Hi guys
First let me say I'm new to the arduino, hardware and electronics world. I'm mostly a developer (programming like java, python, and mostly web like php, flash, javascript).
I recently got an arduino starter kit (a few leds, cables, a breadboard and the arduino duemilanove). I mostly have no idea about circuits, other than what I learned in highschool 10 years ago, but I've managed to go through the most basic tasks: make a couple of leds blink, use a button to turn leds on/off and finally connected a wii nunchuck. It all works. I have no problems understanding the software and all that, but my main problem is the circuits.
Now, here comes my problem. I got a 5x8 led matrix which I want to control using the wii nunchuck. Once I have it receiving signals, I guess I'll be able to do it, but my main problem is I have no idea how to do the circuit. It has 14 pins (7 on each side)...how do I create a circuit for it (keep in mind I don't know which pin goes to ground, which is power, etc). I've searched and searched, but most info skips this part, assuming you know how to (I bet this is basics electronics).
Could you refer me to a place where I can learn about this, or I'm aiming too high, and should stay with blinking leds (if so, that's damn bad luck, because my next project was going to be using a pan and tilt mechanism with servos).
I hope you can help me with some directions on where to start