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

14 customer reviews

a year ago
These pins have been a revelation and make mounting carrier boards like ESP32 or Pico a breeze. I have used them so far on pre-designed FlexyPin adapter boards but can see how easy it is to produce my own custom one. They are a bit fiddly to insert and line up but it becomes easier with practice.
by Lee about FlexyPin - Pack of 100 via REVIEWS.io
2 years ago
Given 5 stars. I know they are quite expensive, However, when I received them I only got 94 in the pack. I contacted customer service to let them know and they just sent out another batch without any questions or me asking, hence the 5 stars. I did count the second batch and there were only 99 in it. I can't complain as I got more than what I paid for anyway, So win-win.
by Mark about FlexyPin - Pack of 100 via REVIEWS.io
2 years ago
Previous order pack had 103 pins, recent order only 94 pins (ouch). For something relatively pricey (but undoubtedly useful) I would have thought 'at least 100 by weight'.
by David about FlexyPin - Pack of 100 via REVIEWS.io
2 years ago
FlexiPins are tiny and designed to be used with FlexiPin adapters such as the Pico to Uno adapter which mounts a Pico on an Uno footprint boards. You need tweezers or forceps, an illuminated magnifying glass and, if possible, a circuit board holder to locate them in the board before soldering. Instructions are sketchy. For example, the FlexiPin YouTube video shows a board with one pin hole and a slot, while the Uno board has two holes on either side of a slot.
by Robert about FlexyPin - Pack of 100 via REVIEWS.io
2 years ago
So £6 for 100 pins is a rip off. You should get the flexy pins with the adapter rather than separately. I hate the fact that this company splits up kits to make you pay more money. I doubt I will be buying from this company again. The prices are astronomical. Just can’t afford to buy here anymore.
by Pierre about FlexyPin - Pack of 100 via REVIEWS.io
2 years ago
Great spring pins - ideal for temporary connection to castellated boards such as Pi Pico etc. Quite tricky to solder though because of their small size !
by Andrew about FlexyPin - Pack of 100 via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
These work GREAT. I use "bare" ESP modules at work, and sometimes I need to debug the stuff...
by Anonymous about FlexyPin - Pack of 100 via REVIEWS.io