So, I've learned the hard way that it isn't trivial to solder a LED matrix. I've actually extended that lesson to realize any non-planar graph adds difficulty to soldering.
Anyway. I was trying to build a 5x5 LED matrix (because I only have 25 LEDs right now, and it seemed like a good start).
I got two rows in, before I realized I wasn't going to be able to finish it the way I was thinking. I was soldering all of the anodes together for each row, and that was working fine, but then when I wanted to connect the cathodes, I realized I hadn't left enough perforations to solder enough jumpers and the LEDs. I also began to realize how much work it was going to be to solder it all together. I'm fine with the work, its good practice. What I'm wondering though, is am I doing it wrong? Is there a better way to build your own display matrix? I know I could buy them prebuilt, and I might do that for larger projects, but this is a learning experience as much as a means-to-an-end.
On that same note, would it be generally cheaper to buy 8x8 led matrix pre-made, or to build them myself? What about if I wanted RGB display?
Thanks for the feedback.