MaltWhiskey/Mega-Cube logo

MaltWhiskey/Mega-Cube

Free

16x16x16 PL9823 Cube with Teensy 4.0 and FlexIO driver

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source

About MaltWhiskey/Mega-Cube

Mega-Cube is an open-source hardware and software project for building a 16x16x16 LED cube using PL9823 LEDs, driven by a Teensy 4.0 microcontroller with FlexIO driver. The GitHub repository includes construction guides, electronic schematics, software firmware written in C and C++, and graphics tools. With over 750 stars, it has a strong community following.

Key Features

16x16x16 LED cube using 4096 PL9823 individually addressable LEDs
Driven by Teensy 4.0 microcontroller with FlexIO driver for high-speed data
Open-source project with available construction instructions, electronic schematics, and software
Firmware written in C (94.9%) and C++ (5.1%)
Repository includes graphics, modules, and SquareLine Studio integration
Active community with 754 stars and 167 forks on GitHub

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Massive 4096-LED display provides impressive visual effects
  • Fully open-source, allowing modification and learning from the design
  • Utilizes powerful Teensy 4.0 for high performance and FlexIO for efficient driving
  • Well-documented with dedicated folders for construction, electronics, and software
  • Strong community support with hundreds of stars and forks on GitHub
Cons
  • Requires advanced soldering and electronics assembly skills
  • Not a plug-and-play product; users must source components and build the cube
  • Large cube size (16x16x16) may be physically demanding to construct and house
  • Limited to PL9823 LEDs; other LED types may require driver modifications

Best For

Large-scale LED art installations and digital signageEducational projects for learning electronics and microcontroller programmingDIY enthusiasts building custom LED cubes for events or decorationsInteractive lighting displays with software-controlled animations