Tom's Projects 'n' Stuff

Not this kind

but I do think that “The Matrix” would make a pretty cool pinball theme.

The 8 x 8 LED Matrix is a square consisting of 64 LEDs (lights). 8 columns by 8 rows. I plan to use many sets of 8 x 8 matrixes to form a super matrix 24 LEDs high by 128 LEDs wide. Making it a total of 3072 LEDs.

Now this would require loads of soldering and many many hours of work. To cut the workload down I can purchase 48 single 8 x8 LED Matrix boards, each consisting of 64 LEDs.However there is a catch, you cannot simply light any combination of lights on a matrix. You have to scan down very quickly line by line, from top to bottom. Just like how a TV or Monitor works.

Using a Shift Register to control the Columns and another to control the Rows. I’m able to output any shape/character i like. In this case a smiley face.