# Hardware

# Parts list

# Minimal setup (Basis)

Quantity Name Link Notice
1 WS2812B LED Matrix 8x32 Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)
4 WS2812B LED Matrix CJMCU 8x8 Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window) alternative
4 MicroMatrix by foorschtbar 8x8 GitHub (opens new window) alternative (really micro)
1 Wemos D1 Mini (or Clone) Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)
1 Capacitor 1000uF/6.3V or higher Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)

# Wiring

Wemos Matrix Function Note
5V VCC Power supply (+)
G GND Power supply (-)
D2 DIN Data In

TIP

If you reduce the brightness of the matrix, powering everything via USB should be sufficient for testing. However, it is recommended to use a high-quality power supply for normal operation. A 20W (5V/4A) power supply is sufficient for this.

TIP

The 1000uF capacitor prevents the initial onrush of current from damaging the pixels. It also provides a small power reservoir for abrupt changes in brightness that the power source might not otherwise handle. Otherwise it can happen that the microcontroller restarts or it comes to gliches in the matrix.

# LDR GL5516 Sensor upgrade (brightness lux)

Quantity Name Link
1 LDR GL5516 Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)
1 Resistor 10k Ohm Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)

# Wiring

Wemos LDR GL5516 Resistor 10k Ohm Function Note
3V3 Leg 1
G - Leg 1
A0 Leg 2 Leg 2 Acts as a voltage divider

# DHT22 Sensor upgrade (Temperature & Humidity)

Quantity Name Link
1 DHT22 Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)
1 Resistor 4.7k Ohm Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)

# Wiring

Wemos DHT22 Function Note
3V3 VCC Power supply (+)
G GND Power supply (-)
D1 DATA

# BME280 Sensor upgrade (Temperature, Humidity & Pressure)

Quantity Name Link
1 BME280 3.3V Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)

# Wiring

Wemos BME280 Function Note
3V3 VCC Power supply (+)
G GND Power supply (-)
D1 SCL Clock
D3 SDA Data

# BME680 Sensor upgrade (Temperature, Humidity, Pressure & Gas)

Quantity Name Link
1 BME680 Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)

# Wiring

Wemos BME680 Function Note
3V3 VCC Power supply (+)
G GND Power supply (-)
D1 SCL Clock
D3 SDA Data

# DFPlayer Mini upgrade (MP3 Player)

Quantity Name Link
1 DFPlayer Mini MP3 Player Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)

# Wiring

Wemos DFPlayer Mini Function Note
3V3 VCC Power supply (+)
G GND Power supply (-)
D5 RX PixelIt TX -> DFPlayer RX
D7 TX PixelIt RX <- DFPlayer TX

# Touch Buttons upgrade (Touch Sensor)

Quantity Name Link
1 TTP223 Touch Sensor Amazon (opens new window) AliExpress (opens new window)

# Wiring

Wemos Button left Button middle Button right Function Note
3.3V VCC VCC VCC Power supply (+)
G GND GND GND Power supply (-)
D0 I/O - - Touch signal
D4 - I/O - Touch signal Solder bridge A
D8 - - I/O Touch signal

Disclaimer

The touch sensors have two solder bridges on the board which can be connected. This allows switching between active high (when pressing high) and active low (when pressing low). This is absolutely necessary for the middle sensor (Btn 2), otherwise the wemos will not start. To prevent this, bridge A of the middle touch sensor must be closed. This sets the I/O pin to active low. Other touch sensors are not recommended, because they have no possibility to be set to active low.

TTP223 Image for Fritzing by rbricheno (opens new window).

# 3D Printing Files

by PlastikJunkies

# Downloads

# AWTRIX Case (Discontinued project!)

# Makes

Make sure to check out this discussion page for some inspiration.

# Troubleshooting

See Troubleshooting.