# Is this HAT compatible with this LED array

**URL:** <https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/is-this-hat-compatible-with-this-led-array/16200>\
**Category:** Support\
**Created:** [February 11, 2021, 2:13pm UTC](https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/is-this-hat-compatible-with-this-led-array/16200 "2021-02-11T14:13:13Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![bryantay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f08c70/32.png) [@bryantay](https://forums.pimoroni.com/u/bryantay)\
**Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 2:13pm UTC](https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/is-this-hat-compatible-with-this-led-array/16200/1 "2021-02-11T14:13:13Z")

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I am wondering if this HAT:

> **[Adafruit RGB Matrix HAT + RTC for Raspberry Pi - Mini Kit – Pimoroni](https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/adafruit-rgb-matrix-hat-rtc-for-raspberry-pi-mini-kit?variant=1107539441&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping)**
>
> You can now create a dazzling display with your Raspberry Pi Model A+/B+/Pi 2 or Pi 3 with the Adafruit RGB Matrix HAT.

Is compatible with this LED array:

[https://www.google.com/shopping/product/5978797204260173776?q=adafruit+hat+for+neopixels+raspberry+pi&client=firefox-b-d&sxsrf=ALeKk00PoEqBvKz\_EEiUMw1rlenqpUE-pw:1613052212939&biw=2560&bih=1327&prds=epd:3444719900625497336,prmr:1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjw5PL-\_-HuAhVNu3EKHRNuArkQ8wIIngY](https://www.google.com/shopping/product/5978797204260173776?q=adafruit+hat+for+neopixels+raspberry+pi&client=firefox-b-d&sxsrf=ALeKk00PoEqBvKz_EEiUMw1rlenqpUE-pw:1613052212939&biw=2560&bih=1327&prds=epd:3444719900625497336,prmr:1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjw5PL-_-HuAhVNu3EKHRNuArkQ8wIIngY)

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**Author:** ![Shoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@Shoe](https://forums.pimoroni.com/u/Shoe)\
**Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 6:38pm UTC](https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/is-this-hat-compatible-with-this-led-array/16200/2 "2021-02-11T18:38:11Z")

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The LED array you’ve linked is made of Neopixels, it doesn’t need any additional hardware to run it, and the Matrix HAT won’t drive it. [Adafruit’s Neopixel Guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide) should tell you all you need to know about using them, but just be careful: a matrix of that size can, theoretically, draw a large amount of power.

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**Author:** ![bryantay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f08c70/32.png) [@bryantay](https://forums.pimoroni.com/u/bryantay)\
**Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 8:53pm UTC](https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/is-this-hat-compatible-with-this-led-array/16200/3 "2021-02-11T20:53:15Z")

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I haven’t it running without a hat, but I need a breadboard lots of wires and a level shifter. So I’m now search for a hat with a level shifter. I want it to be a bit more neat and tidy. The cricket hat seems to offer this but it’s quite expensive and has a lot of other stuff I don’t need. Are you aware of any other options?

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**Author:** ![bryantay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f08c70/32.png) [@bryantay](https://forums.pimoroni.com/u/bryantay)\
**Post date:** [February 11, 2021, 8:54pm UTC](https://forums.pimoroni.com/t/is-this-hat-compatible-with-this-led-array/16200/4 "2021-02-11T20:54:53Z")

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Btw, I’m using a raspberry pi, this is why ideally I need a level shifter.