“This is an LED matrix based off of Nova Technologies’ 5X3 LED Matrix, but because the resources I have access to are limited, I have changed a lot of how this matrix works. Instead of using individual LEDs with another controller, I have used RGB LED strips with individual ICs on each of them, connected into 8 columns of 6 LEDs. Not only does this make the matrix bigger, it also allows us to use CRGB colors instead of just one color.
Note: I know the code can be simplified if the LEDs are all chained together, but I wanted to try something new, so I separated the LED strips into 8 strips of 6.
Sources: Original Project: https://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-5X3-LED-Matrix-to-Run-Alphabets/
CRGB colors: https://github.com/FastLED/FastLED/wiki/Pixel-reference
You will need:
Jumper wires: these are needed to connect the LED matrix to the circuit board so you can control it.
Single-strand wire (optional): used to create more distance between the LEDs on the LED strip. My LED strip has the LEDs only about 1 centimeter apart, but because my matrix is designed with the LEDs 3 centimeters apart, I had to use single-strand wires to connect them at a distance. These are cheaper than jumper wires to get.
Neopixel LED strip (or any other LED strip with ICs)
Wire cutters/wire strippers (optional): if you are using the single-strand wires to get more distance between the LEDs, then you need the wire cutters to cut the wire apart to be soldered onto the LED strip.
Arduino UNO board: used to control the matrix. Without it, nothing will work!
Breadboard (optional): used to connect the ground and 5V to a uniform ground and 5V. See below for more information.
Soldering iron: used to solder the jumper wires onto the LED strip. Also used to solder the single-strand wires to each other if needed.
The breadboard is optional because the jumper wires can be connected directly to the circuit board, but it is easier to connect the ground and 5V wires to a breadboard before being connected to the circuit board.”