Controlling a P10 LED module with an Arduino Uno is a great way to display scrolling text, animations, or other graphics. The P10 module is a 32×16 LED matrix display, and it requires specific libraries and connections to work properly.
Step 1: Gather Components
- Arduino Uno
- P10 LED Module (32×16 pixels)
- Jumper Wires
- 5V Power Supply (P10 modules require more current than the Arduino can provide)
- Level Shifter (Optional) – If your P10 module is 5V logic and Arduino is 3.3V logic.
Step 2: Wiring the P10 Module to Arduino
The P10 module has 16 pins, but you only need to connect a few of them:
P10 Pin | Arduino Pin | Description |
---|---|---|
EN |
D8 |
Enable (Active LOW) |
A |
D9 |
Row Address (A) |
B |
D10 |
Row Address (B) |
C |
D11 |
Row Address (C) |
CLK |
D13 |
Clock |
STB |
D7 |
Strobe (Latch) |
OE |
D6 |
Output Enable (Active LOW) |
R1 |
D2 |
Red Data (1st Panel) |
G1 |
D3 |
Green Data (1st Panel) |
Power Connections:
- Connect the 5V and GND of the P10 module to an external 5V power supply.
- Connect the GND of the Arduino to the GND of the P10 module (common ground).
Step 3: Install Required Libraries
You need the DMD (Dot Matrix Display) library to control the P10 module. Install it via the Arduino Library Manager:
- Open Arduino IDE.
- Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries.
- Search for “DMD” and install the library by Freetronics.
Step 4: Upload the Code
Here’s an example code to display scrolling text on the P10 module:
#include <SPI.h>
#include <DMD.h>
#include <TimerOne.h>
#include “SystemFont5x7.h”
#include “Arial_Black_16.h”// Define the number of P10 panels (1 panel = 32×16)
#define DISPLAYS_ACROSS 1
#define DISPLAYS_DOWN 1// Create a DMD object
DMD dmd(DISPLAYS_ACROSS, DISPLAYS_DOWN);// Function to scan the display
void ScanDMD() {
dmd.scanDisplayBySPI();
}void setup() {
// Initialize TimerOne for scanning the display
Timer1.initialize(2000); // 2000 microseconds = 2ms
Timer1.attachInterrupt(ScanDMD);// Clear the display
dmd.clearScreen(true);// Set the font
dmd.selectFont(Arial_Black_16);// Display a static message
dmd.drawString(0, 0, “Hello”, 5, GRAPHICS_NORMAL);
}void loop() {
// Scroll a message
dmd.drawMarquee(“Arduino + P10”, 13, (32 * DISPLAYS_ACROSS) – 1, 0);
long start = millis();
long timer = start;
boolean ret = false;
while (!ret) {
if ((timer + 30) < millis()) {
ret = dmd.stepMarquee(-1, 0);
timer = millis();
}
}
}
Step 5: Upload and Test
- Connect your Arduino Uno to your computer.
- Select the correct board and port in the Arduino IDE.
- Upload the code.
- Power the P10 module with the external 5V supply.
Troubleshooting
- No Display:
- Check power connections (ensure the P10 module is powered externally).
- Verify all data pins are connected correctly.
- Ensure the
EN
pin is pulled LOW (enabled).
- Flickering Display:
- Increase the delay in
Timer1.initialize()
.
- Increase the delay in
- Incorrect Text/Graphics:
- Double-check the pin connections.
- Ensure the correct font is selected.
Advanced Features
- Add multiple P10 modules for a larger display.
- Display animations or custom graphics.
- Use sensors or inputs to dynamically change the display.