Published September 5, 2020 © GPL3+

DIY SMART LED MATRIX (ESP8266 + WS2812 / NeoPixels )

This is a tutorial that teach you how to show text on a WS2812 LEDs based LED Matrix.

IntermediateFull instructions provided3 hours5,222

DIY SMART LED MATRIX (ESP8266 + WS2812 / NeoPixels )

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Espressif ESP8266 ESP-01

You can buy it here: https://amzn.to/32DlV6r

Digilent WS2812 Addressable LED Strip

TaydaElectronics DC POWER JACK 2.1MM BARREL-TYPE PCB MOUNT

JLCPCB Customized PCB

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE

JLCPCB EasyEDA

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Soldering iron (generic)

Story

Here is my introduction to a project that I am very excited to show you. It's about a DIY Smart LED Matrix that will let you show on it, data, such as YouTube Stats, your Smart Home Stats, as temperature, humidity, can be a simple clock, or just show text and animations.

In this first tutorial I will be making it first test and text showing.

If you are a visual learner I know that a video worth more than 1000 words, so here is a Tutorial video. (I am a Spanish speaker, so please consider turning on English subtitles):

Hope you to enjoy the project!.

Step 1: Skills Needed.

As you can noticed, nothing looks very difficult on this project, but you will need some basics knowings about:

-Using the Arduino IDE.

-3D printing or Handcraft (for the Grid).

-Welding.

-Wiring.

Step 2: Components and Parts List

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PCB, you can choose between the No LEDs version and ADD the LED's Strips by yourself, or the one with the LED's.
ESP8266 (Microcontroller).
WS2812 LEDs Strips.
5v 2A Power Supply.
PCB Power Jack.
3D Printer (Optional) You can do the parts with cardboard or something rigid.

Step 3: Circuit Diagram

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Here is the Circuit diagram, you have several options to make the project. You can just create the control part of the circuit, the one shown in the first image, then attach individual LEDs Strips as shown on the 3rd image.

Yo can also, instead of LED strips, use LED Panels.

It has all the internal conections of the circuit that will allow us to create the PCB design later.I also attached the PDF of the Schematics so you can see it better.

DOWNLOAD Schematics, Code and Libraries for FREE.

Step 4: PCB Design and Ordering

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For the implementation of a good project we need a reliable assembly for the circuit that makes it up, and there is no better way to do it than with a good PCB.

Here you can download the Gerber, BOM and Pick & Place Files, the ones you need to order your PCB on your PCB manufacturing company.

I suggest JLCPCB:

📦$2 for 5 PCBs & cheap SMT (2 Coupons)

BUY THE ALREADY DESIGNED BOARD, Gerber + Pick & Place + BOM

Step 5: Assembly

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Print the Grid.

I printed the grid on different parts because of my tiny 3D printer.

I cutted a piece of a rigid white paper to get a better pixel definition.

Attached the Grid Files. (You can design your own Grid).

I printed 2 Grid and 1 Grid2 pieces.

Step 6: Programming the ESP8266 and Testing

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1- To program the ESP8266 we need to place the jumper on (PROG position), connect the USB to TTL converter to our PCB on it respectives pins and then to our PC, install the libraries and then upload. (Need to have the ESP8266 Packaje installed on your IDE).

2- Install the Libraries and Dependencies.

3- Restart the IDE, go to Archive > Examples > Adafruit NeoPixel > Strandtest.

-Edit the number of LEDs connected.

-Edit the Pin to "0" .(Where LEDs are connected).

4- Upload the sketch.

5- Jumper on USE, disconnect USB and connect the 5v power Supply.

6- Verify that all your LEDs works fine.

NOTE: Use the 3.3v of the USB-TTL convertor to power the ESP. (Will burn with 5v).

Step 7: Final Programming and Text Showing.

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Change the "HOLA" with the text you want to show.
Verifiy that you are connecting the LEDs on PIN #.
Adjust the brightness.
Edit the colors of the text.
Upload and Enjoy.

Note the last image: If you are placing the LEDs diffent than me, please adjust those options in the Code.

Schematics

Code

MCM-LED-MATRIX_ep1.ino

//Codigo de MCM-LED-MATRIX ep.1//
//Autor: Christopher Mendez
//Tutorial: https://youtu.be/yb7uQbX_M30
//
/////////////////LIBRERAS PARA LOS LED'S/////////////////////////
#include <Adafruit_NeoMatrix.h>
#include <gamma.h>
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <gfxfont.h>
#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>
#include <Fonts/TomThumb.h>       //Fuentes de 5 pixels de alto.

#define PIN 0

String texto = "SUSCRIBETE A MCMCHRIS";     //Aqu pones el texto que quieres mostrar
int largo = texto.length();

// Declaracion de la Matriz/ 20x5, Comenzando en la Esquina Superior Izquierda en Zig Zag:

Adafruit_NeoMatrix matrix = Adafruit_NeoMatrix(20, 5, PIN,
  NEO_MATRIX_TOP     + NEO_MATRIX_LEFT +
  NEO_MATRIX_ROWS + NEO_MATRIX_ZIGZAG,
  NEO_GRB            + NEO_KHZ800);

//Arreglo con los datos de los colores Verde, Rojo y Azul (Modificar al gusto).
const uint16_t colors[] = {
  matrix.Color(0,255,0), matrix.Color(255,0,0), matrix.Color(0,0,255) };

void setup() {
  matrix.begin();
  matrix.setTextWrap(false);
  matrix.setBrightness(80);       // Ajustar brillo de los LEDs (0-255)
  matrix.setFont(&TomThumb);      // Aado el tipo de letra que declar arriba
  matrix.setTextColor(colors[0]); // Inicializo con un color x.
  Serial.begin(115200);

}

int x    = matrix.width();
int pass = 0;

void loop() {
  matrix.fillScreen(0);
  matrix.setCursor(x, 5);
  matrix.print(texto);
  if(--x < -(largo*3+18)) {
    x = matrix.width();
    if(++pass >= 3) pass = 0;
    matrix.setTextColor(colors[pass]);
  }
  matrix.show();
  delay(100);
}

Credits

Christopher Mendez Martinez

35 projects • 74 followers

Electronic Engineer and Tech YouTuber who loves automation, programming and sharing his knowledge with everyone.

DIY SMART LED MATRIX (ESP8266 + WS2812 / NeoPixels )

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Step 1: Skills Needed.

Step 2: Components and Parts List

Step 3: Circuit Diagram

Schematic_LED%2BMatrix_2020-08-29_16-53-16.pdf

Schematic_LED-MATRIX-CUSTOM_2020-08-29_17-36-00.pdf

Step 4: PCB Design and Ordering

Step 5: Assembly

Grid.stl

Grid2.stl

Step 6: Programming the ESP8266 and Testing

Step 7: Final Programming and Text Showing.

Custom parts and enclosures

Grid.stl

Grid2.stl

Schematics

Schematics

Code

MCM-LED-MATRIX_ep1.ino

Credits

Christopher Mendez Martinez

Comments

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DIY SMART LED MATRIX (ESP8266 + WS2812 / NeoPixels )

DIY SMART LED MATRIX (ESP8266 + WS2812 / NeoPixels )

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

Step 1: Skills Needed.

Step 2: Components and Parts List

Step 3: Circuit Diagram

Schematic_LED%2BMatrix_2020-08-29_16-53-16.pdf

Schematic_LED-MATRIX-CUSTOM_2020-08-29_17-36-00.pdf

Step 4: PCB Design and Ordering

Step 5: Assembly

Grid.stl

Grid2.stl

Step 6: Programming the ESP8266 and Testing

Step 7: Final Programming and Text Showing.

Custom parts and enclosures

Grid.stl

Grid2.stl

Schematics

Schematics

Code

MCM-LED-MATRIX_ep1.ino

Credits

Christopher Mendez Martinez

Comments

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