Matrix 32x32 for 4 pieces of 32x8 NeoPixel LED matrices giving you 1024 single controllable LEDs for lots of projects. =)
The project can be created completely solder free with the use of some WAGO clamps.
You will need a large printer with at least 345x345mm to print it.
Custom software to use the 32x32 Matrix will follow later. Stay tuned! =)
Here are some pictures and videos to check the initial function:
Videos:
Music credit: Used some free music from Apple iMovie
Printing instructions:
The Matrix comes in 1 variant only:
For bigger printers like the Prusa XL, Voron 2.4 or Sovol SV08 to print the front and back parts in single parts. You will need a print bed of at least 345x345mm.
No supports needed
Using a brim was not needed in my tests, because I cleaned my textured sheet with dishwashing liquid carefully with a new sponge and then with isopropanol alcohol again on the printer to make the parts stick really good. If you face problems with adhesion feel free to add a 5mm brim to the front and lid part.
0.2 speed profile used.
Textured sheet used:
If you use a textured sheet too, let it cool down completely after the print and wait for the part gets loose by itself. Do not pull on it to avoid ripping off the letters!
In my case it takes 45-90 minutes after the print has ended and the part just lays loose on the print bed.
Do not touch the print bed and clean it with Isopropanol alcohol before printing.
I printed the complete parts in white as shown in the pictures, but color changes from white to another color like black on the matrix part should be possible. I wanted that shiny look on the edges too. =)
Parts needed:
4x 32x8 LED matrix (Use this one. The case is made to fit to it only!)
Make sure that you have all components listed above.
Every cable insulation needs to be uninsulated 11mm to fit good into the WAGOs.
Every time you add a cable into a WAGO and closed the clamp, gently pull on the cable to make sure that it sits well in the clamp to avoid longer error searches later.
Below the WAGO clamps you will find hints to the desired cables to add.
Wiring this device is easy. It might look confusing at first, but I will try to guide you through step by step: =)
So let's start with the fun stuff. =)
First position all 4 matrices 32x8 on the matrix part. As shown in the pictures below I fixed them a little with painters tape in place, which I needed only, because the rest of the parts were not printed at that time. So you might not need this tape action.
The electronics part with its cutouts will give you a good orientation. The top left DIN connector is the start of the complete matrix setup as shown below…
Screw in the barrel jack power connector into the bottom of the electronics part:
Add all the WAGOs with opened clamps to their desired positions.
If they will not hold in their positions, you can add some double sided tape below.
We will start the wiring from bottom to top with the 5V power supply input which is directly driving the matrices with power to save our little ESP32 from burning to death.
So we will start by adding all red cables to the with “5” named clamps and…
… all black cables to the with “G” labeled clamps:
Because the wires of these matrices are to short to connect them all together, we will need the extra red/black wires to connect from one matrix row to the next:
Continue adding the matrices red and black wires to their side clamps and use the 2nd connection wire to get power to the 3rd matrix row (counted from the bottom):
Add the 3 jumper wires to the ESP32:
D = Green to “IO32”
G = Blue to "GND”
5 = purple to “VIN”
Your cable colors may vary... I had no white/black and red ones anymore… You should use green, white and red wires to keep it more simple to check later. ;-)
Add the other ends to the WAGO clamps as shown:
Now use one of the female LED connector cables…
…and plug it into the DIN connector of the upper left matrix.
Add the other side of the cable to
Green = “D”
White = “G”
Red = "5"
Almost done! =)
For the last 3 connections between the 4 matrices you need 3x a set of a male and female LED connector cables as well as 3 WAGO clamps:
Connect the cables sorted by their wire color as shown below:
I had these 3 soldered cables sitting in my parts storage, so I will use these 3 cables, but technically it will not make a difference to you them with the WAGOs:
As last step we need to interconnect the matrices as follows:
I added numbers to the connectors to get this easily done:
Connect 1 to 2 with one of the prepared LED cables,
then connect then connection 3 to 4
and as last part 5 to 6 needs to be connected.
The cable at the position labeled with the “X” is not used in this project.
Finally check the wiring again and search if you accidentally mixed colors on the connections BEFORE you plugin the power. “This can be screwed up 1x only” as we always said when I learned electronics long time ago…
Make sure that all red wires are connected to red ones and all black ones are connected to black ones. All white ones should connect to white cables. (Ignore my ESP32 jumper cables colors as written above)
Double check this at least to avoid “magic smoke” which will destroy the circuit. You do not save time in the end if you hurry through this. Take your time!
After you added the code to the ESP32 you can add the lid onto the case, add the rubber feet and…
…enjoy your 32x32 Matrix! =)
Notes:
Because this is no small print and took some time, I would like to make changes to the model parts after some time and would like to hear your suggestions too! =)
What I already changed in the current parts:
The 3 holes on top of the lid were moved 25mm down compared to the pictures here to avoid grabbing the ESP32 with a nail or screw while adding the device to your wall…
What I would change in a future revision:
Spin the ESP32 at 90° to be able to place it in front of one of the hexagon cooling holes to be able to program it without opening the lid again.
Reducing the amount of screw holes, because the most of them were to needed.
Adding 9 more WAGO clamp positions for the 3 matrix inter connection cables.
Make the WAGO clamp positions a little tighter to grab the clamps better.
Adding a hole for a power switch.
Adding an extra hole for a microphone to make the 32x32 Matrix music reactive.
AWSW
