Parola

From ElectroDragon Wiki

Chained Dot Matrix Display Parola

Installation Steps (Simple)

  • Take 3-set matrix display for example
Steps Direction Image Note
Soldering dot matrix to board directly Parola setup 1.jpg all silk print and dot on matrix should on same side of P1, brightness
Detailed look, all the accessories are not very necessary Parola setup 1a.jpg please double check direction
Soldering a bended pin header on the end of back side Parola setup 2.jpg on the another side of silk print, on right side if see front
Done Parola setup 3.jpg how it looks
Test with arduino Parola setup 4.jpg MAX72_xx library

Soldering Step by Step (Complex)

Step Note Header text
1 Soldering 4 pcs of 2x5 pin header of the back side of PCB carefully do not block the pin holes of the dot matrix during soldering, since they are very close, prepare desoldering tool in case
2 (optional) Soldering the dot matrix socket pin header 1x8 This is optional, if you prefer a slim display chain, and no need to remove the dot matrix anymore
3 place dot matrix on the socket, or soldering directly on board be VERY carefully if you solder it directly on board, the direction of the dot matrix should not be wrong , otherwise it will be useless board
4 Add jumpers on 2x5 pin headers, add signal or right of your chain display, should work now! try with MAX_72XX -> test sketch in arduino
  • The dot matrix has a "dot" or print words on the side of its left, "the left side of the IC"
  • The right angle pin header should be soldered on the right, "the right side of the IC"
Dot matrix direction.jpg

Software

Wiring

  • Connect to the right side pins of matrix (design error, both side marked with DOUT, but right side (when you face to the matrix) should be DIN)
  • Find follwing part and setup in Arduino, max72xx test sketch:
#define	MAX_DEVICES	5 // how many you chained 
#define	CLK_PIN		13  // or SCK - CLK
#define	DATA_PIN	11  // or MOSI - DIN
#define	CS_PIN		10  // or SS - LD (load)

Library and Demo code

Documents

Demo video