Led Cube DIY - which driver ? which LED?

Other Hardware LEDs and Multiplexing
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Hi,

I would like to create a 3x3x3 or 4x4x4 led cube (arduino Uno) with my daughter. I read a lot of tuto, and i have again 3 questions without any answer .... (and a 3rd bonus) :

  1. What type of semi-rigid wire should I buy?

  2. Which Led Driver can I buy ? I saw there exists "DM13A", but is exist others possibilities ?

  3. Anode or Cathode common will be better to use with a led driver ?

Bonus : Where can I buy this ... i prefer pay a little bit more and have it soon (I can buy a 100pack Leds). I saw it in Amazon, but I can't find any led driver DM13A on it :cry:
(I'm from France).

Thanks guys (and sorry for my english, i try to learn... Objective : teach to my childrens hihi).

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For a 4 by 4 by 4 LED cube, you simply use a MAX7219 as the driver. Obviously a 3 by 3 by 3 is the same, just fewer LEDs. The wiring is a little different to a larger cube, but the MAX is perfect for this job as it is specifically designed to drive 64 LEDs.

I get stuff from Aliexpress - slower but generally cheaper. To use a MAX7219, buy a matrix module as everything is mounted, just do not assemble the headers for the matrix.

A Nano is better than a UNO for projects unless you are using a UNO-style "shield".

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Thanks for your answer !

If I understand, MAX7219 is like I have 4 DM13A ? Because the DM13A can drive 16 and MAX can drive 64 ?

I didn't really see the code, but I think it won't be complicated :slight_smile:

Futhermore, If i buy RGB Led (4 pin), I need 20 pin to drive (4x4 + 4layers) so one MAX7219 is ok to drive RGB (4x4 + 4) * 3 = 60

I saw it should be better to buy Cathode common to be easiest with MAX7219, right ?

Should I buy max7219CNG or max7219CWG ?? I don't know the difference...

Thanks

4

No. RGB LEDs are a completely different situation to what you first described. :astonished:

Probably better to use "NeoPixels".

No, common cathode or common anode is completely irrelevant to using a MAX7219. :roll_eyes:

Neither do I. :grin: I just use the modules whose link I gave.

5

So I can use anyone ? (same for all)

On this tuto (Step 7) : https://www.instructables.com/Led-Cube-8x8x8/
They calculated the number of Pin which are needed (for 1 color led).

I thought that I just have to do x3 (same thing for the 2 others colors if its a RGB led ?)

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A MAX7219 can drive 64 LEDs - 4 by 4 by 4. Just LEDs, not RGB LEDs which are of course, groups of three.

If you want to use RGB LEDs, it's a whole different ball game. :astonished:

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I second the recommendation of NeoPixels (WS2812) or similar (although I've never used NeoPixels or made a cube).

NeoPixels have a driver built-into the LED and they are serially addressed with a single data line. You can address/control an almost unlimited number of RGB LEDs with just power, ground, and one Arduino I/O pin. This greatly simplifies the wiring.

They are mostly sold as LED strips, but you can also buy individual NeoPixel LEDs. The individual LEDs have 4 wires because there is data-in plus data-out that goes to the next LED in the string. There's just as much soldering (at the LED end) as an RGB LED but a LOT less wiring, and a LOT simpler wiring.

(With the NeoPixel LED strips, it's just 3-wires and your done since the data and power interconnections are already in the strip.)

The addressing (and related timing) is a bit tricky because there is no clock or latch connection, but there are libraries so you don't have to worry about the nitty-gritty software details.

And since they will be wired as a series string, you (and your software) will have to know how each LED's position in the string correlates with it's physical location in the cube.

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If I understand, Neopixels have driver intergrated in each LED ?

I would like my daughter learn and understand how it works since start ...

I would like be progressive :
1 - wires for each LED >> i would like she understand too many wires are needed
2 - use driver LED > less wires and can drive some but ... if too much, Neopixel
3 - Like that she will understand why Neopixel works like that

So, if I am true :
1 - I buy some LEDs (maybe one color at start, then try with RGB) and a lot of wires :smiley:
2 - Use LED driver (as DM13A, or MAX7219) and try for one color, or multi-color, and more LED
3 - NEOpixels to be more optimal

Right ?

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Correct. Control all with one wire from Arduino Nano.

A MAX7219 module as cited in #2 will be good for 64 LEDs of one colour in a cube.

If you want RGB, get the NeoPixels (WS2812).

Link:

Note: 64 NeoPixels require a 5 V DC four Amp regulated power supply. Compared to the single MAX7219 with 64 LEDs which can be run off USB power. :grin:

Yes, clearly the NeoPixels will be seriously bright!

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