Description
RGB matrices are truly impressive, featuring numerous individual RGB LEDs that can range from hundreds to thousands in quantity. When compared to NeoPixels, they excel in terms of density, power efficiency, and unbeatable price-per-LED. However, there's always a catch. To control them, you'll need to utilize our special library, and they require multiple wires to be connected. It's certainly more challenging than a simple single-wire connection.
But fear not! If you possess an Arduino-compatible board with an ATmega328p chip (such as our Metro 328) or SAMD21 (like the Metro M0), ESP32-S2, or even SAMD51 (like our Metro M4), this shield will simplify the usage for you. Just a bit of soldering to attach the headers, and you're good to go. Attach it to your microcontroller board, and you'll effortlessly connect any RGB matrix. This shield takes care of the wiring on your behalf!
For matrices that consume 800mA or less power, you can even draw power from the Arduino's regulator, effectively "borrowing" its 5V supply. While this may not be suitable for projects involving numerous LEDs simultaneously lit up, it makes wiring even easier, as you won't require a separate power adapter. However, if you need 1 Amp or more, simply utilize the 2x8 connector for data and connect a separate 5V 2A or 5V 4A wall adapter directly to the panel.
Keep in mind that this shield serves as a wiring adapter. If you have a Metro 328, you can only use 16x32 or potentially 32x32 matrices before exhausting the available RAM. For larger panels, opt for a Metro ESP32-S2, M0, or M4, as they offer ample RAM and will work best in such scenarios.
