I wondered about the SPI thing. I thought the max7219 was non-standard SPI unlike the max7221. But I see both ways of talking to it in different sketches. Maybe we could just modify the LEDCONTROL library to use SPI in the library.
Btw I figured out your font table and how that all works. I noticed ~ doesn't work but it should. What is the highest ASCII charc you use? I think I figured it was 32-136. Which after 127 it is the extended charc which doesn't display correctly, so I must be missing something.
RIght now I am working on a breadboard but the PCB's should be here in a few weeks.
Let me know if I can help with anything.
Thanks again, this has really helped a lot more than any other examples. I spent all weekend on this.
Edit: I have to admit the other ones that where smooth didn't use the LEDCONTROL library and just did SPI inside the sketch. Would be nice to see a library that uses SPI.