Adafruit RGB Matrix HAT + RTC for Raspberry Pi - Mini Kit

by Adafruit

You can now create a dazzling display with your Raspberry Pi Model Zero/A+/B+/Pi 2/3/ or Pi 4 with the Adafruit RGB Matrix HAT.

This HAT plugs into your Pi and makes it super easy to control RGB matrices such as those we stock in the shop and create a colorful scrolling display or mini LED wall with ease.

  • Simple design - plug in power, plug in IDC cable, run our Python code!
  • Power protection circuitry - you can plug a 5V 4A wall adapter into the HAT and it will automatically protect against negative, over or under-voltages! Yay for no accidental destruction of your setup.
  • Onboard level shifters to convert the RasPi's 3.3V to 5.0V logic for clean and glitch free matrix driving
  • DS1307 Real Time Clock can keep track of time for the Pi even when it is rebooted or powered down, to make for really nice time displays

Works with any of 16x32, 32x32, 32x64 or 64x64 RGB LED Matrices with HUB75 connections. You can even chain multiple matrices together for a longer display, you can chain as many as you like but the bigger the display the harder it is on the Pi so keep that in mind! We don't recommend more than 64x128 pixel setups

As of October 2018, we now sell a version that can be used with 64x64 pixel matrices that have an 'E' address pin!

Please note: this HAT is only for use with HUB75 type RGB Matrices. Not for use with NeoPixel, DotStar, or other 'addressable' LEDs.

Each order comes with a HAT PCB with all surface mount parts assembled, a 2x20 female socket connector, a 2 pin terminal block, and a 2x8 IDC socket connector. A CR1220 coin cell is not included to make air shipping easier, please order one seperately if you do not have one and would like to use the real time clock.

RGB Matrix is not included, please check out our fine selection!

A 5V power supply is also required, not included, for powering the matrix itself. The Pi cannot do it due to the high currents. To calculate the max current of your matrix set up, multiply the width of all the chained matrix by 0.12 : A 32 pixel wide matrix needs 32*0.12 = 3.85A so pick up a 5V 4A power supply.

Raspberry Pi not included (but we have 'em in the shop so pick one up works with any Pi that has a 2x20 connector!)

Some light soldering is required to attach the headers to your Pi. A soldering iron and solder are required, but it's not a complex soldering job and most beginners can do it in about 15 minutes.

Check out this full tutorial with schematics, wiring diagrams, instructions and a Python library so you can get drawing fast!

Technical Details

Revision History:

  • As of October 2018, we now sell a version that can be used with 64x64 pixel matrices that have an 'E' address pin, default is Raspberry Pi GPIO #24. You can select address E on pin 8 or 16 by soldering closed a jumper

41 customer reviews

a year ago
Brilliant for use with a pi1541 and epyx fast load cart for a c64, as the pi zero needs overclocking in order to work. This keeps temps down and is rock solid stable. Brilliant!
by Rian about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
2 years ago
Fits perfectly flush in the coupe case and gives plenty of clearance for the hat on top. Shaves off a little bit of heat overhead for long running applications.
by Anonymous about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
Simple enough to fit. All rather subjective but the pi3 case (running Flightaware 24/7) does 'feel' a little cooler.
by Hagley about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
Works as intended, when used on a Pi Zero 2 W with Display Mini Hat, I used extended headers on the Pi and then added the Display, keeping the heatsink clear of the Display above.
by Sagar about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
Perfect fit, looks smart. Can't attest to it's thermal performance (forgot to check) but it's better than nowt!
by Anonymous about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
It works really well. We have had a heatwave in Malta and my Pi is in the hottest room in the house and worked perfectly keeping well below the temperature
by Christian about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Simple but easy to fix and does a good job of dissipating some of the Pi 4B's heat output from the secondary on-board chips [tested on Pi 4B].
by Anonymous about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Only a small piece of metal with a bit of sticky tape, but it does the job! My RPi kept throttling due to overheating once I installed the hat. This smooths out the overheating and reduced how often and quickly the pie throttles. I might still have to improve the airflow for my purpose, but this has taken off the edge already.
by Stephan about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Just what I needed. Along with Pimoroni's premium standoffs provides the perfect solution for both hifiberry and iqaudio DACs. I have no doubt that they will perfect for any Pi + HAT build.
by Steve about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
communication was superb, texted delivery time to my phone and the order was complete. the package was boxed really well and invoice was checked over. I am hoping to make more purchases in the very near future.
by Paul about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
5 years ago
Great little heatsink. Easy to fit and keeps my Raspberry Pi 3b cool while it runs pi.hole and pivpn software for me 24/7. I can also confirm that this fits under the official power-over-ethernet hat, sitting just under the fan to increase the effect of active cooling.
by Harley about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
This is a tiny heatsink which attaches to the processor of your Raspberry Pi (I've used this on a Pi Zero and a "proper" Pi) with a self-adhesive patch. Simply remove the protective paper, press it onto the top of the processor, and you're done. Helps keep the Pi cooler while it is running, and for a price like this you can't go wrong.
by Peter about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
Simple Headsink with Glue on the base. Easy to install, full in Function - it cools down the Processor. If you have the Pi idle nearly all the time the heatsink is not necessary, but if you have intensive processes to run it's gold.
by Mario about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
Exactly as expected and there isn't really a lot to say about it. Quality seems to be good, and it takes three seconds to mount it.
by Steffen about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
Does exactly what you expect. Does it well. Be sure to consider whether there is room for pHATs, HATs, or other items which might be above. I haven't done specific checks to determine exactly how effective. Subjectively, however, I have seen improvements from before and after.
by Anonymous about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
6 years ago
This is now my "go-to" size for heatsink. You can get taller ones, but they eventually end up getting in the way. Would be even better if they were stocked in different colours as well though.
by Matt about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
7 years ago
Tiny heatsinks with pre applied sticky tape on the bottom side, ready for use straight away (just peel away the protective layer). Fits the Raspberry Pi perfectly but is also a good choice for lots of other computer related stuff. Their size and shape makes them quite modular and easy to use for lots of old retro computers as well.
by Magnus about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
7 years ago
I bought the 6mm version of the heatsink, which in combination with the Pibow Coupé case, still allows me to use various HATs with my Raspberry Pi 3B+. It comes with adhesive - simply peel off the tape, and apply the heatsink to the processor. Very simple and straightforward to install.
by Matt about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
7 years ago
A great addiction for the Raspberry PI ! I'm going to use the Raspberry PI to manage my Ubiquity network and I'm going to have it always on in a Pibow Coupé ! With a heatsink, I can keep the Raspberry PI cool without losing the style it gets with the Pibow Coupé !
by Bruno about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
7 years ago
Part of number of items bought for a night vision camera with Raspberry Pi Zero W and was quickly delivered, This is my first Raspberry Pi project but it easy to assemble and it works well.
by Anonymous about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
8 years ago
I'm using the heatsink with a Pi3 inside a pibow coupe. The pibow is placed horizontally. The heatsink fits nicely inside the pibow window and I attached it to the Pi3 after I placed it inside the pibow. Great item.
by alex01gt about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
8 years ago
I've only been using my heatsink a few days but in that time my Pi hasn't been turned off and I haven't noticed any heating issues so thats a great purchase in my book
by Liam about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
8 years ago
Does the job very well, first thing i notice on my raspberry is that warms up quickly, bought a 6mm one, now is cooler than ever, is a must have.
by Julian about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
9 years ago
Was so nice install it, was so simple, i thought i need some glue or thermal paste but not was necessary, 1. just unpackaged, 2. remove the paper, 3 paste into the raspberry pi processor. DONE, NOW SO COOL THERE.
by Franz about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
9 years ago
These tiny heatsinks are super value. I bought 2 of them one each for a pi2 and a pi3. There is a noticeable difference in the reduction of CPU temperature, especially on the media serving pi2.
by Darren about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
9 years ago
Get a 6mm one, as the 7.5mm, which was available at the time I bought it, it may interfere with HAT boards as described here. Maybe you won't use it at first, but it is future proof.
by David about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io
9 years ago
very easy to apply to your pi, and for a pound it is super cheap and well supported with the pi bow case, also looks awesome for a heat sink, I'm impressed, and might buy more for my other many pis
by Sylvain about Raspberry Pi Zero Heatsink via REVIEWS.io

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