My group is working on a adruino powered connect four game. We ave logic built for switching players, and a working input shift register. We are suck on coding for the matrix. Our matrix is 7 columns wide and 6 rows deep. The columns share the same anode and the rows share the same cathode. There are techinally 2 7X6 matrixes. One is made up of blue LEDs and the other is made up of Orange LEDs. This is so any player can place a chip anywhere in the matrix. We are using a 595 to control the columns on each matrix. We also have a ULN2803apg to ground both matrixes.
If you guys can point my group in the right direction that would be great.
Use a MAX7219, or two for the two matrices. Cheaply available - with a PCB that you can adapt for your purpose rather than having to wire it all up - on eBay.
Vastly easier to program, operates within chip specifications (as compared to 74HC595), only three pins to interface.
beejj:
If you guys can point my group in the right direction that would be great.
Hello. Can you please explain where you are right now in the build process. What have you bought, what have you built, and what bits are still in the planning stage?
As already suggested, 2 x max7219 chips will be much easier and simpler and give a much better result than the components you have.
Another great option would be a single ht16k33 chip. This chip can run both your matrices and read input from up to 39 switches. Here is an example board you can buy: Link
Either option will mean far fewer components to wire up and make it easier to write your sketch.
