Chapter 11 — The 8x8 RGB Add-On

This chapter will introduce the 8x8 RGB matrix after the scanning model is already familiar.

Planned coverage:

  • the matrix as an add-on, not the core TEC-1G display
  • row selection
  • one byte for the red pixels in a row
  • one byte for the green pixels in a row
  • one byte for the blue pixels in a row
  • combining red, green, and blue planes into visible colours
  • why one row is emitted at a time
  • clearing the active row before changing colour data
  • drawing a single coloured cell

The RGB matrix becomes the main visual programming target because it makes timing, representation, colour, and hardware refresh impossible to ignore.