# Simple LED matrix

**URL:** <https://community.sparkfun.com/t/simple-led-matrix/5326>\
**Category:** New Product Ideas\
**Created:** [September 19, 2007, 8:37pm UTC](https://community.sparkfun.com/t/simple-led-matrix/5326 "2007-09-19T20:37:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Pyrofer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dec6dc/32.png) [@Pyrofer](https://community.sparkfun.com/u/Pyrofer)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2007, 8:37pm UTC](https://community.sparkfun.com/t/simple-led-matrix/5326/1 "2007-09-19T20:37:25Z")

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I recently got some of the MAX7221 (I think thats the number :p) Led matrix controller chips. I have however not found any of the 8x8 LED matrix displays I used to see everywhere.

How about a small PCB with an 8x8 led matrix for bi/tri coloured leds?

The Tri colour board could have a row of 8 pins on each side etc.

Maybe a surface mount led version too?

Its a simple PCB design, but hard if you dont have double sided PCB making skills.

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**Author:** ![inventore123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b9bd4f/32.png) [@inventore123](https://community.sparkfun.com/u/inventore123)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2007, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.sparkfun.com/t/simple-led-matrix/5326/2 "2007-09-19T21:20:13Z")

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Try this [http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc … cts\_id=681](http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=681)

I think it’s cheaper than 64 dual color leds. And you don’t need to solder them one by one

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Pyrofer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dec6dc/32.png) [@Pyrofer](https://community.sparkfun.com/u/Pyrofer)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2007, 11:10pm UTC](https://community.sparkfun.com/t/simple-led-matrix/5326/3 "2007-09-19T23:10:27Z")

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That is EXACTLY what ive been looking for!

Ive not been able to find those on any component site in the UK. No idea why.

Thanks for the link, its a shame the max IC I have cant deal with the dual or tri colour matrix.

I think id have to add in some kind of switching logic on on half of the matrix to enable dual colour ☹

Is there any matrix like this where both side of both colours are available? ie, 32 pins for 8x8 (red)+ 8x8 (green) ?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![inventore123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b9bd4f/32.png) [@inventore123](https://community.sparkfun.com/u/inventore123)\
**Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 9:05am UTC](https://community.sparkfun.com/t/simple-led-matrix/5326/4 "2007-09-20T09:05:35Z")

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[http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/catego … Path=51\_89](http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/categories.php?cPath=51_89)

Here there are 3 types of led matrix, but I think all have common cathode ☹

I can only see 2 option:

- you use only one color of the led matrix with MAX7221

- you do not use MAX7221 and drive the matrix with an mcu + some driver logic