Adafruit RGB Matrix HAT + RTC for Raspberry Pi - Mini Kit

The Adafruit RGB Matrix HAT lets you easily create bright, colourful LED matrix displays using your Raspberry Pi Model Zero, A+, B+, 2, 3, or 4. It connects directly to your Pi and works with popular HUB75 RGB matrices to build scrolling signs, clocks, or mini LED walls.

You can now create a dazzling display with your Raspberry Pi Model Zero/A+/B+/Pi 2/3/Pi 4 with the Adafruit RGB Matrix HAT. This HAT plugs into your Raspberry Pi and makes it super easy to control RGB matrices such as those we stock in the shop and create a colourful scrolling display or mini LED wall with ease. Currently, the Matrix driving software library does not support the Pi 5 (and no ETA when it might be done) so best to use a Pi 4 until Pi 5 support is complete. This HAT is our finest to date, full of some really great circuitry. Let me break it down for you:

* Simple design - plug in power, plug in IDC cable, run our Python code!

* Power protection circuitry - you can plug a 5V 4A wall adapter into the HAT, and it will automatically protect against negative, over or under-voltages! Yay for no accidental destruction of your setup.

* Onboard level shifters to convert the RasPi's 3.3V to 5.0V logic for clean and glitch free matrix driving DS1307 Real Time Clock can keep track of time for the Pi even when it is rebooted or powered down, to make for really nice time displays

* No soldering required!

Works with any of our 16x32, 32x32, 32x64 or 64x64 RGB LED Matrices with HUB75 connections. You can even chain multiple matrices together for a longer display, you can chain as many as you like but the bigger the display the harder it is on the Pi so keep that in mind! We don't recommend more than 64x128 pixel setups. As of October 2018, we now sell a version that can be used with 64x64 pixel matrices that have an 'E' address pin! Please note: this HAT is only for use with HUB75 type RGB Matrices. Not for use with NeoPixel, DotStar, or other 'addressable' LEDs. Each order comes with a HAT PCB with all parts assembled and a 'riser' that will let you extend the 2x20 connector, so the HAT clears any components or heat sinks. A CR1220 coin cell is not included to make air shipping easier, please order one separately if you do not have one and would like to use the real time clock. A 5V power supply is also required, not included, for powering the matrix itself. The Pi cannot do it due to the high currents. To calculate the max current of your matrix set up, multiply the width of all the chained matrix by 0.12 : A 32 pixel wide matrix needs 32*0.12 = 3.85A, so pick up a 5V 4A power supply. Please note that the following is NOT included, but please select to purchase:

* ACR1220 coin cell

* Raspberry Pi (works with any non-5 Pi that has a 2x20 connector)

* RGB Matrix

PCB may be black or blue as we work through batches of stock.

Resources

* Datasheet

Revision History

*

* As of August 8, 2025 - The terminal block is now 10mm tall, and the PCB comes in blue.

* As of June 28, 2024 - Now comes in Adafruit black with pre-soldered terminal block and IDC socket connector. No soldering required to get going immediately

* As of January 17, 2023 – we've updated this PCB with Adafruit Pinguin to make a lovely and legible silkscreen - you may get the new PCB or the older version with vector fonts - both are identical other than the fancy silkscreen.

* As of October 2018, we now sell a version that can be used with 64x64 pixel matrices that have an 'E' address pin, default is Raspberry Pi GPIO #24. You can select address E on pin 8 or 16 by soldering closed a jumper

Package Contents

* 1x Adafruit RGB Matrix HAT + RTC for Raspberry Pi - Mini Kit

* 1x 20-pin header