MobiFlight Community Support

Hi Stephan,

Thanks for confirming the initial confusion.

Actually, the wiring diagram makes perfect sense to me now since starting the original post, and I already attempted this over the weekend with an inexpensive Max7219 IC on a breadboard. I had the encoders working successfully (correct output on the PMDG 737 virtual pedestal), but not the display (possibly a mis-wiring and killed the IC). I'll try again tomorrow with a bit more care.

Is there a way to safely and temporarily illuminate a segment display using 5V and ground just to check that it's not dead (ie, without a Max controller).

Paul

To test digit without max7219, you treat each segment like a single led. It a matrix of 8x8 led, 8 digit x 8 segments . So if you connect 5v to segment A and digit 1 pins, you will turn on that segment A of 1st digit, remember you have to connect a resistor in series , for example 220 ohm one, to protect led. And also check the polarity. I doubt it if you burn the led display.

I am at work now. I will test the segment led module when I am home without max7219 and let you know.

Tested. Use 3v battery, + connect to segment A pin, - connect to digit 1 pin, and it lit up. No max7219.

Thanks thatchi,

Very useful information.

Paul