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MAX7219 Clocks

Kit photo needed

We don't have a photo of the assembled kit yet. The image below shows a key part.

Key part: MAX7219 LED matrix module

Key part: MAX7219 LED matrix module

Clocks built on the MAX7219 chip, which drives a row of seven-segment displays (or an LED matrix) over one serial interface.

Source book: Clocks and Watches
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/clocks-and-watches/kits/max7219/
Printable one-pager: max7219-one-pager.html

Features

  • Uses the MAX7219 LED Matrix / 7-Segment
  • Uses the Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040

Benefits

  • Free, open lessons: the Clocks and Watches textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
  • Classroom friendly: built on a solderless breadboard or no-solder connectors.
  • Instant feedback: students see their code's results on lights or a display.
  • Budget: about $10 (8-digit module about $1.45 on eBay; Pico $4, breadboard $2, wires $1, USB cable $2).

Parts

  • Raspberry Pi Pico ($4) — Microcontroller
  • MAX7219 LED Matrix / 7-Segment — Display
  • 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
  • Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable