Hardware Connections
For this project, we need two dot matrix displays, which are connected in parallel connection. To make the connection simple, connect the pins in front of them, as shown in the diagram. This project also works with the same hardware connection with any Arduino board like Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano, Arduino Micro, and Arduino Mega.
Wokwi Simulation
To make this project, we are using a Wokwi simulator, which is based on artificial intelligence and is completely open source and free to use. To open this simulator, open any browser and search for Wokwi.com. Click on the first link, which is the official site of this simulator. Click on the Arduino Uno, as we make the project on our Arduino Uno. Here, you can see multiple projects which are already available on this site. You can also explore this project to make the project from basic. Scroll down and select the Arduino Uno. As here you can see the two different sections, one is the coding section and the other hand is the circuit building section.
Coding Section
In the coding section, we need to write the code for displaying the text on the dot matrix display. To write the code, first, we need to include the library of the dot matrix display. After including the library, we need to define the pins of the dot matrix display. After defining the pins, we need to write the code for displaying the text on the dot matrix display. We need to write the code for displaying the text with animation. To do this, we need to use the function of the library. After writing the code, upload the code to the Arduino board.
Circuit Building Section
In the circuit building section, we need to make the circuit of the dot matrix display with the Arduino board. To make the circuit, first, we need to connect the dot matrix display with the Arduino board. After connecting the dot matrix display, we need to connect the power supply to the dot matrix display. After connecting the power supply, we need to connect the ground of the Arduino board and the dot matrix display. After connecting the ground, we need to connect the data pins of the dot matrix display with the Arduino board. After connecting all the pins, we need to upload the code to the Arduino board.
Testing the Project
After uploading the code to the Arduino board, we need to test the project. To test the project, we need to power up the Arduino board and the dot matrix display. After powering up the board, we need to check whether the text is displaying on the dot matrix display with animation or not. If the text is displaying on the dot matrix display with animation, then the project is working properly.
Connecting the Display to Arduino
The first step in setting up a dot matrix display with Arduino is to connect the display to the Arduino board. This can be done by connecting the VCC pin of the display to the 5V pin of the Arduino, the ground pin to the Arduino ground, the DIN pin to the 11th pin, the CS pin to the 10th pin, and the CLK pin to the 13th pin of the Arduino.
Coding the Display
Once the display is connected to the Arduino, the next step is to code the display. To do this, a code needs to be written and uploaded to the Arduino board. This code can be found in the description of this tutorial. Once the code is uploaded, the text that is written in the code will be displayed on the dot matrix display with an animated scrolling heart shape. This looks amazing and can be customized to display whatever text is desired. Additionally, multiple displays can be connected in parallel with the Arduino board.
Simulating the Display
To simulate the display, the Arduino Library Manager needs to be opened and the required libraries need to be added. Once this is done, the simulation can be started. This will allow the user to see how the display will look and act before it is actually connected to the Arduino board. This is a great way to ensure that the display will work as expected before any physical connections are made.
Setting up a dot matrix display with Arduino is a relatively straightforward process. By connecting the display to the Arduino board, coding the display, and simulating the display, a user can create a stunning display with an animated scrolling heart shape. This display can be customized to display whatever text is desired and multiple displays can be connected in parallel with the Arduino board.