I have recorded a video of what I have so far.....
I was thinking I may need to do a better job with the caps......
I may resolder them in from each Vcc on the max7219s to its ground and not just on a Vcc / Gnd plane......that run parallel ya know on the PCB (Radio shack board)
anyways, heres the video..
I bought 10 more max7219s tonight as well...10 for 4.99 $ can't beat that......
If I can't get this to work, I may just go with the Uno / Duelminove and use an i2c LCD to conserve the I/Os but then redesign the enclosure as well....
anyhows....Still WIP but I'm trying