5x7 bi-color matrix ( and 74hc595  )?

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Hello people,

I am trying to hook Arduino to 5x7 LED bi-color matrix. Eventually I want to use 74hc595 shift registers to drive several matrixes. But now I am having hard time running even one matrix directly off the Arduino.

Here is the datasheet for the matrix:
vvv.jameco.com/Jameco/Products/ProdDS/2077351.pdf

I realize this is a newbie question, but this is the first time I am dealing with these matrixes and I am no expert in electronics.

I just wired the 1 and 2 pins of matrix (green and red anodes) and put the 17 and 18 (cathode pins for row 1) to ground. The sketch I run on this just tells the corresponding pins to go HIGH... LEDs don't blink (and don't go on).

Can somebody please point me in right direction?

I know people are using LED drivers from Maxim for that, but I don't have those and no way I will be able to get them, given the amount of time I hve to finish the projects. So can I get away with 74hc595s?? Or just Arduinos (I have several Arduinos at my disposal, so I can run several matrixes of them).

I honestly googled this matter, but the answers I found didn't quite help, so I am going to forum for an advice.

2

Okay, you're going to need current limiting resistors in there somewhere, otherwise your arduino will burn up its output pins and potentially damage the whole device.
To do what you want with H595s, you will hook up one set of outputs across the top of the part, and another set of outputs down the side.
The LEDs at the intersection of highs on the top and lows down the side will be the ones to turn on.
The Maxim parts control the current flow - you will have to do that with the current limit resistors.