Hello, I want to make a pong game with a led matrix, (I have no experience with using LED matrix or making games in C++) But I found a website where they used a MAX7219 module and made the same wiring. When I load up the code, the led matrix starts doing weird. (I already tried putting it the other way around in the module). Now I see that there are 2 kinds of matrixes 1088AS and 1088BS. I have the 1088BS. Do I need the other one? And What's the difference? And if there is a difference can I use it by wiring it different?
Hi
The difference between matrix 1088AS and 1088BS, and that the
1088AS has the cathode of the LEDs connected to pins 1, 2 ,5, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 14, and the anodes of the LEDs connected to pins 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13 , 15, 16, and 1088BS is the opposite, it has the cathode of the LEDs connected to pins 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13 , 15, 16 and the anodes of the LEDs connected to the pins: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 14:
See attached image.
Yes.
So you have been sold a module with the wrong matrix. Most indeed do use the "A" polarity.
You need to raise a complaint with the vendor. Obviously vendors do not test what they sell, you are in effect the QC.
You definitely can use the alternate module, but it requires a complete wiring swap and the module must be rotated 90°; this is very impractical when you have a PCB module.
If no luck with the vendor, just buy another from a different Aliexpress vendor - relatively cheap (though Covid-19 has jacked up prices by 100% or so).
Okay, thanks for info, il just buy a 1088AS I think. (I want to put it in a 3D printed case and that's not so practical with wires everywere.
Yeah, the problem is that it is a project for school and it has to be done in 2 weeks, If I order from aliexpress it's here in a month. Do you know another shop where they sell them?
Sorry, I don't know where you are and I only know Australia.
Amazon sell the modules, you just pay more for them. Amazon quote next day delivery in UK.
No prob, first, I want to try to connect the screen with this module because I don't have much time. But what do you mean by turning the module 90°?
If you look at the electrical diagrams in #2, they are effectively the same, except for which pin connects to which, if you rotate the diagram 90°. So for the same code and once you figure out how to wire it, the game will be rotated 90°.
Presuming you have the newer FC-16 module and not the old one which is bigger, it would actually be fairly easy to add headers in the rotated position and wire them to the original ones. In fact, even easier if you had not soldered in the headers.
I suppose the old module is almost as easy to modify.
Ok thanks! It worked.
Well done!
Now we want a photo. 
Haha, sorry I had to hand it in its material from school. But I 'l see if I have a vid from the pong game, but it certainly is going to give me good grades for my STEM class!
Update: I have a vid but I can't upload it to this forum.
Because?
I mean it won't upload, it doesn't work. When I want to upload it I press upload and go to windows file explorer, all my vids disappear.
Oh well.
People generally put them on YouTube.
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