Summary
An ESP32 and four MAX7219 modules combined into this seamless 32×32 LED matrix.
KY040 rotary encoders let you switch modes and play Pong with manual controls.
A 3D-printed shell and clean visuals make it a sleek, playful ESP32 gadget.
ESP32 projects come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they revolutionise our smart devices and how we interact with them, sometimes they do something we’ve never seen before, and sometimes they’re just a really cool gadget. And while people can sit around and debate about the ‘value’ of different kinds of projects, the truth is that all projects are cool, no matter how life-changing they are.
For instance, someone created a 32×32 LED matrix by taking four smaller LED strips, putting them together, uniting them with an ESP32, and then using them to run Pong. And if that isn’t cool enough for you, they added rotary encoders to control what’s on the screen.
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And it looks incredibly cool
Over on the ESP32 subreddit, Akira2007 showed off their new project. It’s a combination of four MAX7219 displays, each one holding 8×32 LEDs. Put them on top of each other, and now you have a 32×32 matrix. Akira2007 needed to get some code written to ensure the visuals all lined up perfectly, but I think the end results looks seamless. Check it out in the video above.
Here’s how Akira2007 describes it:
Found the MAX7219 LED Boards on AliExpress and thought what could I make with these. 😉
Started with one MAX7219 and made a Textdisplay. Then I thought that is cool, more would be nice. So I used four displays and then I added more and more different display modes.
In the beginning I used a webinterface but then thought manual control would be nice. So I got some encoders. And then it was perfect for Pong 😉
Sure enough, at the end of the video, you can see him using the KY040 encoders to move the paddles up and down. However, at the start, they show off using them to change between different appealing patterns on the matrix. Combined with that sleek, 3D-printed shell, it looks perfect as a set piece, or just a fun way to play Pong with someone.
If you’re in the mood for more projects like this, check out these ESP32 projects that are actually useful beyond blinking an LED.