LEDMatrix

This is the Arduino program that controls the 8x8 LED matrix. This repository serves as a tutorial for how to alter the program.

Setting Up the Arduino IDE

First, install the Arduino IDE. Once that is set up, move the led_matrix folder into the Arduino folder (default location is your Documents folder). After that, you should be able to edit led_matrix.ino and upload to the Arduino Nano.

Changing the Light Show

Piskel "Integration"

The easiest way to add your own 8x8 drawing is by using Piskel, a free online pixel-art editor. Once you've created your 8x8 masterpiece, go to "Export" on the right-hand menu and select "Download C File". Some drawing notes:

• Black translates to an off LED so it might not translate well to the matrix
• Moreover, since the LEDs are circular lights spaced far apart, drawings may not translate well in general
• The program is set up to handle one frame. If you want to use multiple frames, it gets more complicated.

The next step is to open that C file. It should look something like this (the example file is the Kirby drawing I stole:

#include <stdint.h>

#define NEW_PISKEL_FRAME_COUNT 1
#define NEW_PISKEL_FRAME_WIDTH 8
#define NEW_PISKEL_FRAME_HEIGHT 8

/* Piskel data for "New Piskel" */

static const uint32_t new_piskel_data[1][64] = {
{
0xffefa55c, 0xffefa55c, 0xffefa55c, 0xffefa55c, 0xffefa55c, 0xffefa55c, 0xffefa55c, 0xffefa55c, 
0xffefa55c, 0xffefa55c, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xffefa55c, 0xffefa55c, 
0xffefa55c, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xffefa55c, 
0xffefa55c, 0xffb195e7, 0xffd0beef, 0xff79271a, 0xffd0beef, 0xff79271a, 0xffd0beef, 0xffefa55c, 
0xffb195e7, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xff79271a, 0xffd0beef, 0xff79271a, 0xffd0beef, 0xffb195e7, 
0xffb195e7, 0xffb195e7, 0xff926ce0, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xff926ce0, 0xffb195e7, 
0xffefa55c, 0xff572a9f, 0xffb195e7, 0xffb195e7, 0xffd0beef, 0xffd0beef, 0xff572a9f, 0xffefa55c, 
0xff5cac67, 0xff572a9f, 0xff5b2fb3, 0xff5b2fb3, 0xff5cac67, 0xff572a9f, 0xff5b2fb3, 0xff5cac67
}
};

Copy just the 2D array (new_piskel might vary depending on what you name the drawing):

static const uint32_t new_piskel_data[1][64] = {
...
};

and, in the led_matrix.ino file, replace the 2D array that is found directly under a comment saying // CUSTOM PISKEL DRAWING HERE. The next step is to paste this line:

uint8_t* new_piskel = (uint8_t*) new_piskel_data[0];

under the comment saying // PISKEL DRAWING POINTER. NOTE: if the name of your Piskel in the 2D array is ANYTHING OTHER THAN new_piskel, you need to replace all occurences of new_piskel with the drawing name (Command + F should suffice).

After that, upload the code and switch to pickup position 2 (bridge + middle) to see your drawing!

Dedicated to G-Dawg. Special thanks to Brian for helping with the programming.