MAX7219 8x8 LED Matrix Review from eBay Seller

I bought mine from ebay's seller gowin_electronic http://stores.ebay.com/gowin-electronic/_i.html?_nkw=max7219&submit=Search&_sid=1263305742

The MAX7219 has a minimum of 3.5V for logic level voltage and a minimum of 4.5V power. Although you can use a 3.3V device to control the MAX7219, and use an alternate power of 5V, which I have tried, but the logic levels create problems internal to the max7219 circuitry because its output is very erratic. This will be shown at the end of the video, where there's an error.

I used Arduino Due, Pro Mini (5V, 16MHz) in running these LEDs, and also an external power supply to drive 3 or more LED matrices so not to overload the current on the arduino when I'm hooking up for power from the Arduino. You can also connect the Vcc to 5V to an external power as well as ground (make sure it's common ground so that surely it would work). Also, be sure that the cables connecting the max7219 and the arduino are as short as possible to minimize voltage loss, especially when you're working on 3.3V logic levels, but a logic level converter (it can be monodirectional), but usually bidirectional is recommended, at least 4MHz switching speeds, which can be bought from gowin_electornic. search for "bidirectional logic level converters"