4 ms·
You actually don't need more than the ESP32 and the led matrix. The LEDs are connected in series and you send a bit stream of RGB. Each led had an internal shif
by Max-q 3y ago
You actually don't need more than the ESP32 and the led matrix. The LEDs are connected in series and you send a bit stream of RGB. Each led had an internal shift register with one input pin and one output pin, connected to the next LEDs input pin.
So one microcontroller with one output pin available is all you need. Since there is no clock signal, timing needs to quite tight.
To find more information you can google WS2812 or Neopixel. Libraries to use the protocol exists for most microcontrollers.
An ESP32 module is a good choice because it costs $2-3, includes wifi and BT, antenna or UF-L plug, and is pre-certified.
- thousandknives 3y agoSmall misunderstanding. With hardware I meant the LEDs/LED matrix. What kind of LEDs did you use and how much did it cost you is what I wanted to know...
- angus-prune 3y agoThe information was in the post - ws2812 (or ws281x, there are variations) which are also known by the semi-brandname "neopixel". They come in various form factors including fairy lights, strips and matrixes. They are very easy to work with, and there are good libraries or open source platforms (eg wled) to run them.
- dekhn 3y agoI made a little portrait frame and MCU that draws Conway's Life. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CTQ37DB https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CTQ37DB (I got the 16x16 for $16). Another <$10 for the ESP32. A soldering iron ($40 for a pinecil), $verylittle for solder and hook up wire. In my case, a 3D printer ($500) plus filament ($20), and some design software ($500/year, because Fusion 360 expensive).