update on 16-08-2014
Software

Panel

the realization of the panel

LEDs sanded on top to obtain a better diffusion of the light, otherwise to much concentrated

LEDs mounted on the back panel

Front panel (big holes = light mask) mounted on top of back panel with LEDs.

Another view

Functionality test

The basic components used to realize the LEDs matrix panel. Two expanded PVC 20x20cm sheets, the letters mask and some diffusion sheets.
A printout from the letters grid is used as a drilling mask to mark the places to drill.
Engravig with a pin helps guiding the drill bit .
Guiding the boring machine with a laser pointer the drill precision is enhanced a lot, obtaining a very regular pattern.

5mm holes for the LEDs

Front panel with larger holes that act as a mask