Arduino Project

Arduino Fire Animation with MAX7219 LED Matrix

Course Introduction

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use a MAX7219 Dot Matrix Module with the Arduino UNO R4 to create a dynamic flame animation.

The MAX7219 Dot Matrix Module simulates a realistic flickering fire effect with smooth movement and random flame variations.

Note

If this is your first time working with an Arduino project, we recommend downloading and reviewing the basic materials first.

1.1 Install Arduino IDE(Important)
1.2 Introduction of Arduino IDE

Required Components

In this project, we need the following components:

SN

COMPONENT INTRODUCTION

QUANTITY

PURCHASE LINK

1

Arduino UNO R4 Minima

1

BUY

2

USB Type-C cable

1

×

3

Breadboard

1

BUY

4

Wires

Several

BUY

5

MAX7219 Dot Matrix Module

1

BUY

Wiring

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Common Connections:

MAX7219 Dot Matrix Module
CLK: Connect to 13 on the Arduino.
CS: Connect to 10 on the Arduino.
DIN: Connect to 11 on the Arduino.
GND: Connect to GND on the Arduino.
VCC: Connect to 5V on the Arduino.

Writing the Code

Note
You can copy this code into the Arduino IDE.
To install the library, use the Arduino Library Manager and search for LedControl and install it.
Don’t forget to select the board(Arduino UNO R4 Minima) and the correct port before clicking the Upload button.


#include 

// MAX7219 pins
const int DIN_PIN = 11;
const int CS_PIN = 10;
const int CLK_PIN = 13;

// 8x32 matrix = 4 chained MAX7219 modules
const int MODULE_COUNT = 4;

LedControl lc = LedControl(DIN_PIN, CLK_PIN, CS_PIN, MODULE_COUNT);

// Flame height for each of the 32 columns
byte flameHeight[32];

// Frame timing
const unsigned long FRAME_DELAY = 80;

// Base flame settings
const int MIN_FLAME_HEIGHT = 2;
const int MAX_FLAME_HEIGHT = 8;

void setup() {
  for (int module = 0; module < MODULE_COUNT; module++) {
    lc.shutdown(module, false);
    lc.setIntensity(module, 10);
    lc.clearDisplay(module);
  }

  randomSeed(analogRead(A0));

  // Initialize each flame column
  for (int x = 0; x < 32; x++) {
    flameHeight[x] = random(3, 7);
  }
}

void loop() {
  updateFlame();
  showFlame();
  delay(FRAME_DELAY);
}

void updateFlame() {
  byte newHeight[32];

  for (int x = 0; x < 32; x++) {
    int leftHeight = flameHeight[(x + 31) % 32];
    int currentHeight = flameHeight[x];
    int rightHeight = flameHeight[(x + 1) % 32];

    // Blend neighboring flame columns for smoother motion
    int averageHeight =
      (leftHeight + currentHeight + rightHeight) / 3;

    // Add random flicker
    int flicker = random(-2, 3);

    int height = averageHeight + flicker;

    // Slightly higher flame around several regions
    if ((x >= 5 && x <= 10) ||
        (x >= 16 && x <= 21) ||
        (x >= 25 && x <= 29)) {
      height += random(0, 2);
    }

    height = constrain(
      height,
      MIN_FLAME_HEIGHT,
      MAX_FLAME_HEIGHT
    );

    newHeight[x] = height;
  }

  for (int x = 0; x < 32; x++) {
    flameHeight[x] = newHeight[x];
  }
}

void showFlame() {
  clearMatrix();

  for (int x = 0; x < 32; x++) {
    int height = flameHeight[x];

    for (int y = 0; y < height; y++) {
      bool pixelOn = true;

      // Random holes near the upper flame area
      if (y > 2 && random(0, 100) < 18) {
        pixelOn = false;
      }

      // Keep the bottom flame area denser
      if (y <= 2) {
        pixelOn = true;
      }

      setPixel32(x, 7 - y, pixelOn);
    }
  }
}

void setPixel32(int x, int y, bool state) {
  if (x < 0 || x >= 32 || y < 0 || y >= 8) {
    return;
  }

  int module = x / 8;
  int localX = x % 8;

  lc.setLed(module, y, localX, state);
}

void clearMatrix() {
  for (int module = 0; module < MODULE_COUNT; module++) {
    lc.clearDisplay(module);
  }
}