build.md

Description

This project details the construction of Pi Matrix compatible hardware, and provides the software to do the rendering (coming soon)

Hardware

Links provided for easy to find product reference, project can be made much more cost efficiently

Items marked as optional if they can be easily worked around with

Controller (v3)

Front	Side

Shopping links intended for reference, price shop for your setup

See see here for hardware compatibility and configuration details

Name	Purchase Link	Required	Notes
Raspberry Pi 4	n/a	Y
Cooling / case	Amazon	N	This one is very solid, and is great for keeping things contained. Version 1 uses a different cooler (see magnetic mounting section)
USB Speaker	Amazon	N	Used for audio alerts
Ribbon Cable	Amazon	N	For orgnization. Can use jumpers to go from device directly to 16 pin cable if desired

Matrix

Name	Purchase Link	Required	Notes
Power Supply	Amazon	Y	Any 5V power source should be fine with sufficient amperage. Prototype builds used retired PC power supply
Power Cord	n/a	Y	Use one of your extras
End Cap	Amazon	N	Aesthetics
Dual extruded aluminum	Amazon	Y	Structural
Single extruded aluminum	Amazon	Y	Structural
Corner bracket	Amazon	Y	Structural
Countersunk Magnets	Amazon	Y	Magnetic mount
M3 screw	Amazon	Y	Magnetic mount
M3 washers	Amazon	Y	Magnetic mount
M3 T-nut	Amazon	Y	Magnetic mount
M3 standoff	Amazon	Y	Magnetic mount
Cable connector	Amazon	N	Extra cable needed for laying out matrix in grid
Extra ribbon cable	Amazon	N	Extra cable needed for laying out matrix in grid
Ribbon connectors	Amazon	N	Extra cable needed for laying out matrix in grid
Slot cover	Amazon	N	Aesthetics
RGB matrix	Adafruit	Y	Anything compatible with hzeller/rpi-rgb-led-matrix
Matrix bonnet	Adafruit	N	Can adapt from 40 pin cable to the 16 + additional uses

Odds and ends

• Hot glue (sanity)
• Zip tie (sanity)
• Wire nuts (power)
• Extra wire (power)
• SD card
• Metallic sharpie (marking aluminum)
• Hacksaw (cutting extruded aluminum)
• Clear nail polish (coat any labels written with sharpie)

Controller Construction

TODO

Matrix Contruction

The matrix is made up of 2 layers: the aluminum frame, and the rgb matrix panel

Image	Description
	Completed prototype hardware
	Completed frame
	It's alive!

Frame

Image	Description
	Corner bracket joins
	Keep aluminum oversized for dry fitting

Magnetic mounts

On the frame side, the mount is made from a T-nut, with a standoff threaded into it through a washer. A magnet is screwed into the top of the standoff. On the rgb matrix, the magnet can simply be screwed into the panel.

Keep an eye on the polarity & orientation of the magnets. Not all magnets are polarized the same, and it is important to not have both countersunk sides on the inside (screws contact at interface).

Image	Description
	Frame side mount
	Magnet interface

Attached controller

The controller can also be attached to the frame via a similar mechanism

Name	Purchase Link	Notes
Heat sink	Amazon	Removed fan, passive cooling is enough
Power Cord	Amazon	For a clean look

Image	Description
	Side mount