I don't think this will allow only one common serial line, where each matrix can keep an eye out for its own address, then snatch its led info.... the way I've described my original design, is not possible without a microcontroller on each matrix, is it? the cascade idea, sounds simpler, but I would like to only be changing lights that need to be changed, each time, instead of a ripple refresh type of thing... thanks all.... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew E. Kalman" To: Sent: Sunday, August 19, 2001 12:35 PM Subject: Re: [EE]: LED Matrix : there's got to be a cheaper way? > Re: > > >how would I catch the serial bytes that I am sending out to each matrix? > > > >is there such a thing as a latch that has a serial input? > > 74HC595 comes to mind. See the schematic in AN-7 on our website for > an example of driving an LED bargraph. It uses 3 wires (data, clock > and strobe). Since clock and data are common, you need 2 + 1 x > #(595s) signals in your design. > -- > > ______________________________________ > Andrew E. Kalman, Ph.D. aek@pumpkininc.com > > -- > http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList > mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu > > -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu