“This project realizes a 20x10 pixel WS2812 based LED display with a size of 78x35 cm which can be easily installed in the living room to play retro games. The first version of this matrix was built in 2016 and rebuilt by many other people. This experience was used to sum up all improvements to build a new version of the matrix and bring this now to instructables.com. Main new features are the update to a Raspberry Pi Zero instead using and Pi A plus an Arduino and replacing the previous large controller with a Bluetooth gamepad. Also the software was improved including the simulator, which allows you to develop the code on a computer even if you have no access to the matrix hardware.
One special feature of this LED matrix is the special wood veneer, which is used to cover the LED and to hide them, when LEDs are disabled. This highly increase the acceptance factor of non-tech people ;-) Of course, if this special veneer is not available in your country, you can also use some other diffuse material like acrylic to hide the LEDs. It is also planned to provide some key parts in the future to make it easier to rebuild the project.
Supplies:
Raspberry Pi Zero W (with some adaption, all other models will also work)
200 LED/s s (WS2812B LED stripes with 30 LED/m)
4x SPI LED matrix display with MAX7219
Cables
Bluetooth gamepad (e.g. this from Pimoroni)
Power Supply 5V with at least 5A
MDF wood for laser cutting
Wooden veneer or diffusion acrylic plate
Capacitor, Resistor
Some screws”