Minotor's team setup
Here is some information about the hardware that we use. If you want to build a LED matrix like ours, you're at the right place.
Our setup is composed of 3 major componants :
We use RGB LED pixels strip, each pixel is composed of 4 SMD5050 rgb leds and a WS2801 chip that allows us to control the color of the entire pixel. Pixels are powered with 12v DC and each one consume 0.96w max.
Datasheet of WS2801 can be found on Adafruit:
http://www.adafruit.com/datasheets/WS2801.pdf
We have a display device that will communicate with our pixel matrix using serial communication. We used an Arduino Mega 2560 and developped LEDuino firmware.
https://github.com/minotor-org/leduino
Minotor can run under Windows, Linux and MacOS. It is connected to LEDuino using serial communication over USB.
Our LED matrix is composed of several panels (for easier carrying). We used Alupanel (same as Dibond) composite panels for the frame. It is lightweight, rigid and easy to cut. Each pannel is composed of 8*8 pixels, data input and output (5 pin DIN (midi cables)) and banana plugs for power.
Input power is 12v DC 5A for each pannel.
Daisy chain configuration :
In >-------| |-------<
-------| |-------< -------> Out Pixels inside each pannel uses this config but pannels are also wired together using the same logic.
More about building your own LED matrix here.
We used a very basic case coming from a local store to embed power and data control of the matrix. We decided to use ATX power supply as it provides good 12v DC power and are very cheap. ATX power supply is racked into the case to be easily replaced. We use 1 power supply for 2 pannels but it can easily power 1 more and allows us to still run the matrix if a power supply was broken.
(Only 3 power supply on the picture but this case can embed one more)
The case also contains the controler board, an Arduino mega 2560. Note : Our Arduino SPI port is burnt so we added specific shield with a 8bit shifter to send data very fast to the matrix. You should just use SPI port if yours is ok.
