What is it?

This shield is for easily controlling RGB LED Matrix panels using with an ESP8266 (aka the ESP8266 D1 Mini) or ESP32 board (aka the 30P WROOM-32). Assembly Required: This shield is a kit, but uses all through hole parts so is easily assembled.

It is designed to work with the PxMatrix - LED matrix panel driver for ESP8266, ESP32 and ATMEL library. It will not work with PxMatrix library or ESP32-RGB64x32MatrixPanel-I2S-DMA library! Use this board if you want to use its https://diy.led-lightwell.eu/product/rgb-matrix-panel-shield-for-esp32/. NOTE: Please check out the libraries' Github page for more information.

Why did you make it?

The RGB LED matrix panels are one of the coolest displays you can use with an Arduino or ESP, but there is quite a bit of wiring to connect them up and also they are a little awkward to power. The panels are only about $20 from aliexpress http://alii.pub/5yjhbk

This board makes wiring them really simple! The board just slots directly onto the input header pin, uses the ribbon cable that comes provided with most of these panels to connect the pins of the output header and has screw terminals to connect the power cable that comes with most panels.

What makes it special?

This really makes using the display as simple as possible. Making use of the cables that comes with the display allows the board to be smaller and less expensive.

There are free zone with contacts on board for mounting various sensors or drivers.

PxMatrix Panel Shield Features:

• Compatible with PxMatrix - LED matrix panel driver for ESP8266, ESP32 library
• On board two (“IN” and “OUT”) 16 pin male header (2x8)
• Operates at 5V (4A rated power supply is recommended)
• On board free zone with contacts for mounting various sensors or drivers
• Dimensions are 120mm x 60mm

What will you get in the package?

Each PxMatrix Panel Shield is a kit and comes with the following: 1. PxMatrix Panel Shield PCB

1. 10uF 25V Capacitor

2. Two 16 pin male header (2x8)

3. 2Pin Plug-in Screw Terminal Block Connector 5.08mm

What is NOT included?

The following components are not provided, but are required to use this board.

• Compatible HUB75 RGB LED Matrix Panel http://alii.pub/5yjhbk. Most panels come with a power cable, this board requires this.
• 2ESP8266 (aka the ESP8266 D1 Mini http://alii.pub/4d0k85) or ESP32 board (aka the 30P WROOM-32 http://alii.pub/40d3u7)
• Power supply 5V - $8 from Aliexpress http://got.by/4ekh09

Board assembly

To assemble the boards, place the parts on the PCB as indicated by the markings on the PCB. All parts are places on the top of the PCB (as seen in the photos above).

ESP8266 D1 Mini or ESP32 30P WROOM-32 is placed on the board in accordance with the marking (USB).

NOTE: Please pay attention to the polarity of the capacitor and the direction you are soldering the connectors!

Connecting the shield to the LED matrix

Insert the ribbon cable that came with the display into the "OUT" connector on the shield, insert the other end into the "IN" connector of the LED matrix panel.

Insert the ribbon cable that came with the display into the "IN" connector on the shield, insert the other end into the "OUT" connector of the LED matrix panel.

Plug the power wire that came with the display into the power pins of the panel. Attach the power wires to the 2Pin screw terminals on the shield (Pay close attention to the polarity!)

Powering the PxMatrix Panel Shield

These LED displays require a 5V power supply capable of doing roughly 4A of current. Use the 2x8 connector for data and use a separate 5V 4A adapter directly to the panel.

Using the PxMatrix Panel Shield

To use the display you will need to install the PxMatrix - LED matrix panel driver for ESP8266, ESP32 and ATMEL library.

It can be installed from the Arduino library manager or download directly. It comes with some pretty cool examples.

More information

If you are looking for installation instructions or more information about the board, please checkout the boards Github page https://github.com/Lightwell-bg/PxMatrix-Panel-Shield

Coding Support

Please note that we can not provide coding support for this item. We can offer some troubleshooting advice on getting them working and we can point you to some examples we have created using these board, but I will not be able to give support on building something specific.