Home / Displays / Dot Matrix Display FC16 4-in-1 32x8 LED

Dot Matrix Display FC16 4-in-1 32x8 LED

Category: Displays
Manufacturer: DIYables
SKU: DOTMATRIX-FC16-4IN1
Status: Active
Release Year: 2021
Form Factor: Module
Read Time: ~4 min read

Image Gallery

Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 top view
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 2
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 3
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 4
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 5
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 6
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 7
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 top view
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 2
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 3
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 4
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 5
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 6
Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 view 7

Overview

The DIYables Dot Matrix Display FC16 4-in-1 integrates four 8×8 LED matrices into a single horizontal unit, creating a 32×8 pixel display with 256 red LEDs. Four MAX7219 driver ICs handle multiplexing and brightness control internally. The SPI interface requires only 5 wires, and multiple units can be daisy-chained for even wider displays. Dimensions: 12.8 cm × 3.2 cm × 1.3 cm.

Quick Overview

Property Value
Resolution 32 × 8 pixels (256 LEDs)
Configuration Four 8×8 matrices in horizontal layout
LED Color Red
Driver IC MAX7219 (×4)
Model FC-16
Interface SPI (VCC, GND, DIN, CS, CLK)
Supply Voltage 3.3V – 5V
Dimensions 12.8cm × 3.2cm × 1.3cm
Daisy-Chain Yes
Package 1 module

Key Features

Pre-Assembled 4-in-1 Unit

Four matrices come factory-assembled in horizontal alignment — no soldering or assembly required.

256-LED Wide Display

Wider than a single 8×8 module, enabling longer text scrolls and richer animations without chaining individual boards.

MAX7219 — Automatic Multiplexing

Each 8×8 section has its own MAX7219; all four share the same SPI bus via daisy-chain.

Expandable

Additional 4-in-1 or single 8×8 modules can be chained to create even wider displays.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Resolution 32 × 8 pixels
LED Count 256
LED Color Red
Driver IC MAX7219 (4 units, one per 8×8 section)
Model FC-16
Interface SPI (5-wire)
Supply Voltage 3.3V – 5V DC
Dimensions 12.8cm × 3.2cm × 1.3cm
Daisy-Chain Support Yes
Brightness 16 software-adjustable levels
Package 1 module

Pinout

Pin Label Description
1 VCC Power supply (3.3V or 5V)
2 GND Ground
3 DIN SPI data input
4 CS Chip select (active LOW)
5 CLK SPI clock

DOUT on this module connects to DIN of the next module for daisy-chaining.

Getting Started

Compatible Boards

Arduino (UNO, Mega, Nano), ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi (all models), Raspberry Pi Pico.

Wiring (Arduino Uno)

Module Pin Arduino Pin
VCC 5V
GND GND
DIN D11 (MOSI)
CS D10
CLK D13 (SCK)

Libraries

Applications

  • Marquee and scrolling text displays
  • News tickers and notification panels
  • Clock and timer displays
  • Scoreboard panels
  • LED name tags and signs
  • Pixel animations

Where to Buy

Equivalent Boards

Module Key Difference
Dot Matrix FC16 8x8 (single) One 8×8 matrix — narrower, sold as 2-pack
4-digit 7-segment TM1637 Numeric-only, no graphical capability
OLED 128x64 Higher resolution monochrome graphics display

Beginner Tutorials

Notes

  • Set MAX_DEVICES to 4 in MD_MAX72XX when using this 4-in-1 module.
  • Use MD_MAX72XX::FC16_HW hardware type — required for correct pixel mapping on FC-16 modules.
  • Maximum current (all LEDs on, max brightness) is ~1.3A for the full 4-in-1 — use a 2A+ power supply.

Community

Revision History

Version Date Notes
v1.0 2026-06 Initial entry