FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

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fix-ed
 
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FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

First, thank you for putting together a fantastic kit, and posting great step-by-step instructions. The only way to make it even better, would be to make the parts check-list in the same order as the mounting :wink: .

I followed the instructions to the best of my ability, and carried out the tests. Everything seemed just fine, until i tried to set the time. The first digit displaying the minutes(digit 5?) is lost in space! With my limited electronics knowledge, I have been unable to locate the error. I have, however, read the other threads regarding a similar issue. I have tried to locate pin 17, and solder it again. Same results :(

If one of you kind gentlemen would be as good as to point out(literally, with arrows or similar, on my pictures) where to start, that would be highly appreciated.

Consider me electronic-ignorant, but eager to learn. Your help or guidance cannot be too basic :D

If there is a simple way to test the missing digit by connecting two or more points/wires, please point out on the pictures. I have tried reading diagrams and other info, but have not reached my target yet.

Thanks, for any assistance given.

Regards from Norway,
Fix-Ed
Attachments
Showing where the missing digit was supposed to be, in front of "7".
Showing where the missing digit was supposed to be, in front of "7".
icetube.jpg (383.13 KiB) Viewed 2940 times
Which solder-point is connected to the missing digit?
Which solder-point is connected to the missing digit?
ice2.jpg (329.82 KiB) Viewed 2940 times
Which pin is connected to the missing digit?
Which pin is connected to the missing digit?
ice1.jpg (406.97 KiB) Viewed 2940 times

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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

...And another picture showing the reverse side. Is the solder supposed to come all the way through?

Thx, again.

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Too little solder?
Too little solder?
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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

The gentlemen among us try to help, but it is Lady Ada that is the expert here!

Some photos of the other board may be helpful too.

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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

Will take pictures and post ASAP.

..and I am very sorry if I offended anyone. English is my 2nd language, so please write it off on the lost in translation account.(I did not think posting in Norwegian would get me anywhere :)

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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

Will this do? My macro-camera just ran out of battery :(

Brgds,
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ice_board.jpg
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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

And another. If not good enough, will try to take better photos tomorrow.

Brgds,
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ice_board2.jpg
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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by adafruit »

soldering is good but i think you need more solder on the VFD chip socket, header (both female and male)
please reheat & add solder to all the points (of course unplug and wait a bit first)

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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

Thx for a swift reply.

Is it the soldering on this socket, for the square chip?
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plcc28socket_t.jpg
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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

..cancel my last.

yes, I will resolder JP1&2.

10-4

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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

I have now resoldered JP1 and JP2, as well as all the wires from the tube. Have also tested each of the wires for connection to the female JP soldered to the board.

I am suspecting that there is something wrong with the tube. I know that each is tested, but mine has travelled the Atlantic afterwards.

Can someone please guide me to perform a simple test to see if digit 5 is dead? It would be perfect to have the two(or more) points pointed out on the picture

Brgds,
Edvard
Attachments
What to jump?
What to jump?
icesresold3.jpg (428.41 KiB) Viewed 2879 times
iceresolder2.jpg
iceresolder2.jpg (362.18 KiB) Viewed 2879 times
iceresolder1.jpg
iceresolder1.jpg (367.35 KiB) Viewed 2879 times

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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by adafruit »

we do test all tubes for this kind of failure before shipment but it is possible that the pin got shaken loose inside the tube

http://www.ladyada.net/make/icetube/design.html

perform a continuity test using a multimeter, from the VFD pin 17 back to the connector and then to the other side of the connector to verify there is a path thru.

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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

I am sorry for being such a newb, but I am unable to transfer
perform a continuity test using a multimeter, from the VFD pin 17 back to the connector and then to the other side of the connector to verify there is a path thru
into action. Which pin is the connector? And opposite?

Please, :) pretty please with sugar on top: :D

Tell me which numbered pins to test for a path thru :mrgreen:

Brgds,
Ed

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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

Pin 17 controls the grid for the problem digit in your display. I believe what Adafruit wants you to test is continuity from VFD5 (pin 20 of IC-2), through the connector (pin 6 of jp2) all the way to pin 17 of the tube. If you have continuity from the VFD driver all the way to the tube, chances are there is a problem in the tube.

There are schematics for the tube and VFD driver chip on the design page: http://www.ladyada.net/make/icetube/design.html

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Re: FIRST MINUTE-DIGIT MISSING

Post by fix-ed »

Thank you :)

Thank you :D :D

..and

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: THANK YOU :mrgreen: :mrgreen: !!

problem resolved. Clock working like ... clockwork. :lol:

Bad solder on pin #6 JP1.

A very special thx to arduwino for simplifying things for me.

Your friend in Norway,
Ed 8)

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