WS2182 led matrix console
I recently purchased a few 8x8 WS2182 led matrices, and wanted a cool project to test them on. Each WS2182 led is individually addressable, has 32bit color, can refresh at up to 400Hz, and can be easily chained with a simple one wire protocol. Given these capabilities, I thought an ESP32-C3 powered console would be a great choice.
Assembly was simple, with a single bracket per panel attached to a bamboo chopstick providing enough support. A capacitor was added across the display VIN/GND to smooth out inrush current from the battery, and an admittedly bad controller was made from the handful of tiny smd buttons I had available. I initially intended to have a cover and button casings, but poor tolerances on my 3D printer made them difficult to fit. If I ever update this hardware, the controller will certainly be changed.
Back, with the li-ion battery, ESP32-C3 and charging module
Side, with switch
With the console built, I had to program a first game1. A natural fit was Snake, which I wrote in the Arduino IDE using the esp32 extension.
I enjoyed this project a lot, there is something innately cool about LEDs. If I get round to it, I’ll add another controller for a two player variant, and program some more games (minesweeper, anyone?). In the meantime, I’ll try and get a score above 50; yeah, I suck at my own game.