Dot Matrix Display FC16 8x8 LED
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Overview
The DIYables Dot Matrix Display FC16 8×8 LED module features 64 red LEDs arranged in an 8×8 grid, controlled by a MAX7219 driver IC. The MAX7219 handles LED multiplexing, brightness control, and data latching internally, requiring only a 5-wire SPI connection to the host microcontroller. Modules can be daisy-chained to create wider displays — no additional wiring complexity. Package includes 2 modules. Dimensions: 3.2 cm × 3.2 cm × 1.3 cm per module.
Quick Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 8 × 8 pixels (64 LEDs) |
| LED Color | Red |
| Driver IC | MAX7219 |
| Model | FC-16 |
| Interface | SPI (VCC, GND, DIN, CS, CLK) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V – 5V |
| Dimensions | 3.2cm × 3.2cm × 1.3cm per module |
| Daisy-Chain | Yes |
| Brightness | Software adjustable (0–15) |
| Package | 2 modules |
Key Features
MAX7219 FC-16 Driver
Handles all multiplexing, current limiting, and brightness control — no external resistors or additional circuitry needed.
Daisy-Chainable
Connect multiple modules in series for wider displays: DOUT of one module connects to DIN of the next, sharing CLK and CS.
Software Brightness Control
16 brightness levels (0–15) via SPI command, plus a display test and shutdown mode.
3.3V and 5V Compatible
Works with both 3.3V (ESP32, ESP8266) and 5V (Arduino Uno, Nano, Mega) systems.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 8 × 8 pixels |
| LED Count | 64 per module |
| LED Color | Red |
| Driver IC | MAX7219 |
| Model | FC-16 |
| Interface | SPI (5-wire) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V – 5V DC |
| Module Dimensions | 3.2cm × 3.2cm × 1.3cm |
| Daisy-Chain Support | Yes |
| Brightness Control | 16 levels (software) |
| Package | 2 modules |
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 |
For daisy-chaining, connect DOUT of the first module to DIN of the next. Share VCC, GND, CLK, and CS across all modules.
Power
Accepts 3.3V to 5V on VCC. Maximum current per module (all LEDs on, max brightness) is approximately 330 mA — use an adequate power supply when running multiple chained modules.
Getting Started
Compatible Boards
Arduino (UNO, Mega, Nano), ESP32, ESP8266 (NodeMCU, D1 Mini), 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
- Scrolling text displays and tickers
- Clock displays (with RTC)
- Scoreboards and counters
- Notification panels
- Pixel art animations
- Game displays
Equivalent Boards
| Module | Key Difference |
|---|---|
| Dot Matrix FC16 4-in-1 32x8 | Four matrices pre-assembled as one unit — wider display |
| 4-digit 7-segment TM1637 | Numeric-only, no graphical capability |
| OLED 128x64 | Monochrome graphical display, much higher resolution |
Beginner Tutorials
Notes
- Use MD_MAX72XX::FC16_HW hardware type in MD_MAX72XX — the FC-16 has a specific LED wiring layout different from generic modules.
- Maximum brightness (level 15) can draw up to 330 mA per module — use a capable power supply for multiple modules.
- SPI speed up to 10 MHz is supported by the MAX7219.
Community
Revision History
| Version | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| v1.0 | 2026-06 | Initial entry |