Hello Auli Vici
Scroll down further for step by step photos and more details.
You’ll need the following parts: a prototyping board, (2) 8 pin headers, (8) 200 ohm resistors and (64) red LED bulbs.
Arrange the LEDs in the board according to the design you’ve chosen: either common row anode or common row cathode.
Solder the LEDs to the board, being careful to not to cross any of the anode or cathode leads.
Attach the 8 pin headers to feed power to the LEDs, be sure to place a 200 ohm resistor in line with each positive power lead.
Test your board for continuity with a multimeter.
Attach power to the 8 pin headers.
Step 1: The Parts
To build this matrix, we will need a few things to get us started.
1 – Prototyping Board
2 – 8 Pin Headers
8 – 200ohm resistors
64 – Red LEDs
Some other essential supplies include: Soldering iron, Solder, Desoldering wire / rosin flux (just in case), wire (we recommend 2 different colors to stay organized), Heat shrink tubing (optional). We also recommend keeping a multimeter close by for testing purposes.
This will get the matrix built, later we will discuss what’s needed to get it running.
Step 2: The LEDs
We’re going to be using a total of 64 5mm Red LEDs, it never hurts to have some extra though. Circuit Specialists stocks a pack of 100 5mm red LEDs you can get for only $1.65.
Step 3: Arranging the LEDs
Because we’ve opted to use the common-row cathode arrangement in our matrix, we will be inserting the pins of the LEDs into the perf board in a particular fashion. It is extremely important to be diligent in this process.
Step 4: Soldering the Matrix
Our weapon of choice for the soldering portion of this build is the CSI Premier 75w Soldering Station. We will also be taking advantage of the immensely useful ZD10Y Helping Hand System (it makes ALL the difference)
Now, we will start soldering the anode columns.
It’s absolutely critical that the anodes DO NOT touch the cathodes. Here, we’re using a screwdriver to assist with the bending process.
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