V → VCC

• Arduino GND → GND

You can download the LedControl library here to simplify programming.

Sample Arduino Code:

#include "LedControl.h"
int displayCount = 4; // Number of cascaded displays (1-8)
int brightness = 3; // Brightness level (0-15)
LedControl lc = LedControl(8, 10, 9, displayCount); // Pins: DIN=8, CLK=10, CS=9
void setup() {
 for (int i = 0; i < displayCount; i++) {
 lc.shutdown(i, false); // Wake up display
 lc.setIntensity(i, brightness); // Set brightness
 lc.clearDisplay(i); // Clear display
 }
}
void loop() {
 // Light LEDs diagonally from top-left to bottom-right
 for (int display = displayCount - 1; display >= 0; display--) {
 for (int col = 7; col >= 0; col--) {
 for (int row = 0; row <= 7; row++) {
 lc.setLed(display, row, col, true);
 delay(60);
 lc.setLed(display, row, col, false);
 }
 }
 }
 // Light entire rows across all displays
 for (int row = 0; row <= 7; row++) {
 for (int display = 0; display < displayCount; display++) {
 lc.setRow(display, row, B11111111);
 }
 delay(750);
 }
 // Clear LEDs in reverse order
 for (int display = displayCount - 1; display >= 0; display--) {
 for (int col = 7; col >= 0; col--) {
 for (int row = 0; row <= 7; row++) {
 lc.setLed(display, row, col, false);
 delay(60);
 }
 }
 }
}