Snake Game With Dot Matrix

This project demonstrates how to control an 8x8 LED dot matrix using an Arduino Uno and a joystick module. The goal is to create an interactive system where a single point can be moved across the matrix based on the joystick’s position.

By combining simple hardware components with basic programming, this project helps to understand how digital displays work, how input devices are read, and how real-time interaction can be implemented. It is a great way to explore the fundamentals of electronics, coding, and user-controlled interfaces.

1. Arduino Uno R3
2. Dot Matrix MAX7219
3. Joystick module
4. 10 Jumper Wires M-F (Male to Female)
5. USB cable for Arduino (USB A to USB B)
6. Prototype expansion module (You can us either a breadboard if you want to)
7. (OPTIONAL) 1 jumper wire M-M (Only if you use a breadboad)

This type of dot matrix has 5 pinouts on each side, but you only need to connect the side labeled VCC, GND, DIN, CS, and CLK. I recommend identifying the jumper wires by color. For example, I usually use red wires for VCC and black wires for GND.

Once you have connected everything to the dot matrix, connect the pins to the Arduino Uno as follows:

1. VCC-5V
2. GND-GND
3. CLK-Digital pin 10
4. CS- Digital pin 11
5. DIN-Digital pin 12

For this step, you can use either an expansion module or a breadboard. Its only purpose is to distribute the 5V connection (since the Arduino Uno R3 has only one 5V pin). Again, I recommend identifying the jumper wires by color.

Once you have connected everything in the joystick, connect the pin to the Arduino Uno as follows:

1. +5V-5V
2. GND-GND
3. VRx-A0 (Analog pin 0)
4. VRy-A1 (Analog pin 1)
5. SW-Digital pin 2

These are the same connections as in the previous step, with one small difference: you need to connect both VCC (dot matrix) and 5V (joystick) to the same row on the breadboard.

Then, connect a male-to-male jumper wire from the breadboard to the 5V pin on the Arduino Uno.

Finally, connect the USB cable to your PC or Laptop, open the software Arduino IDE choose your COM port and your board, and finally upload the program to your Arduino Uno. You will need to include the library LedControl.h