The Raspberry Pi 5 brings notable performance improvements with a faster CPU, GPU, and enhanced I/O capabilities. However, these upgrades also introduced a challenge—traditional methods of controlling HUB75 RGB LED matrices no longer worked because GPIO handling shifted from the Broadcom processor to the RP1 peripheral controller.
To resolve this, Adafruit developed the PioMatter library, which utilizes the Programmable I/O (PIO) blocks within the RP1 chip, similar to the RP2040 microcontroller. This innovation restores HUB75 RGB LED matrix compatibility with the Raspberry Pi 5. The PioMatter library is available on GitHub.
- Attach the RGB Matrix Bonnet or RGB Matrix HAT to your Raspberry Pi 5.
- Connect your HUB75 RGB matrix to the bonnet or HAT.
python -m venv ~/venvs/blinka_venv
source ~/venvs/blinka_venv/bin/activate
pip install adafruit-blinka pillow numpy Adafruit-Blinka-Raspberry-Pi5-Piomatter
sudo nano /etc/udev/rules.d/99-com.rules
Add this line:
SUBSYSTEM=="*-pio", GROUP="gpio", MODE="0660"
Save and exit the file, then reboot your Raspberry Pi.
4. Running a Test Script
After rebooting, test your setup by running:
CopyEdit
python single_panel_simpletest.py
This script renders simple graphics like squares, circles, and triangles on your LED matrix.
For more tutorials on playing GIFs, scrolling text, and even displaying MP4 videos, visit the Adafruit Learning System.
Alternative Solutions
The PioMatter library is currently in its alpha stage, so occasional bugs are expected. If you're looking for alternative hardware, the Pimoroni Interstate 75 W (RP2040) board also supports HUB75 LED matrix panels, though MP4 playback is more complex.
By integrating Adafruit’s PioMatter library, the Raspberry Pi 5 regains HUB75 RGB LED matrix compatibility, unlocking new creative possibilities.
(Original article credit: CNX Software).
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