Thanks again for that information Marco,
I haven't read too much about the 7219's other than two tutorials by Nick Gammon and John at Tronixstuff. I just thought that I would build one up on the breadboard before commiting myself to hours of planning and soldering on up on veroboard. I am just in the middle of making a circuit up on veroboard with three IC's and although I am enjoying the challange, having done the circuit on the breadboard first at least I know that if it doesn't work after all that soldering it's most likey a bad joint as you experienced on your project. I will take all that you have told me on board and see if I can get it up and running thanks again,
BluesBoy.