Arduino project · Displays and counters · Medium
Matrix Pattern Picker with a Button
Each press of the button moves to the next picture on the matrix.
What you will learn
- How a variable counts button presses
- How a counter wraps back to 0
- How to choose from a list of patterns
How it works
The variable "pat" goes 0, 1, 2 ... 7 and then wraps to 0. The matrix shows the pattern with that number. The last step waits for the button to be released.
Try this next
- Add a second button to go back.
- Show the pattern number on an LCD.
- Add more patterns.
The simulator program and explanation on this page are original. The idea follows a classic Arduino project that students have built for years.
Parts: sensors and actuators (tap to show or hide)
Try the inputs (virtual sensors)
Pins (you can change them)
| Part | Arduino pin (change it here) | How to wire it |
|---|
Every wire, one by one
Red rail = 5 V from the Arduino 5V pin. Black rail = GND. The coloured wires carry signals. Match the wire colours on the drawing to this list.
| # | Colour | From (part and leg) | To |
|---|
Steps run from top to bottom, then start again. While the simulation runs, the active step is highlighted in green.
Quantities come from the parts you added. The store links open a search for that item on Robu.in, Amazon.in and ThinkRobotics, so you always see what is in stock today. Check the model, voltage and price before you order.
| # | Item | Qty | Search term | Buy / compare |
|---|
The PDF has the circuit sketch, pin table, every wire, sequence, full code, the parts list with store links, do’s and don’ts for each part, and the safety notes. The project file lets you come back and keep editing.
In the real world
An LED sign on a shop wall
The 8x8 LED sign shows the same picture as your matrix.
Tip: use the gold tab at the bottom of the circuit drawing to pull the real-world view up over the Arduino board. Your parts stay visible above it, so you can press a button and watch the real scene react.
- LED matrix = the sign on the wall