How to control a P10 led board with Arduino uno

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

1. Arduino Uno
2. P10 LED Module (32×16 pixels)
3. Jumper Wires
4. 5V Power Supply (P10 modules require more current than the Arduino can provide)
5. 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:

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:

1. Open Arduino IDE.
2. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries.
3. 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

1. Connect your Arduino Uno to your computer.
2. Select the correct board and port in the Arduino IDE.
3. Upload the code.
4. Power the P10 module with the external 5V supply.

Troubleshooting

1. 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).
2. Flickering Display:
   • Increase the delay in Timer1.initialize().
3. 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.