Transparent LED Matrix Display

A 15x10 (150 LED) transparent LED matrix built with WS2812B addressable RGB LEDs on a custom flexible transparent PCB.

🎥 Watch the Build Video

Click the image above to watch the full build video on YouTube!

🔗 Online Access - Altium Developer

View, comment, and collaborate on the complete PCB design online:

Click Here to Access the Altium Project

Request access through the link above - I'll approve it and you'll be able to view the schematic, PCB layout, and 3D render.

✨ Features

• Transparent Design - Clear flexible PCB with visible copper traces
• 150 Addressable LEDs - 15 columns × 10 rows
• Arduino Compatible - Control with any Arduino/ESP board
• Color Animations:
  • Rainbow wave 🌈
  • Color cycling
  • Cylon/KITT scanner
  • Fireworks / sparkle effect
  • Rotating color wheel
  • Heartbeat pulse

🛠️ Bill of Materials

Component	Quantity	Notes
WS2812B LEDs	150	Addressable RGB
Custom PCB	1	Flexible, transparent
Arduino/ESP board	1	Data pin to pin 9
5V Power supply	1	2-3A minimum
Capacitors (100nF)	150	For power stability

🔧 Hardware Build

PCB Design

The PCB was designed in Altium Designer with:

• 20cm × 13cm flexible transparent substrate
• Daisy-chained WS2812B LEDs (Data Out → Data In)
• Access pads for VCC, GND, and Data In/Out
• No ground plane for maximum transparency

Order the PCB from JLCPCB using the files in /hardware/

Assembly

1. Order PCB with SMT assembly (optional)
2. 3D print the stand and frame
3. Attach matrix to frame with super glue
4. Connect to Arduino (Data → Pin 9, VCC → 5V, GND → GND)

💻 Software Setup

Required Libraries

• Adafruit_NeoPixel
• FastLED (optional)

Upload Code

1. Select your board (e.g., Arduino Uno)
2. Set DATA_PIN to 9 (or your pin)
3. Upload and enjoy!

🎨 Color Animations Included

Rainbow Wave

Full color gradient moving horizontally across the matrix.

Color Cycling

Smooth transitions through the full color spectrum.

Cylon Scanner

Classic Knight Rider red scanner bar moving back and forth.

Fireworks / Sparkles

Random pixels light up in orange, yellow, and pink, then fade out.

Rotating Color Wheel

Colors radiate from the center like a spinning wheel.

Heartbeat Pulse

A heart shape pulses red, growing brighter and dimmer.

📄 License

MIT License - feel free to use, modify, and share!

🙏 Credits

• Built with JLCPCB for PCB fabrication
• Inspired by transparent display stickers on shop windows
• Altium Developer for PCB design and cloud collaboration