MAX7219 Matrix Display and ESP32 Case

Fun little project! I created a MAX7219 LED matrix display driven by an ESP32 Dev board. I used ESPHome to integrate it with my Home Assistant smart home.

I designed this retro-looking enclosure to house the ESP32 while leaving the USB power port accessible from the back. The thin white front cover gives the LEDs behind it a soft, retro-style blur.

My display scrolls through the current time, outside temperature, inside temperature, the status of my front door lock, and, when available, a customizable “house message” that can be edited manually or updated through automations in Home Assistant.

I printed the enclosure in PLA+, but I think it would also look great in wood-filled PLA.

To replicate my setup, you will need:

• MAX7219 LED matrix display
• ESP32 Dev board
• Four M3 × 6 mm screws for the back plate
• Two small zip ties to secure the ESP32 board
• Five female-to-female jumper wires to connect the display to the ESP32
• Optional rubber feet for the bottom of the enclosure

I included screw holes for the display back plate, but after adding clips to the cover, I found that screws were not necessary to secure the plate to the enclosure.

I plan to publish my Home Assistant and ESPHome project files on GitHub once I have everything organized. However, you can also use this enclosure and flash the ESP32 with any project you like.

Tip: You may need to slightly bend the connectors on the MAX7219 so the jumper wires can pass through the small opening in the display mounting plate.

I am still new to 3D printing and model design, so please feel free to share advice, comments, or suggestions.