Arduino + MAX7219 + 2color Sparkfun Matrix[PINOUT]

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Hi!

Well, i know there are a lot of threads talking about this, so im not going to make it long and boring to red.

Im trying to interface the sparkfun matrix with the arduino, i know i need one MAX7219 for each color and that stuff, my question goes like this:

In the datasheet of the matrix[ur]http://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Components/SanYoung-Medium-RG.pdf[/url] we find this:

But actually, the matrix has 2 rows of 12 pins, so i cannot state wich pin is wich, maybe this is a stupid question, but sorry, i cannot find out wich pin is 1, wich one is 20..

Can you help me out with a quick answer , thanks.

Alex.

2

The first picture in the PDF is a view of the whole part, from the top. Note the indentations and bumps around the edge? Arrange your part so they face the same way. A label in that picture reads "PIN1" and points to a place underneath the part. That is where you start counting.

(Your picture with red dots was taken from this image, but you arranged the two rows of pins the wrong way, if viewing the part from the top. Interestingly, it's the correct direction for the matrix I have from LCDsee.)

Traditionally, all packages with two rows of pins ("dual in-line packages") count the same way. Counter-clockwise from the PIN 1, as viewed from the top.

24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13



[glow] 1[/glow]  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12

If your red-dot picture is how you see it from the bottom, then the upper right pin is PIN1, and count clockwise.

3

Thanks a lot halley, now is everything clear