# Searching for big size outdoor LED panels

**URL:** <https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192>\
**Category:** LEDs and Multiplexing\
**Created:** [August 24, 2022, 10:48am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192 "2022-08-24T10:48:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 10:48am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/1 "2022-08-24T10:48:43Z")

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Hi,

I'm searching for big size outdoor LED panels.

I've found a project on the YouTube using P10 panels, and thought of using a daisy chain set of multiple P10s.

I want to get a size of 2 meters width x 50cm height.

So my question is there a better size than P10 ?

I found this one which is exactly what I want, almost the exact dimensions.

[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32371171679.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2ara](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32371171679.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2ara)

But it's very expensive. If I do it myself it would be much cheaper.

Any other recommendations and suggestions are welcome 🙂

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**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:07am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/2 "2022-08-24T11:07:20Z")

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> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> I want to get a size of 2 meters width x 50cm height.

It will be 18 (6x3) P10 modules 32x16 pixels each.

> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> But it's very expensive. If I do it myself it would be much cheaper.

The price of one module is about $15-20, so the 18 panels will be about $300-400. But additionally you will need power supplies ( about 3-15A for each panel), the cables, the cabinet and software.  
So I don't think you can win much, but it will take a lot of work.

I wrote software for such panels, I have my own library for this.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:11am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/3 "2022-08-24T11:11:32Z")

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Thank you very much, so P10 is the way to go.

The cost is important, but maybe I can lower the size a bit.

Yes, please share me anything you've done, schematics, code, ... etc.

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**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:13am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/4 "2022-08-24T11:13:23Z")

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> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> Yes, please share me anything you've done

[DMD\_STM32 STM32duino library for monochrome and RGB led panels](https://github.com/board707/DMD_STM32)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:20am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/5 "2022-08-24T11:20:01Z")

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Thanks man 🙂 really appreciate it.

I did a quick decrease in the size, I concluded to use P10x15 --\> 5 in width and 3 in height.

Next step is to design a water proof frame from rain.

In regard to power, isn't it enough to use one of those DC power supplies with high wattage ?

Like this one:

[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001626749980.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.22584c651x9g0a&algo\_pvid=5f600368-4b78-47ae-b9e6-693d9c85169d&algo\_exp\_id=5f600368-4b78-47ae-b9e6-693d9c85169d-0&pdp\_ext\_f=%7B%22sku\_id%22%3A%2212000027827151328%22%7D&pdp\_npi=2%40dis%21SAR%2118.43%210.04%21%21%21%21%21%402100bde316613398877535467e1dd1%2112000027827151328%21sea&curPageLogUid=I1aOodUCt5Ri](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001626749980.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.22584c651x9g0a&algo_pvid=5f600368-4b78-47ae-b9e6-693d9c85169d&algo_exp_id=5f600368-4b78-47ae-b9e6-693d9c85169d-0&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000027827151328%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21SAR%2118.43%210.04%21%21%21%21%21%402100bde316613398877535467e1dd1%2112000027827151328%21sea&curPageLogUid=I1aOodUCt5Ri)

They have multiple range of power from 5V/10W up to 5V/480W.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:20am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/6 "2022-08-24T11:20:51Z")

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There are many other libraries  
for example

> **[GitHub - pixelmatix/SmartMatrix: SmartMatrix Library for Teensy 3, Teensy 4,...](https://github.com/pixelmatix/SmartMatrix)**
>
> SmartMatrix Library for Teensy 3, Teensy 4, and ESP32 - GitHub - pixelmatix/SmartMatrix: SmartMatrix Library for Teensy 3, Teensy 4, and ESP32

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:22am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/7 "2022-08-24T11:22:20Z")

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Do you think for the size I mentioned, an Arduino nano would be enough ?

Because I noticed you've done your project with STM32.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:23am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/8 "2022-08-24T11:23:53Z")

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> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> n regard to power, isn't it enough to use one of those DC power supplies with high wattage ?

yes, of course  
When I said "for each panel" I meant power requirements "3-15A for each panel" and not the separate supply for every module.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:34am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/9 "2022-08-24T11:34:31Z")

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Right on my man 👍

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:35am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/10 "2022-08-24T11:35:35Z")

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> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> Do you think for the size I mentioned, an Arduino nano would be enough ?

I dont think so  
But I haven't done it on an AVR for a long time. Each panel requires 64 bytes buffer, that is, 15 panels - almost 1K already. And if you want double buffering, then the memory on the Nano is not enough.  
And there will be speed issues. You probably want to show not only static text, but a running line, and update it over the network or modbus ...

There are some different libraries for these matrices on different types of boards, it’s better not to take Nano/Uno and even Mega

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 12:00pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/11 "2022-08-24T12:00:43Z")

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OK, important point.

I'm actually planning to show static text, and change the info whenever there's a change in the system readings.

The project is about car parking counting system for college parking areas.

There is one main entrance and two parking lots on the right and left.

The parts I'm planning to use:

1. STM32 or ESP32 controller
2. P10x15
3. 5V power supply with required wattage
4. Sensors to sense the cars movement

There are probably three locations to put these signs so maybe I will need to buy 3x the parts listed above.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 12:12pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/12 "2022-08-24T12:12:35Z")

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> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> I'm actually planning to show static text, and change the info whenever there's a change in the system readings.

Keep in mind that these panels of different colors are compatible with each other, that is, you can make part of the scoreboard green, and part red, etc.

Panel in the image used only monochrome modules:

 ![](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/e/8/c/e8cee3ca98f501e8c9ec9648bd0e6a2662003da4.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:29pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/13 "2022-08-24T23:29:17Z")

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Good point. Thanks man 🙂

I've started searching for prices starting with the P10 modules and it's pretty expensive on Aliexpress.

I also found this complete set with the power supply and the controller for $726:

[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002085064425.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.6df138daOqR9lg&mp=1](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002085064425.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.6df138daOqR9lg&mp=1)

I don't know if I can re-program the controller to what I want, and also I want to attach sensors to the system.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:36pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/14 "2022-08-24T23:36:59Z")

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Spec:  
Module Pixel Pitch: 3.91mm(4.81mm)  
Resolution: 128X256 pixels(104X208 pixels)

Note that these are panels with a small pitch and as a result, there are much more dots on the same size  
You will need a more powerful controller

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2022, 2:34am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/15 "2022-08-25T02:34:38Z")

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The set in the link contain all the parts: controller, frame, led modules and power supply.

My concern is that would I be able to re-program the controller, and connect other parts to the system ?

I'm contacting sellers now on Alibaba if I can get better deals.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2022, 6:09am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/16 "2022-08-25T06:09:47Z")

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This is what I want to do:

![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/d/4/6/d46fd335489e69cdb48a607a4e3f6835290b72d7.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2022, 6:23am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/17 "2022-08-25T06:23:38Z")

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> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> My concern is that would I be able to re-program the controller, and connect other parts to the system ?

This panel doesn't have a controller. It equipped with receiving card [HUIDU HD-R512T](https://www.huidu.cn/product_104.html).  
As far as I understand, this card can only receive a ready-made picture over the network. To create an image, you need some additional blocks.  
But this is out of my competence, I did not work with ready-made controllers

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2022, 6:28am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/18 "2022-08-25T06:28:53Z")

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> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> This is what I want to do:

Deducing from letters in the panel - what country is it?  
I have a friend in Poland who deals with similar panels

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![wolfrose](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wolfrose/32/223333_2.png) [@wolfrose](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/wolfrose)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2022, 7:16am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/19 "2022-08-25T07:16:02Z")

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No, I want to do it in English, I just picked this picture as an example.

But the language doesn't matter, right ? because it's a dot matrix, so writing anything will be to set arrays to shape anything on the LED panel.

I have the famous Arduino dot matrix module running with MAX7219, so I think the P10 works the same, correct me if I'm wrong here.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![b707](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/b707/32/854321_2.png) [@b707](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/b707)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2022, 7:27am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192/20 "2022-08-25T07:27:27Z")

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> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> But the language doesn't matter, right ? because it's a dot matrix, so writing anything will be to set arrays to shape anything on the LED panel.

In general yes, but writing text with fonts is more effectively than in bare bytes, so the language or, more specifically, the symbol table matters.

> [@wolfrose](#):
>
> I have the famous Arduino dot matrix module running with MAX7219, so I think the P10 works the same,

Technically this cases are rather different

[Next page](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/searching-for-big-size-outdoor-led-panels/1025192.md?page=2)
