29. Mirage – A Slot Machine

Table Of Contents
  1. Background
  2. Hardware Connections
  3. The Software
  4. Showcase

Background

Previously in 28. Intro to MAX7221 IC, we used the MAX7221 IC to control 2 4-digit 7-segment displays.

This IC can also control a 8×8 LED matrix display. The IC exposes 16 connections. 8 segments (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, DP) and 8 DIGx pins. By connecting the 8 rows and 8 columns of a 8×8 LED matrix display to the MAX7221 IC we can now control a 8×8 LED matrix display.

Let’s build a slot machine. (I promise I don’t have a gambling addiction).

Enter the mirage

Hardware Connections

I use a breakout board for the 8×8 LED matrix display which has an integrated MAX7221 IC.

I created a custom symbol for this component.

The schematic is available at my GitHub repository.

Mirage prototyped on a breadboard

The Software

Full source code is located in my GitHub repository.

Showcase