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o28 LED Matrix vs o29 Round LED MatrixUpdated 10 months ago

While the o28 LED matrix works in serial mode with both the Code Kit app and FUSE, the o29 round LED matrix only works with the codeBit in FUSE.

The o28 LED matrix has a square colorful display that you can control using code or other Bits. Set it to SERIAL mode to program your own graphics, or switch it to SIGNAL mode to play with the preset programs.

The case around each o28 LED matrix features helpful dimples and magnets, which come in handy when using multiple matrices. The dimples help you position the displays correctly, and the magnets keep them from separating. Snap the cases together when they're in the correct position, and push apart when they're not - like the Bits themselves!

How it works:

In SIGNAL mode, the LED matrix has 3 bitSnaps: the input bitSnap, the input auxiliary bitSnap, and the output bitSnap. The first input bitSnap controls one aspect of each preset, like brightness or location; while the auxiliary input controls another, like color or location. The output bitSnap connects to other Bits in a circuit. Use different input Bits to control the amount of signal sent to the LED matrix. This will change the display depending on what preset you have selected. All presets require two inputs to fully control them. 

When you switch the mode of the LED matrix to SIGNAL, pressing the button labeled PRESETS will cycle the LED matrix through Color Wheel, X-Y, Draw, Spectrum, and Scoreboard. The default preset is Color Wheel. However, if you select any preset and power-off, then power-on the LED matrix, it will return to the last preset used.

SERIAL mode gives you total control over the display on the LED matrix. While in SERIAL mode, the LED matrix will display any custom images and scrolling text you make. The LED matrix receives serial data, which it translates into images. SERIAL communication is a way to send complex information between computers and other devices. Serial communication is made up of a series of 'on' and 'off' signals.

For a few more technical details checkout the Bit-o-pedia page.

The o29 round LED matrix has a round colorful display that you can control using code or other Bits. Snap any input in front of it to play with preset programs, or customize your own graphics through code when you add a codeBit.

Note: most users will need to update the firmware on their codeBits to use FUSE with the Round LED Matrix - the instructions for this will automatically display when you connect your codeBit to a FUSE canvas with Round LED Matrix commands. Detailed instructions on how to install the firmware on your codeBit on a Mac device can be found here. If you have a Windows or Chromebook device please contact us for more information.

How it works:

The o29 round LED matrix Bit has 4 modes selectable by the 'MODE' button: ANIMATION, FILL, BRIGHTNESS, and COLOR. The 4 numbered LEDs on the circuit board turn on to signify what the current mode is.

In ANIMATION mode, the input voltage controls the speed of the stock animation. In FILL mode, the input voltage controls the number of rows that are lit up. In BRIGHTNESS mode, the input voltage controls the brightness when all LEDs are white. In COLOR mode, the input voltage changes the color of all the LEDs at once.

You can access more features by adding a SERIAL connection - the codeBit - to the input of the round LED matrix Bit. If there are valid serial messages, ie. programs written in the Code Kit app or FUSE, the Bit will switch to Serial mode and can display custom images. Unlike the square LED matrix, you do not need to press any buttons on the round LED matrix Bit for it to accept and run code.

For a few more technical details checkout the Bit-o-pedia page.

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