User Manual

Connecting Using RGB Matrix

Shield

This is the preferred method for pairing these matrices with an Arduino-sized board, as it’s quick and trouble-free.

The Adafruit RGB Matrix Shield works with the Arduino Uno and compatible ATmega328-based boards like the

Adafruit Metro. It also works directly with the Adafruit Metro M0…and with one or more jumper wires can work with the

Metro M4 (and potentially other boards with this form factor, if a compatible Arduino library is available).

The shield does

not

work with the Arduino Mega — see the “Jumper Wires” page for pinouts, or consider making your

own Mega proto shield for that board.

The shield arrives unpopulated and you’ll need to do a

little soldering to get it going.

Header pins are installed from the underside and

soldered on top. Three components — a button, power

terminal and 16-pin header — insert from the top and are

soldered underneath.

The 16-pin (8x2) header must be installed in the correct orientation! The polarity notch is indicated on the silkscreen,

or you can see in the photos above that the notch faces the digital I/O pins. If you install this backwards the matrix will

not work!

Power to the LED matrix can be connected to the shield’s screw terminals — red wire to +5Vout, black wire to GND —

and the whole circuit is then powered from the Arduino’s DC jack or a USB cable at a safe and regulated 5 Volts.

Metro M4 Usage