I would like to make a fairly large (~1sqft) LED display consisting of 16x16(256 total) LEDs. Every cathode in a row would be connected, as would every anode in a column. I would like to do this as cost effectively as possible. Since they are laid out in a grid like this, there is the big problem of intersecting rows/columns of wires. Right now I think my best option is a single sided PCB that I would etch myself, but I'd also have to wire up 256 jumper wires. I've never etched a board before, but I think I can handle the job. It seems doing a double sided board would make for much less soldering, and I wouldn't have to cut and strip 256 tiny wires, and i'd "only":roll: have to drill 512 holes instead of 1024, but I don't think I could handle the etching like that. The companies I have seen that do this sort of thing for you charge outrageous prices for a board that size.
Does anyone know a source of cheap, precut jumper wires? Or some better suggestions?
Also, what software do you guys use for board design? I tried this eagle free version, but when I try to move the components around, it says this feature not supported in this version.
Does anyone know a source of cheap, precut jumper wires? Or some better suggestions?
Also, what software do you guys use for board design? I tried this eagle free version, but when I try to move the components around, it says this feature not supported in this version.