What it is
The ShillehTek MAX7219 Dot Matrix LED Display Module 8x8 Driver for Arduino is a compact, bright red 8x8 LED matrix board (64 LEDs) driven by the MAX7219. It uses an SPI-compatible serial interface so you can show scrolling text, symbols, and simple animations while using only a few microcontroller I/O lines—ideal for clocks, counters, and message signs, and you can daisy-chain multiple modules for longer displays.
Pins
- DIN (data in): SPI-style serial data input to the MAX7219.
- CLK (clock): SPI-style clock line.
- CS (chip select / load): Latches data into the driver.
Power and ground pins may be present on your board revision—refer to the silkscreen labels on the module and the listing photos for the exact pin names and layout.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Display type | 8x8 dot matrix LED (64 LEDs), red |
| Driver IC | MAX7219 |
| Interface | Serial SPI-compatible (DIN, CLK, CS) |
| Daisy-chain support | Yes (multiple modules can be chained) |
| Platform compatibility | Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, PIC (library support varies) |
| Included accessory | 5-pin female-to-female jumper (per description) |
| Operating voltage / current | Varies by module revision (see listing photos / seller details) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wire a MAX7219 8x8 dot matrix module to an Arduino?
Connect the module's SPI-style lines DIN, CLK, and CS to your Arduino digital pins used by your chosen MAX7219 library. Then connect power/ground according to the module silkscreen and the listing photos for your specific board revision.
Is the MAX7219 dot matrix module compatible with Raspberry Pi or ESP8266?
Yes. The module uses an SPI-compatible serial interface (DIN/CLK/CS) and is commonly used with Raspberry Pi, ESP8266, Arduino, and PIC platforms using available MAX7219 libraries.
Can I daisy-chain multiple MAX7219 8x8 matrices for a longer scrolling display?
Yes. Multiple units can be daisy-chained to extend the display width, which is useful for scrolling text, message signs, and simple animations.
What Arduino library should I use for a MAX7219 8x8 LED matrix?
Use a common MAX7219/MAX72xx LED matrix library that supports SPI-style DIN/CLK/CS connections and chaining multiple modules. Follow the library examples for scrolling text and brightness control.