Pimoroni Interstate 75 (RP2035)

[BitSeeker]

I have recently purchased a Pimironi Interstate 75 kit with two matrix panels for project I had envisaged quite some time ago and had completed the functional parts of, just "temporarily" using a different type of board and display. The intention was to add the matrix panels later.

This Interstate 75 board consists of an RP2035 MCU and the required connectors to interface with the supplied matrix panels added for convenience. Now, I can program and will initially experiment with it using micropython (using either Thonny or Vscode) to get an idea of its features, but was eventually hoping to migrate my existing Arduino compiled code to it. Obviously significant adjustments to the code will be neccessary as will finding a library capable of supporting the 128x64 matix panels (any suggestions?). In the meantime, I note that the Arduino looking does support RP2035 boards and withing the package options I also note that there is support for a number of Pimoroni boards, but not the Interstate 75. I was therefore wondering whether the Interstate 75 is likely to be added at some point, or indeed might be being worked on already?

I am speculating that since Its a variation of the RP2035, then a generic RP2035 option might work but would need to investigate that further.

[gilshultz]

@BitSeeker

Pimironi Interstate 75

This is a new one to me but I found this: Interstate 75 - RGB LED Matrix Driver it was the first hit when I searched. Hopefully it will help.

[BitSeeker]

Thank you for the link. That page that references the previous RP2040 based version of the Interstate 75 board. The board is also called a "driver" I suppose, because it contains some of the first stage electronics that are used to drive the matrix. There is a link further down the page that references the Python matrix library which they supply as a package together with Micro-python. I am aware of that software but was hoping to find an Arduino equivalent library as well.

Its a new one on me as well and I purchased it out of curiosity and because it was a bit cheaper to buy two panels, MCU board with built in driver electronics and connecting cables as a package.

It may be yet be possible to re-construct my project in Micro-python and not have to worry about re-writing the Arduino/C++ version. Once I have had a play with it I may have a clearer idea of the best way forward.