ProtoCore Neo - Protogen Display Driver

The Protocontroller Neo is a compact, Teensy 4.0-compatible controller designed to replace larger boards like the discontinued SmartMatrix SmartShield with a size of 50x28mm. It's optimized to work with CoelaCant!'s ProtoTracer software and standard HUB75 RGB Panels. It gives you clean connections, making it as simple as possible. All boards are tested before being sold.


Note: The board may not look the same as the ones in the images, depending on its revision, they all have the same features just different layouts or connector color.

‼️WARNING: DO NOT PLACE THE TEENSY WITH THE USB CONNECTOR FACING THE HUB75 HEADER IT WILL BREAK THE TEENSY!!!

⚠️ Revision notice (Current Rev in stock: Rev 1.1):
Rev 1.1: The QR code is broken, will link to a broken webpage. - Fixed in Rev 1.2

Rev 1.0-1.1: The DAT and CLK pads for APA102 strips on the bottom are swapped, so when soldering a strip connect its DAT line to CLK and its CLK line to DAT. - Fixed in Rev 1.2

Rev 1.0: The JST SH headers are too constrained, you will have to cut off the appendages/wings off of the cable. - Fixed in Rev 1.1

What's on the Board?

We built this board to make your head easier by including dedicated ports for everything:
• USB-C Input: Standard power input.
• XT30 Header: Crucial for providing dedicated, reliable power to your HUB75 panels.
• I²C Headers (JST SH 4pin): Three headers for display, a boop sensor, or other accessories.
• "Mic" Header (JST SH 3pin): Easy sound reactivity!
• PWM Fan Connector: Keep things cool inside the mask.
• IO Pin Headers: 6 extra exposed Teensy pins for flexibility
• Pads for APA102 cables

🛠️ Important Notes Before You Buy:

1. What You Need to Supply:
• This listing is for the bare Protocontroller Neo board only. It does NOT include the Teensy 4.0 (unless you purchase it with the preloaded Teensy), displays, microphones, or cables.

• The I²C and Mic headers use standard JST SH connectors. These are easy to find from electronics suppliers like Adafruit.

2. Panel Power Cable (DIY Required):
• You will need to make your own cable for the HUB75 panels. This involves splicing an XT30 cable end with the power cable that came with your panels. It's straightforward and ensures the best power connection.

3. First Revision Heads Up:
• If you get a board from the first batch of 12 (where the Mic header faces towards the HUB75 connector), JST SH cables with plastic "wings" might hit an adjacent component. The fix is simple: just snip the wings off the connector with nail clippers or cutters. All current/later revisions have the connectors aligned to fix this issue!


4. Preloaded Teensy Option:
• If you select the preloaded option, the price includes the controller board, the Teensy 4.0/4.1 itself, shipping costs to us, and a small fee for pre-loading the default Prototracer software for you

• It will contain software licensed under AGPL-3.0. Source code for the exact firmware version shipped is available at: https://github.com/coelacant1/ProtoTracer

Parts List and Comparison can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WZFYSEIBEzrAzDE1aEzn53cnX6OIoZOh0Wu0gP1bgUg/edit

Pinout order for the mic header goes from |GND -- +3.3v -- Mic Pin | where the Mic Pin is facing the i2c headers

Button connects to pin 23 and GND

Got questions? Send me a message