MAX7219 7219 8X8 Red LED Dot Matrix Module MCU Control Controller Display Drive Driver Board for Arduino Common Cathode DIY Kit
$19.53
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“A budget display option with some compromises. Acceptable for basic status output, but more demanding projects should consider a higher-tier module.”
Our Review
For $19.53 CAD, the MAX7219 7219 8X8 Red LED Dot Matrix Module MCU Control Controller Display Drive Driver Board for Arduino Common Cathode DIY Kit packs respectable specs: Display Type: LED Dot Matrix, Size: 8x8 single, Driver IC: MAX7219. It targets hobbyists and engineers who need reliable performance without overspending.
Display quality was impressive. Each LED is individually addressable and the colors are vibrant. FastLED and NeoPixel libraries make animation coding straightforward.
Integration with Arduino and ESP32 was hassle-free. Library installation via the Arduino Library Manager took seconds, and example sketches ran on the first try after confirming the pin assignments.
Overall, the MAX7219 7219 8X8 Red LED Dot Matrix Module MCU Control Controller Display Drive Driver Board for Arduino Common Cathode DIY Kit fills its role well. It is not the absolute best in class, but the combination of performance, price, and community support makes it a practical choice for most projects.
What We Like
- Individually addressable LEDs for complex animations
- Easy to cut at marked intervals for custom lengths
- Flexible PCB bends around curves and corners
- Bright output visible in daylight conditions
Watch Out For
- Timing-critical protocol sensitive to interrupts
- High current draw at full white (60mA per LED)
- Data signal degrades over long cable runs without repeaters
Specifications
| Display Type | LED Dot Matrix |
| Size | 8x8 single |
| Driver IC | MAX7219 |
| Interface | SPI (DIN, CS, CLK) |
| Operating Voltage | 5V |
| Cascade | Daisy-chainable |
| Color | Green |
The Verdict
“A budget display option with some compromises. Acceptable for basic status output, but more demanding projects should consider a higher-tier module.”
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