Issue running Max7219 controller - All LEDs constantly lit

[MrGlass]

Hi, I'm having a weird issue with my max7219.

I have 8 7-segment displays hooked up to it, wired up on a stripboard. When I power I power up the arduino, all my LEDs get lit, no matter what I set the digits to. Some quick research online has shown that this is probably the test mode for the max7219.

I've tried to test my connections, studied the diagrams, stared at all my wires, trying to find something I did wrong, but I can't figure it out. Does anyone know what might cause the max7219 to go into test mode?

Note: Lots of people online with similar issue got the polarity of the displays wrong, but I have already checked that.

[adafruit_support_bill]

On power up, the Max7219 registers should be reset. If you disconnect the Arduino, does the display come up blank?

If this only happens with the Arduino connected, post the code you are using.

[MrGlass]

I disconnected the arduino, but I still get all the LEDs lit.

[adafruit_support_bill]

So the problem is either in the wiring or the chip. Can you post a photo of the wiring?

[MrGlass]

I was looking at the wiring and realized my mistake - I had a capacitor backwards! Flipped it around and I now have (limited) success.

It turns on & displays what I am sending it, for a few seconds. Then it reverts back to lighting up all the LEDs. Any ideas what could cause that? I was worried I blew the chip, but i doubt it would work at all in that case.

P.S. Sry no photos yet, will post them soon.

[MrGlass]

Its a bit hard to make out how things are wired up from these photos, but here they are: