Let's draw!
Once again, click on the new sketch and choose Synthia.
Firstly, we'll make three variables and call them "x", "y", and "lifted".
As you already know, "x" and "y" variables determine the current position of the LED in the matrix.
The "lifted" variable is a new one; with it, you determine if the pen is not lifted and ready to draw. This is the boolean variable, meaning it can be true or false.
Let's set the values for these variables.
For that, we'll use the "set to" block from the Variables block section.
"X" variable will be set on 2, just like the "y" one, and the "lifted" variable will be set to false.
If the "lifted" variable is set on false, that means the pen was not lifted (ready to draw), and if it's set on true, the pen is lifted and it is not ready to draw.
Another important thing is to clear the matrix every time while turning on the device so you can draw on it.
We need the "fill matrix frame with 0" to clear the matrix.
Don't forget to put the "push frame to matrix" below it:
Now that we set the main variables let's create a new function and call it "drawDot".
This function draws the current position of the dot on the matrix.
Take the "if-not" block from the Logic section of the blocks, and drop it in the "drawDot" function.
Another thing to do is to set matrix pixel brightness to the maximum - 255!
In the end, drag, and drop the "push frame to matrix" block to ensure your code will execute properly.
You'll use encoders for drawing on the matrix. Because of that, now is the time to use those purple blocks from the I/O block section.
With the left encoder (x variable), we'll change the horizontal position of the dot on the matrix. With the right encoder (y variable), we'll change the vertical position of the dot.
Remember the previous sketch?
We'll do the same steps here.
Add the "drawDot" function at the end of both I/O blocks to ensure that the dot moves in the matrix.
Duplicate the blocks and code what happens
Also, keep in mind that you're changing the matrix's width with the left encoder, so the limit is from 0 to 15. On the other hand, you're changing the height of the matrix with the right encoder, so the limit is set from 0 to 4.
For that, you'll need these blocks from the I/O block section:
So, we'll make sure to add the amount variable (-1 if we rotate the encoder to the left, or 1 if we rotate the encoder to the right) to "x" or "y", and to limit this from 0 to 15.
Let's duplicate this block for when the left encoder is turned to the right!
Add the "drawDot" function at the end of both I/O blocks to ensure that the dot moves in the matrix.
Duplicate the blocks and code what happens
Also, keep in mind that you're changing the matrix's width with the left encoder, so the limit is from 0 to 15. On the other hand, you're changing the height of the matrix with the right encoder, so the limit is set from 0 to 4.
The last thing we will do is set what will happen if the pushbuttons get pressed.
We'll do this for the pushbuttons number 1 and 2.
For that, you'll need these blocks from the I/O block section:
While pressing the pushbuttons, we want to change the "lifted" variable.
So, as the blocks say - if you press the pushbutton no.1, the variable will go from lifted to not lifted.
Let's duplicate the blocks for the pushbutton no.2.
We are almost done with this guide, but make sure to check the next chapter because we'll show you how to delete all the changes you have made and how to restart your device.
As you can see, pressing the pushbutton no.2 will do the same.
So, if the variable was lifted, it will change to not lifted. Of course, this goes both ways, so if the variable is not lifted, pressing on the encoders will change it into lifted.
The only thing left to do is to add the "Loop forever" block and add the "scan buttons" and "scan encoders" blocks inside it for properly executing your code.
Congratulations!
You successfully finished all the sketches and are on the way to becoming a real programmer!
We are almost done with this guide, but make sure to check the next chapter because we'll show you how to delete all the changes you have made and how to restart your device.
Here are a few photos showing what it should look like once you compile the code.
Once you run the code and the device turns on, you'll see this on Synthia.
So, a little dot (LED on the LED matrix) that is lightning up is the one we set at the beginning of the sketch. That is your starting point while drawing on the matrix.
So, a little dot (LED on the LED matrix) that is lightning up is the one we set at the beginning of the sketch. That is your starting point while drawing on the matrix.
If you rotate the left encoder, you'll be able to draw horizontally, and if you rotate the right one, you'll be able to draw vertically.
However, if you click on any of the two pushbuttons we coded, the pen will stop working, and if you click on it once again, it will start working.