Attempting to install MaxMatrix Library

I have downloaded the MaxMatrix library from GitHub using the Green Dropdown Code -> download ZIp link. I also removed the -master from the filename So it is just MaxMatrix.zip. However, when trying to install the library into Arduino IDE 2.2.1 via the Add .ZIP library... in Sketch -> Include Library -> Add .ZIP library... I get the following error:

Error: 13 INTERNAL: Library install failed: moving extracted archive to destination dir: library not valid.

I am running Windows 10, with an Arduino Duo.

Correction, I am running an Arduino Uno R3

Hi @ar_arduino_user. Please add a reply here that contains the link to the GitHub page you downloaded the library from.

Ptillisch I used the following link:

Ptillisch, the URL is "github.com/AndreausBur/MaxMatrix"

First of all, unless you have a specific reason for wanting to use this library, I would recommend considering using an alternative library. This library is organized in a way that is very unfriendly to Arduino users and is not actively maintained so I fear the quality of the code might be poor (though I haven't evaluated it).

I see there are several other nice looking libraries for MAX7219-driven LED matrixes available for installation from the Arduino IDE Library Manager.


That said, I'll go ahead and provide instructions you can follow to install the library. The reason for the error message when you attempted to use Arduino IDE's "Add .ZIP Library..." feature to install the library is that feature requires the ZIP file to have a specific standardized structure. Unfortunately the author of the library created a non-standard structure that makes it incompatible with this installation method. For this reason, it will be necessary to manually install the library by following the instructions below:

  1. Select File > Preferences from the Arduino IDE menus.
    The "Preferences" dialog will open.
  2. Take note of the path shown in the "Sketchbook location" field of the "Preferences" dialog.
  3. Click the "CANCEL" button in the "Preferences" dialog.
  4. Unzip the MaxMatrix.zip file.
  5. There are actually three different libraries in this ZIP file, which are mutually incompatible. Decide which of the three you want to use.
  6. Find the subfolder of the unzipped folder for the library you chose:
    • If you want to use the "async, no_orientation" library:
      async\no_orientation\MaxMatrix
      
    • If you want to use the "async, orientation" library:
      async\orientation\MaxMatrix
      
    • If you want to use the "sync" library:
      sync\MaxMatrix
      
  7. Copy that subfolder to the libraries subfolder of the folder at the path you saw in the "Sketchbook" location field of the Arduino IDE preferences in step (2) of these instructions.

The final installation structure must look like this:

<Sketchbook location>/
├── libraries/
│   └── MaxMatrix/
│   │   └── MaxMatrix.h
│   │   │
│   │   ...
│   ...
...

(where <Sketchbook location> is the path you from the "Sketchbook" location field of the Arduino IDE preferences)

Ptillisch, Thank you so much for the information. As I am at work at the moment I will need to wait until I am at home to check it out. The reason for the library was that I saw some code that looks like it may do what I want, but needs this particular library. I appreciate your words of caution about the MaxMatrix library, and I may decide to go with one of the other libraries for Dot Matrix displays.

In case you do decide on looking at another library have a look at MD_MAXPanel which sits over MD_MAX72xx. Works better and is currently maintained.

1 Like

Marco_c, Thank you for the recommendation. I will take a look at it.

Sure, if you are just looking for text displays then you should look at MD_Parola, which also sits over the top of MD_MAX72xx.

Marco_c, Thanks, i have seen references to MD_Parola and MD-Max72xx.I am trying to create a display of 2 rows and 10 columns. I will definitely look at the MD_ series of Libraries (they are easier to install as well)

Need any help let me know. There is a support thread on the forum at LED matrix display - MD_Parola, MD_MAX72xx and MD_MAXPanel - Community / Exhibition / Gallery - Arduino Forum.

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